
It hit me at the Atlanta airport that I was really back on the East Southern side of things Wednesday night. Unlike in Salt Lake City or Denver, you could feel the humidity seeping out through the walls and permeating the air at the gate. A part of me wanted nothing more than to turn around, click my heels and head out West again. The bigger part of me wanted to be home, hug my better half, play with the pups and slowly go through all the emotions and images of the past week.


I was honored to be among the instructors with kickbutt Jen and the ever talented Todd and Diane from White On Rice Couple. I was equally honored to be among such a tremendous group of attendees. They were all so enthusiastic to learn, practice, share and help one another, talk with us, ask questions and practice some more. It made the whole two day workshop that much more enjoyable and well, plain awesome.

I had done workshops before in which 1 or 2 hours was devoted to hands on practice after a presentation but this time, 2/3 of the workshop was devoted to hands on, time-on-tool practice. Time to really put into play what the instructors had just talked about and as we were circulating from table to table, we could repeat or elaborate what had been shared and discussed before.

The instructors time was divided in such a way that students got the best of everything that we got and boy we did cover a lot! Jen kicked off the workshop with a thorough and interactive presentation on camera basics and fundamentals such as exposure, metering, aperture, shutter speed, ISO. Todd and Diane presented on natural light workflow, lenses and focal lengths. On the second day, Todd and Diane presented half a session on artificial light while I presented the second half on natural light, both addressing how use either or depending on the desired photographic goal. The last session tackled food styling which Diane and I shared with a bonus styling demo to boot.

Beside the reward of learning and practicing for 2 straight days, Jen scored some neat prized to give out to attendees in different categories. Picking from all the entries posted to the Food and Light Flickr pool was tough! See the list of winners on Jen's post. Congratulations to all of you guys - everyone did a fabulous job! Watch out for Elena's son, Ethan...Such a young fella but his creativity and skills are already really strong!


To celebrate such a strong end to this fabulous workshop, the "break-down crew" (Lisa, Anita, Dana, Annie, Todd, Diane, Jen and Jeremy) headed out to happy hour at The Kitchen Upstairs.


After hearing rave reviews from Jen for months I was thrilled to finally sit down to good cocktails and good food. The Kitchen did not disappoint, from the lovely details and atmosphere to the wonderfully crafted small plates we shared.


I laughed for a straight two hours...it felt good. I wish I could have stayed to hike with Jen, Jeremy, Todd and Diane the next day but flying back East takes about an entire day and there is much to be taken care of at home these days (trips, work, family, etc...). Jen's backyard is like my backyard in the Alps. Beautifully breathtaking and a sight I miss everyday.

No reason to feel left out if you could not attend though. Jen found herself with three extra swagbags at the end of the workshop and decided that we (Jen, Todd and Diane and myself) should put them up for giveaways. So here you go: THREE chances to win one of these awesome bags very generously filled by Chefs Catalog (coincidentally my go-to source for kitchen stuff ever since I move to the US). Each tote is filled with 4 large wooden spoons, 1 silicone spatula, a ceramic peeler, a 6-inch Wusthof bread knife and cutting board set, 3 kitchen towels, 4 stainless steel prep bowls with lids (love those!).
Here are the rules to enter:
- leave a comment on this post by Monday July 5th at midnight Eastern time
- one entry per person (duplicate will be deleted)
- participants must have US shipping addresses
- the winner will be picked at random by my wonderful better half
Don't forget to increase your odds of winning by entering the two other giveaways on Use Real Butter and White On Rice Couple!

