
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 1 – 200 of 489 Newer› Newest»It looks like such a fabulous time! I wish I lived on the west coast.
It doesn't look like you needed to attend the workshop, your photos are amazing.
Woo hoo! Great giveaway!
These photos are amazing! Sounds like an awesome workshop!
Thanks for the post! I always love reading your blog for the recipes and photos that go with them. Especially the sweets!
Dandelion: I was one of the instructors.
Oh my goodness. The workshop looks fabulous... as did the food you enjoyed afterwards!
I would love to win the swag back from Chef's Catalog...
Fabulous!
mmmMMmMmm...stomach is grumbling...
Looks like great times! Hope you have a safe trip back to the east coast. Great give away :).
Thank you for such a tasteful blog - it always makes my day to read your posts (esp. if I am at work...)
I wish I could have attended such an amazing workshop!
So sad I missed out on this workshop. Glad you had fun! Thanks for sharing your photos with us!
i would've loved to be in the workshop!!! oh well, maybe next time! everything looks soooo yum!
Sounds like an amazing time with amazing people!
I love looking at gorgious photos on your blog and others. Someday I'm going to get really serious about improving my photos. In the meantime, I just wish we had more light here in the far north!
That looked like so much fun! And the food looked AMAZING!
A bummer I couldn't go, but the workshop sounds and looks amazing! About to take a fork to those beets! ;) Glad you made it home safely.
The photos came out great! The workshop looked like it was a lot of fun!
Oh, I wish I could have been at the workshop, but this would be the next best thing! Thanks for the chance.
Looks like the workshop was lots of fun. Awesome giveaway
This looked like a wonderful workshop!
Sounds like a lot of fun. I wish I could have been there since I'd love to improve my non-existent photography skills.
beautiful photography! and I'm going to have to try The Kitchen Upstairs next time I'm in Colorado, it looks delicious :)
This is so lovely of you, sharing your treasures. :-) Hope you have a beautiful weekend.
the photos make me so hungry! especially that sticky toffee pudding!
I've been looking forward to this post and wishing I was with you in Boulder. This must have been an amazing seminar with all of you professionals!
especially like the photo of Kaweah gazing up. what was she looking at? something food related perhaps?
jacquieastemborski AT comcast DOT net
The event sounded like a ton of fun. I can't wait to see future posts.
I was fortunate enough to go to one of your classes in LA, but I really wish I could have been able to be at this one. It looks like it was wonderful!
I really need to get some basic photography lessons in at some point... :) Is it necessary to have DSLR type camera, or could something like a Canon S90 be good enough for the amateur who likes to take pictures of food and post them online? ^_^
wow, that looks amazing!! crossing my fingers i win the goodie bag!
Oooh to be taught by the best, I really missed out. Next time, next time for sure! Thanx for sharing and recapping the event so we may know what to expect should there another occasion. I missed some pretty valuable teaching!
www.alkalinesisters.com
What a neat workshop! The photos look wonderful, as does the food...
I'm not eligible for the giveaway but the workshop looked amazing, I wish I could have attended!
What a fabulous experience! I wish I could have been there. Thanks for sharing your photos and the recap--more encouragement for me to keep an eye out for future workshops!
awesome giveaway...thank you...love to win this!!!
ramvinayak_81@rediffmail.com
Oh, wow! The light in that room must have been amazing. Wouldn't we love to have that setup for all our food photo shoots?
As always, Helene, your photographs are beautiful. Thank you for always providing inspiration for those of us who are still taking baby steps in photography.
The workshop sounded wonderful. I enjoyed reading your wrap up and posts from other attendees. Maybe if Jen holds the workshop again I will be able to go next year! I love Boulder and would love the chance to work with all of you.
I'm perilously low on wooden spoons (I've broken my last set and currently use one whose handle is only a bun.)
oh how I wish I was there...love the pics!
would love to see a side-by-side comparison of SOOC vs. post-process photos
What beautiful light in that conference space. I'm envious of that light. It must have been a wonderful space to take pics.
The course looks like a good time but also - look at that food! I must learn to make sticky toffee pudding.
