Second Day - Savory
On the second day of the food capture workshop at Sunday Suppers with Aran Goyoaga the food featured was savory.
The day was set up the same as the sweets workshop and about 80% of the class were new students. Only a handful of us who traveled far stayed for both days of the workshop. The introduction part was the same as the day before so I spend a few minutes photographing the studio more.
Gluten Free Beet Pasta
This was one of my favorite parts of the workshop. The pasta making gave us a chance to practice capturing action shots. This recipe is a variation of her gluten-free squid ink pasta. The squid ink was replaced with pureed steamed beets.
This is my favorite shot from the whole workshop. I was able to get the right angle to hide the big dinning table in the back and capture Sammy blissfully making pasta like she was the only one in the room.
Roasted Squash
After our session in with the beet pasta, some roasted squash was taken out of the oven ready to be photographed. The sun was very harsh and bright to get the right shadows so a makeshift shade was made to angle the light correctly. One of the important takeaways from the workshop was knowing how to manipulate light so that your post production editing will only be minimal. Always try to get the perfect shot from the camera if you can.
Lunch Break
After getting to photograph squash and learning more about light Sammy and her Sunday Suppers team made us an exquisite lunch. It was so simple yet complex mix of flavors and textures. My food is most defiantly very inspired by Sunday Suppers cookbook Simple Fare.
Mushroom Tartine
The last part of the day was my favorite part. We watched Aran cook some mushrooms with herbs and make the most beautiful tartines I've seen.
We watched her compose a shot so effortlessly, editing props and food within seconds. We then took turns to take our own photos and see how different our eyes were when picking angles and camera settings.
Constructive Feedback
At the end of the day I was able to show some of my previous photos to Aran and get constructive feedback. I learned that you need to pull the eye in one area so was not to bombard it with information. You want the person looking at it to stop and take in the beauty and take action just by looking at your photograph. It may be saving it on Pinterest, liking it on Instagram or tearing out that page from a magazine to save it to make for later.
What I took away from the weekend is that style is subjective and it's hard to teach. I believe you either have that eye or your don't. It should not be forced as it will show in your photography / styling. Was it worth it going to the workshop? For me yes. It validated to me that what I was doing on my own wasn't so far off to what a seasoned stylist is doing.
I have found what I want to contribute and that's to create emotion from beautifully simple food photography.
Brian Jones says
Sounds like a fun event, that venue looks amazing, if only we had access to spaces like that all the time 😀
Rezel says
I know! I wish I had a studio like that too.
Kavita Favelle | Kavey Eats says
Lots of beautiful images, so I'm guessing it was a really fun and valuable workshop. I like the pumpkins in the roasting tray and the portrait of Sammy making pasta!
Rezel says
You picked some of my favs too!
Tara says
Such a wonderful workshop! All of your photos look beautiful. I would love to attend something like this someday.
Rezel says
You really should. It's so helpful.
Christina Shoemaker says
Oh wow. Every photo is simply gorgeous and the food all looks incredible!!
Rezel says
oh that means so much! and yes all the food was so yummy!
sue | theviewfromgreatisland says
Wow, am I jealous. Your photos are stunning, by the way! The beet pasta is my favorite 🙂 I would love to attend one of these workshops one day <3
Rezel says
Awe thanks so much Sue! I hope you get to go to one!
Elaine says
What a great opportunity for you to hone your craft! I'll bet you picked up lots of tips. And yes--we all see the world differently. Some people have that special eye for art and photography! Thanks for sharing this experience.
Rezel says
I did pick up lots of tips. Thank you for reading!
Janette | Culinary ginger says
Looks like a great workshop and so many amazing dishes. Great post.
Rezel says
There were so many!
Julia says
These images are beautiful! So bright and crisp. And that beet pasta is to die for!
Rezel says
Thank you Julia! There was not time to cook it at the workshop, but I want to try it at home.
mydeliciousmeals says
wow, this has so much value. I wish I could take part in a similar one ) So many quality images! The roasted squash looks especially good...
Rezel says
You should go to one if you can! It's really helpful!
Ari says
Loved reading this. Thank you for letting us in on your journey!
Rezel says
Thank you Ari! I'm glad you enjoyed reading it!