Good luck! I'll be back to a regular recipe posting and sharing after the holidays.
Have a wonderful 4th of July!
489 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 400 of 489 Newer› Newest»Helene,
While I would love the Chefs' Catalog, your photographs are making me ready to sell my family for the donut peaches, the garlic fries and the oh-so-scrumptious looking beet and olive salad. Still I wouldn't mind the goody bag of Chef's Catalog...
-Elizabeth
Mmm, those garlic fries! Fabulous photography as always!
Thanks for the chance to win! The workshop sounds amazing!
I love your blog! Thanks for the chance at the fun bag -- keeping my fingers crossed ;)
Laurie
ljeschkulseth@gmail.com
Someday, I would love to take a workshop like this. Until then, though, I'll have to live vicariously through posts like yours!!
Thanks for your blog! I feel so inspired whenever I visit!
Looks like a fabulous workshop, thanks for sharing!
Heather Anne Mo
Your pictures always make everything look so amazing! Thank you for all the wonderful posts!!
Whoa ! Didn't think I'd see anita from dessert first in the photos! I think its so cute how you all gather up together :D
The work shop looks like it was fabulous~
What a great workshop! Thanks for the giveaway!
karenreichmann@hotmail.com
Wish I could've gone to that workshop!
wow, those garlic fries look amazing! so do your pictures though...
Seems like a very informational and fun workshop. Wish I had a chance to attend, maybe in the future. :) Thanks for the giveaway! Those are some nice tools to have in the kitchen!
I can't believe you've been to the Kitchen! I go to school in Boulder and I love that place. I did a restaurant review there in the spring. You definitely picked all the great dishes there!
You are amazing - Your photography is just beautiful! Thanks for the chance to win. Happy 4th of July!
What gorgeous photos and a great giveaway!
your photography is...classic, timeless & wonderful & you have an amazing eye!
wishing you a great holiday w/e.
thanks for including me in this lovely giveaway!
Looks like such a fun workshop! The light in the venue is amazing! Too many exclamation points in my comment but in this case they are necessary!
Glad all had a wonderfully fruitful time in Boulder...
Incredible images....wow....that has to be my weakest point, wish I could fins someone near Philly to take classes from!
Dennis
Gorgeous pictures, thanks for the giveaway!
Boulder looks beautiful and I know that the temps there are much better than they are here in the South! This looked like a great event. I would love to attend if there is another one next year.
Great shots! I'm even thinking of getting some skills under my belt. Thank you for the inspiration.
that workshop sounds wonderful and your photos are gorgeous!
That is so cool, a hands on workshop by especially gifted people. Food, fun, friends and photos - the 4Fs.
Looks like you had an awesome time and the food looks yummy!!!! =)
Great post! I love your photos. They're so inspiring!
I love learning from you. May I win???
I wish I could attend something like that! you are so lucky..and talented!
What a fun time. That space was just amazing! Food looked pretty darn good too. Thanks for sharing!
Sounds like a wonderful trip! I too live in the southeast... the humidity right now is appalling!! Don't blame you for wanting to turn right back around:)
Thanks for all your great blog posts! I just love 'em!
Jessi in Florida
Oops! This is Jessi from Florida, guess I should leave my email address: jessicapbevis@gmail.com
Thanks!
There is so much to learn about photography; especially photographing food - maybe you could share a few tips along the way in your blogs. Wishing all a Happy July 4th!!!
Wish I could have been there- I am clueless when it comes to the photography of food.
I'm hungry and I want a new camera.
I wish I could have been there. Your styling is so incredible. I could have learned a lot.
spinachtiger@me.com
I wish I could photograph as well as you all can. I tried once, but the whole f stop thing was confusing!
These photos are making me hungry!
I love all your pictures I dont think you need a workshop but I guess you can never learn to much! Keep up with the great pictures and yummy food recipes!
thanks for sharing! your pics look beautiful! :)
Love all the beautiful photos.
Photos are beautiful. I have really enjoyed the recipes. Reminds me of Europe! I would love theChocolate Pots de Creme recipe.
What a great workshop. It looks like you all had a blast!
arlene9999@earthlink.net
Such inspiration! Kudos for sharing such great photography and even greater foods!
Love your site - I would love to go to this workshop next year.
Oooh, I love giveaways, and I love this blog. Thanks for all the info!