I'll be visiting the West from Houston this week and I'm looking forward to crisp warm air after this tropical storm air we've had in Houston this week. Great pictures from your workshop. Whish I could have come :)
What an amazing event it must have been, judging by the pictures!
It is really nice to see people sharing their knowledge and talents. Looks like a wonderful time. Great photos!
LOVE this site. Beginning to experiment with new recipes, so would love the giveaway. Thanks for sharing so much of yourself with the rest of the world-- we're so blessed!
Thank you for a great giveaway.
LOVE this site. Beginning to experiment with new recipes, so would love the giveaway. Thanks for sharing so much of yourself with the rest of the world-- we're so blessed!
What wonderful people the blogosphere has brought together. Thanks for sharing.
I need a better camera. But winning the giveaway would help.
Rocky Mountain light is transforming. Hope you all hold another workshop next year.
The event looks amazing! Wish I lived in Boulder and had the opportunity to go!
Sounds like a great workshop! I love your photos.
Pick me!! I want to win this fabulous prize!
That sounds like it was a really fun workshop
That workshop looks so amazing. I wish there were some in the Denver area. If I could change careers it would be to work as a food photographer.
Love your photos! Thanks for a chance for the goodies!
Great photos as always!
Food photography is always amazing and inspiring!!
These photos look amazing! I am glad you enjoyed the workshop. Thanks for sharing your experience.
What a great workshop & beautiful photos! I would be thrilled to win this awesome giveaway. Happy 4th!
Looks like a blast!
this workshop sounds so great - I really wish I could have been there!
Never one to give up on a contest... Wish I could have attended the workshop since all my food pictures turn out blurry and very amateurish.. You guys always make the food look AMAZING (which it probably is even if the photograph was blurred and yellow-y like mine).
Ooh I love giveaways...though I never know what to say in the comment.
La de da... Today is my birthday! I love key lime pie! Robert Downey Jr. is hot. Doobie doo... ;)
What a fabulous workshop! I wish we could have one in NYC!
I'm about to start my own food blog and I'm so happy I've discovered yours. Your photos are absolutely breathtaking and keep me inspired to keep cooking and baking! The first entry I ever read featured your Apricot Almond Tart--what a work of art! I'm more of a baker at heart than cook, so your sweet dishes are a real treat to read about. :)
what an awesome experience! thanks for sharing!
Food & photography, what fun! I love your blog and check it constantly. Because of your awesome recipes I finally made perfect macarons for my birthday with pamplemousse buttercream. Delicious! I used to get them from Miette in the Ferry Building in S.F. but no longer work in S.F. so it is a long way to go for a cookie! Your photographs are always hunger-inspiring and delicious!
What a wonderful time you must have had, I love the photos!
Fabulous photos! I've now added you to my blogger dashboard!!!
I hope you can come back for a more leisurely visit. There's a lot more to Boulder :-)
I really wish I could have attended. What an experience it would have been to learn from you and the other fabulous instructors. Your work is amazing.
Oh, I so wish I had been able to attend the workshop!
Wow, that looks like it was an incredible experience! My two favorite things coming together: food and photography. Thanks for the post :)
Looks like you all had an amazing time! I've enjoyed looking at all the different photos and perspectives from the three sites--which wasn't that hard since I follow all three! :)
Wonderful photos and what a contest... I don't know which I'm salivating over more!
Wish I could be at the workshop... Love Boulder and everything you guys did = ) Great photos.
Blessings
Wow, amazing pictures! I'd love to attend a photo class like that!
Beautiful photos! Love your focal points.
WooHoo! Giveaway!!
I've got to say that I have always wanted to learn more about food photography.
The picture of the garlic fries is spot on. I'm already thinking about aioli to drown them in.
That looks like fun!
Love all of the photos especially the last one of the cute plants--it put a smile on my face. Can't wait to make it out to Colorado in August!
What a fantastic workshop that must have been. If it happens again next year, I will definitely be signing up.
great, after looking at that sticky toffee pudding picture that's all i'm craving! what's worse is I'm allergic to milk. i think i'm striking out.
Looks like a great time and a great experience!
Thanks for sharing your workshop photos. Looks like everyone had a great time. I hope there's another one in the works!
