Food Styling Workshop
One of the things I love about food and photography is meeting other like-minded people. In mid-November a food styling workshop in Tauranga provided the perfect opportunity to combine a long weekend away catching up with friends in the stunning Bay of Plenty and attending Unna Burch from The Forest Cantina’s workshop at 145 The Strand with twenty or so other foodies.
Fellow foodies gather at 145 The Strand
Having met Unna at Cook the Books earlier in the year, I was feeling both inspired and nervous. The stark concrete floor at 145 provided a blank canvas; the grey, grainy concrete a contrast to the soft muted tones of the props and the foliage laden table. This workshop was going to definitely going to extend the boundaries of my styling capabilities.
The props and foliage table
Eggs from The Forest Cantina's chickens
After an inspiring conversation about how she had gone from little known blogger to published food writer and photographer in under two years, Unna demonstrated the art of creating a photogenic food installation with her preference for overhead shots and lots of white space. Unna talked us through composition and how adding or removing one element could make a significant difference to the final image.
Unna's story
Demonstrating her technique
Unna's simple yet stunning piece
Next, the opportunity to create our very own photo worthy piece using props and foliage from the table and delightful sweet treats from Dani at Spongedrop Cakery in Mt Maunganui. Of course we were allowed to nibble on the stunning selection of cakes, slices and marshmallow and the decadent cheeseboard throughout the workshop too.
Playing with positioning of props
A close up
The final photo
Fellow foodies' creations
Who can resist this cheeseboard?
My biggest takeout from the workshop was always style the shot for the angle you intend taking the photo from. Personally, my preference for food shots is a 45 degree angle rather than overhead and I often take photos at various angles before deciding which one to use. Take a look through The Foodie Inc Instagram feed; it really comes down to what angle works best in a given situation as often the dishes are plated by someone else.
Funnily enough my favourite shot from the workshop is actually a close up of the raspberry studded marshmallow – a minimalist shot where the food is the hero.
Spongedrop raspberry marshmallow - my favourite shot
I hope you enjoy the small selection of photos taken at the workshop. Until next time, have a great week.
Michelle