c1101v@yahoo.com
Hi Helene! I toyed with the idea of attending this, however just couldn't swing it. I will make sure I attend the next one. It sounded fabulous!
Those garlic fries are making me want to jump through the screen, they look AMAZING.
I aspire to produce beautiful food fotos also! Thanks for the inspiration. Looking forward to new recipes after the Holiday! Thanks for the chance to win a swagbag...
Judy
Those garlic fries look soo good!
love your food styling!
It does look incredible. Wish I had the knowledge base that would make something like that useful.
Pastrychefgrl: I was one of the instructors.
I would be feeling less left out with the prize...but the truth is I really wish I could have come. Next time something like this get organized I will cancel any other trip.
wow, that looks like such a fun workshop!! It's amazing how just the tiniest change in lighting can change the perspective in a photograph.
Sounds like it was lots of fun, and I would love to win a swag bag!
I love the idea of this workshop - let me know if you fancy coming to Australia to do one!! :)
Wonderful site...enjoying it at every click of the mouse...keep up the good work.
What a neat experience. I love the open studio!
I hope there is another workshop like that one - looks like it was an amazing time . . .
Food pictures make me try harder when I make and present my home cooking to my family. My DH is a terrific cook and has taught me a lot about preparation and presentation, but photos make me more adventuresome!
This is definitely a workshop I would have enjoyed. Oh, I hope I win.
I hope one day to take beautiful photos as posted on this blog. You doing amazing work.
Amazing photos as always!!!
Wow, everything looked amazing. Thanks for sharing it with us!
The food photos are always so gorgeous that I get the impression that they just exist, untouched by human hands. But it's amazing what goes into creating them! Talent and hard work.
We're all glad to have you back, looks like your vacation was absolutely gorgeous!
Your pictures are beautiful! Have a great holiday weekend!
Thank you for hosting this wonderful giveaway. I'd like to participate in a workshop like this sometime. Hopefully there will be one in SF.
Your pictures are beautiful! Have a great holiday weekend!
One of these days, we are going to meet - me who lives in Mt Pleasant and you who lives on James Island will get together. I always admire each and every post. You are so talented (makes me a bit jealous), but also makes me aspire to be better. All the best!
I'd like to participate in the workshop like this some time. Wonderful photos and story and thank you for hosting the giveaway!
What a great community of foodie and photogs to be part of! Sharing excitement, ideas, techniques and recipes is the best part of what we do.
Love all your work!
I'm glad you enjoyed yourself! =)
So sad that I had to miss this workshop! Hope this is the first of many!
Such beautiful Photos! I'd love to win the cooking set for my boyfriend... he is really the one who loves all those accessories.
Maybe some of the talent and creativity shared at this workshop will have infused the contents of the bag. I could use some of it as I struggle to get better at food photography and writing. Sign me up for that giveaway!
Gorgeous - sounds like such an amazing time, Helen...with such amazing people. Happy 4th! xo.
Wish I could have gone!! It sounded like a fun and amazing time.
Always inspired by your beautiful photos!!
what a fantastic giveaway! thanks for hosting.
also, my stomach is growing from those pics. om nom nom.
I just discovered your blog - lovely, I'm so impressed. Mine will be starting sometime this summer when I get enough time to begin. Then, of course, the battle will be for enough time to post! Your photos are beautiful and skillful.
what fun!
So much fun!
Your blog is such an inspiration. Sounds like a wonderful event.
Great giveaway. Love the photos!
I would have loved to attend this workshop! Wonderful photos as always ;)
'We eat with our eyes'
You may not have coined that phrase but you certainly have perfected it!
Thank you for sharing your passion.
Stunning photos as always. Would love to have attended.
Beautiful photos!
Looks amazing!
OOoooh sounds like you had fun! I am always in need of more things for my kitchen:)
Beautiful photos... makes me crave all the delicious goodies you had. :) Thank you for the chance to win your awesome givewaway! :)
How exciting to see photos of my favorite restaurant in Boulder, The Kitchen!! Their menu always has inspiration for my own table and you captured the experience in your beautiful photos. Please let us know next time you are in Boulder:)
I don't know what is more amazing... The photos of food or the photos of people enjoying the food!