I'm so glad you had a good time and arrived home safely Helen! I've enjoyed reading all about the workshop and how much fun everyone had. Thanks for hosting this fantastic giveaway!
Wow, great photos. Wonderful looking food! Hungry now - thanks! ha.
The food looks so tasty!
I wish one of those workshops would come to Michigan!
The pictures are just fabulous. And such a great giveaway! Thanks for the chance!
jessmy13@yahoo.com
Glad you enhoyed Boulder! The event looks wonderful!
Beautiful photos- comme toujours.
Merci et bonne journee!
Chelsea
Beautiful photos as usual. It looks like you had a great time! Enjoy your downtime with your better half!
Alix
what a great workshop! thanks for sharing the swag.
Fantastic pictures!
Wow! What an amazing experience!!
Thank you for hosting this giveaway, I love your pictures and recipes.
That's awesome! Looks like you had a fabulous time.
Looks like a great workshop!
The workshop looks like it was fantastic. I love the room with all of the windows and light. Thanks for sharing!
this workshop looks like a blast--and great giveaway!
Loved the photos in this post - the light! Also happy to get introduced to new-to-me bloggers (Elena!)
Thanks.
Ann
Hope you have a wonderful 4th. I enjoy your posts very much.
What a wonderful giveaway! The conference looked like so much fun!
That mac n' cheese & those beets look phenomenal. Yummmy!
Great pictures...I would like to be entered for giveaway~!
Looks fabulous and makes me hungry!
Looks great!
I love the photo described as "Lisa working on styling and light bouncing." I think it's such fun seeing "behind the scenes shots." Always amazing to me what goes into getting a great shot! Sounds like it was an awesome workshop!
Your blog is always amazing. I appreciate your thoughtful recipes and gorgeous photographs.
New reader to your blog - great pixs and lots of terrific info! I've bookmarked your site.
This looks so fun and the food looks so yummy!
It was so great to finally meet you, Helen! Thanks for putting on such a great workshop. I love the photo of Anita and her martini!
Love, love, love The Kitchen! Looks like a beautiful workshop, great photos.
thanks for hosting the giveaway!
Looks like it was a fabulous workshop!
Those garlic fries look delicious.
Looks like it was a wonderful workshop, I would love the opportunity to attend another one. Very exciting giveaway too!
wow my brother's fiancee would've loved this workshop!
beautiful photos & what a fun "conference"/workshops! thanks for sharing a recap! :-)
(great giveaway too- thank you).
looks like an amazing time! you should hold your own photo conference here on the East coast, I'd come!
Looks like s great workshop, nice job!
If the weather in the Bay Area weren't so notoriously unpredictable, I would beg you to bring the Light Workshop to San Francisco!
Until then, the Flickr pool will have to be enough inspiration for now.
Lovely photos and food! Glad the workshop was a success!
I'm so envious, hope you'll be able to share some of what you guys talked about with us :)
I dont think you need to enter Workshop your pictures are Beautiful ..
Your food activities are all so great! Thanks for sharing!
Wish I lived closer to Colorado! Looks fantastic.
The light was beautiful! Thanks for the drawing. --Kelly
sounds like an amazing workshop. wish i could have been there.
wow, what gorgeous photos! not that i'm surprised...
The food looked awesome! Thanks for the chance at the giveaway.
I'm really trying to learn more about my camera and photography because the right picture makes all the difference! If you're ever teaching in DC or NYC, please let me know!
It sounds like it was a very comprehensive course with something for everybody. Wish to participate some day when I get a fancy camera ect. Would love to win the Chef source catalogue for many different reasons.
beautiful photos as always - looks like it was a fun and successful workshop!
Hale: I was one of the instructors not a participant.
I love reading you blog. I wish I was as talented as you!!
Looks like it was an amazing workshop. Thanks for the recap, and the giveaway!
It looks as though everyone had a fabulous time. I love reading your blog, it inspires me to attempt beautiful, tasty food of my own.
Gorgeous pictures! The food looks amazing!
Another amazing post! What a fantastic and informative seminar. Maybe one day I will be so lucky to attend something like this for myself! Kudos to you and your GIANT talents!
Great photos. The swagbag sounds awesome
Great photos! I'm totally craving sticky toffee pudding now though.. :)
Looks fantastic - maybe next year!
Gorgeous! and now I am hungry...
Those pots de creme look amazing!
the photos look fantastic!
Gorgeous food pictures... *drool*
I'd love to win a swag bag! Almost as much as I would've loved to be at that workshop. We need one on the east coast...
Beautiful, beautiful photos, and thank you for the generous giveaway!
You have such amazing photos. I love the dessert presentations and recipes. It makes me happy just looking at this blog! Thanks.
What a great workshop - and delicious food too!
What a fun looking workshop! And I need me some bowls with lids.
Happy 4th of July! And thank you for the beautiful photos, as always.
i was perfectly content eating a healthy bowlful of cherries, but now i can't stop thinking about those garlic fries! great work, as usual :)
yummy photos and yummy food! that's a perfect day!
I want to take a class like that!!!
I'd love to attend this kind of workshop esp if you're one of the instructors!! Will there be a chance to have this kind of workshop hosted in Los Angeles?? =D THANKS! luv your photos!
Looks like it was an amazing conference. Wish I could have gone! Thanks for sharing!
Oh, that room looks amazing with its huge windows. So pretty! Thanks for sharing so we could attend the event vicariously.
The workshop looked like it was so much fun! Wish I could have attended!
Your photos are gorgeous.
looking at those pictures is not good after breakfast. i'm freggin hungry again.
This looks like a wonderful workshop. What a great giveaway.
Thanks
Hey! I love your blog and I would love to attend a conference like this on our humid side of the world. I am aspiring blogger myself. Grand Prix J'espère gagner :)
I adore Jen! Never met her though, but got to her site through your site and I got to your site through one magic day that I randomly search online for some random dessert info. Ever since then....you have brought so much joy into my life...in ways you probably do not know nor comprehend! Maybe one day....one day....we will get to meet!!!!
p.s. Since you are officially known as the Queen of macaron, I also thought you should know that I have completely felt in love for macaron....Thanks to you!
Gorgeous photography - I'm drooling at the chance to learn from the workshop! The swag bag sounds fantastic! :)
beautiful, beautiful photos!
Amazing photography as always!
thanks for the great giveaway!
Outstanding pictures, those beets look so good.
Your photos are exquisite. They just make me want to sit down with a glass of wine and enjoy the food you are shooting.
Wow, what a giveaway! Love your photos, recipes, and especially macarons. Every now and again, I can get a batch of macarons to come out right thanks to your recipe!
such beautiful work!
Looks like you guys had a wonderful time!
Helen, what a special few days we all spent together. It was so wonderful to have focus time, learning from you guys and doing the things I love the most. A thrilling and very happy experience. So glad we go to connect. I look forward to more fun times together.
I had the opportunity to enjoy the Kitchen too, it was wonderful! xo
Looks like a great time! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Loved this post and am just wishing I had the talent to be a food photographer. Happy 4th!
Your blog is good because of the great photography..thanks!
Great photos and giveaway!
I also wish you guys could host a workshop in New York, although I can't blame you for wanting to have it in a more comfortable climate. Your photos are always stunning.
Great photos! I've been working on mine. Hope to get them up to speed enough to maybe start my own food blog one of these days :)
sounds like a great trip! Welcome home :)
Lovely!
Yum.
Such beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
That must have been one wonderful workshop if all the teachers were as proficient at taking pictures as you are!
Sounds like you had a lovely time. I know what you mean about humidity; am on the east coast and not looking forward to a 90 degree weekend!
ooo, kitchen tools, my favorite. i honestly haven't exactly left my kitchen lately between the pies, cookies and muffins lately...
Awesome giveaway! I love your blog :)
Beautiful photos! I wish I had the creative talent you do!
I wish I could take pics like you guys...
Here's my entry! I've only ever tried one recipe from your blog, but I keep coming back to ogle, I mean, ADMIRE all the gorgeous pictures!
I want garlic fries now! :P
Everything looks delicious,from the fruit on the first pic to the garlic fries.
:)
As always, the photography on your site is amazing - food and photos (or photos of food) a perfect combination.
mightymouselovesme@yahoo.com
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