i thoroughly enjoy your photos and recipes.
Makes me want to go to Boulder. Thanks for sharing!
Gosh these photos are so great!
Beautiful pictures and the food looked delicious!
Boulder is so wonderful. One of my favorite childhood memories.
Thanks for the giveaway!
adiluria [at] yahoo [dot] com
Wow. I LOVE reading your blog, it brightens my day every time I find it in my inbox. What a wonderful trip!! I am so jealous. My husband and I are amateur chefs and photographers and we loooovvee to bake and take pictures of what we make and to share it with family and friends. I am learning sooo much from your blog, thank you for sharing!!
Great pictures! Thanks for sharing.
What a beautiful space! If only I had the skill and patience for food photography.
This sounds like a great giveaway!
The workshop looks like it was amazing!
joy.davidson @ ymail.com
The recap & photos are wonderful! What a fun giveaway & continuing the teamwork by offering it on all 3 blogs.
Mary
Wow, inspiring food - looks fabulous! Thanks for the fun giveaway.
Mmm your photos look so yummy!
amazing photos always!!
Tourgirl64@hotmail.com
Eva
It's interesting to see all three of your photos from the event! Thanks for sponsoring this!
It looks like you had a really good time!
that looks like such a fun workshop!
Looks like an awesome workshop. And yummy food on the side!
I love baking supplies!
Even your fun, hanging out photos are gorgeous!
Beautiful photos - I wish I could take pictures like these!
I just love reading these different perspectives on the same thing... It makes me feel as though I was actually there. ^^
Always something to inspire creativity here!
What a great opportunity to learn and share.
Looks like it was such a fabulous workshop - I too, wish I lived on the West Coast!
Oh man!! I wish I could have taken that class! You have such amazing photos. It would have been awesome to learn from such a professional. Come to the west coast!
oh goodness this sounds divine and the pictures are making me hungry.
I would love to attend a photography workshop like that. I live in the middle of nowhere, so no chance of anything here that resembles it.
great photos.. love this blog. have a great weekend. hearts.
The giveaway would be a great gift! I'm moving back into my house (& favorite kitchen) after 3 years of being away.
Beautiful photos! I especially like the pots de creme
Gorgeous photos.
Love your pictures - they are so clean and fresh!
The workshop looks like it was amazing, educational, AND fun... wish I could have been there!
Jen of URB is one of my fave photogs. She has an amazing eye. Taking a class with the two of you would be a dream!
Oh, would love this! Your photos are so beautiful, by the way.
so awesome, thanks for this post!
The workshop looks like it was amazing! Thanks for the photos!
amazing! your photos are gorgeous and it looks like you had tonz of fun!
I just ate dinner and am totally stuffed but your photos are so gorgeous I am wishing I could dive into that chocolate pot de creme or the sticky toffee pudding.
Lovely photos as usual, and great giveaway! fingers crossed.
Fantastic pictures! Congrats on the success of the workshop. Thank you for a chance to win!
After reading your post, I realize that it isn't easy capturing the mouthwatering food pictures. I think it's great that a workshop was created to gather inspiring people who share their culinary talents.
southpas@hotmail.com
what a cool workshop.
and thanks for the giveaway too!
Pick me! Wishing I could have attended.
Someone needs to have a workshop like this in Chicago!
so many beautiful photographs! The prize sounds awesome... * crosses fingers*
You make it look so easy....I wish pics looked like yours.
Helene - I hope you liked Boulder well enough to come back for a Macoron workshop!!! Wish I could have come to this one too!
All that light is so beautiful- What a cool space! And that restaurant... yum!
Beautiful photos!! I wish I could have attended.
those swagbags sound amazing...
Years ago I moved from Miami to Colorado Springs---in February! The altitude and lack of humidity was shocking! The workshop looked awesome!
Beautiful photos. I so wish I could have been there!
The workshop sounds amazing! Since I consider you the best food stylist in the blogosphere, I'm sure that the attendees were thrilled. Thank you for a chance at the giveaway.
Have a wonderful 4th of July yourself!
The workshop sounds fabulous! As do the goody bags ;)
Amazing! I wish I could have come...looks like fun! :)
This is a workshop I should have attended I could use the tips.
thanks for this
chocolate and croissants at yahoo . com
Looks like you had an awesome time. Love your photos.
Beautiful photos! Mac and cheese looks delicious!
The workshop looks amazing :>) I want to learn about lens choices! The swag would come in handy as we just received some wonderful starter from the local bakery and my nephew, while visiting, broke the bread knife on his Irish butter! lol.
Thank you for your inspiration.
Tracy.
Gorgeous photos! Wish I could sample! Thanks for the give-away.
I would love to have your talent!
Yeehaw! Love me some freebies. Your pics are so beautiful.
I wish I would have events like this closer to me. Looked great with fun people and interesting information.
Pots de creme and a piano... what more do you need to have a great time with friends?! =) Thanks for the giveaway!
What an excellent workshop. I wanted to go so bad. Alas, it wasn't in the stars for me this year. Your recap confirms my desire to attend.
Your photos are heavenly. I enjoy your blog immensely!
The workshop looks like a grand success--bravo! Thanks for sharing with us.
I'm ashamed to admit it's taken a giveaway to get me to your blog and now I'm kicking myself for not getting here sooner. I can see I'm going to be spending a lot of time going through the archives. Well done, Madame!
The workshop sounded amazing. I'm a complete fan of your photography.
What a cool post, and a great giveaway. Thanks!
You had me at garlic fries and sticky pudding! Gorgeous!
J'adore your blog petite Tartelette! I look at your photos every day and have never ever been disappointed by your recipes. Gluten free, my little heart flutters, and gaze and gaze and gaze at your pictures, and try to make my kitchen and home look like yours. Thank you!
It looks like you had an amazing time. I wish I could have gone too...I need to learn more about food photography. Thank you for hosting this giveaway! Stay cool in the heat!
What an amazing-looking workshop. Sigh. Wish I'd known about it. That's right up my alley! You got some absolutely wonderful photos. Can't wait to see more!
xoxo
I'm new to the whole food photography bit... but someday I hope to shoot like you! Beautiful shots!!
My favorite summertime treat is Iced Tea Popsicles.
As always, beautiful inspiring photos!
They couldn't have chosen a better instructor -- your photos are so gorgeous!
Looks like a great workshop. Wish I could've be there.
Beautiful photography! Very well written recipes, everything I tried worked out great! Thank you for inspiration! I would love to win Chef Catalog giveaway.
That work shop looks amazing. I wish I had your skills.
another inspiring post with beautiful photos. thank you, helene!
I would love to be able to take pictures like yours. I think I might need to upgrade cameras first! What a great giveaway- my roommate moved out and took most of our (well really hers)kitchen supplies with her!
What an amazing conference!! Your photos are really fantastic!
I love you site and visit it at least twice a week. Your food is amazing.
Looks like it was a terrific workshop. *So* wish I could have attended!
Sounds like a fantastic workshop! Thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed Utah and Colorado!! We also love our low humidity and wonderful vistas!
Look like a lot of fun!
Sounds absolutely wonderful. And count me in for the giveaway! :)
I could definitely use the workshop! Being a low-tech kinda gal with no aptitude for electronic gadgetry is definitely a handicap for a blogger, but I can cook!
Wow. Beautiful photos. I want some of that sticky toffee pudding now...
Looks like fun.
Looks like the workshop was great! I could definitely use some new wooden spoons, too.
The photography workshop looks like tons of fun! I wish I could have been there. I'll definitely need to keep working on my food-styling and photo shooting skills. Your website is always such lovely inspiration!
Yeah, I'm not sure I could live in the land of muggy summers again. I exited an airport in Virginia one summer at midnight and smacked into a figurative wall of heat and humidity. Yuck!
Sounds like a really wonderful time was had by all! You can never have too many spatulas or wooden spoons. I love kitchen goodies! Stephanie-Oh
great photos!
love your photos
taryntravis @ gmail dot com
Gorgeous photo's...great giveaway!
I wish I had the dough to get a good camera and the talent to pull these lovely pics off! Wow!
Love,
Jayne
(jayne.leepj [at] gmail [dot] com)
Love your blog...and your photography is AMAZING!!! Thanks for sharing! And thanks for the giveaway! SheilaM - samrrn@yahoo.com
Those garlic fries look fantastic!
Love love love love it!
Styling is important, but Lighting is Key. I never appreciated it before until I started trying to take pictures myself. Taking good pictures is hard. It's good that there are workshops like this to help.
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