Last year was my first time attending evo and, holy cow, was it fun! Great location, great speakers and great classes. Make that fantastic classes, especially if you attend one of the food and photography workshops.
During evo ’11, I took my camera—and my appetite—to the Bush’s Beans’ food styling and photography workshop at the beautiful Waldorf Astoria. On hand were Diane and Todd of White on Rice.
And Chef Jeffrey Saad from The United Tastes of America.
Also on hand was my Canon digital camera and a serious lack in food photography skills. Not the best combination.
Fortunately for me, Todd, Diane and Jeffrey were very welcoming and very patient with us newbies. Also in the class were bloggers far more experienced than I, who were willing to answer my questions and share their tips and tricks for taking great photos. (Thank you, Amy and Heidi!)
For a thorough recap post of this fab workshop, check out Jen Tilley’s post, “Bush’s Beans Food Workshop: “Hands-On Workshop, Styling Session, and Photography Class.”
Tips for Food Photography Workshop Newbies
Now that I’ve attended an evo food workshop, I’m ready to hit up another come July. Though I’m no expert (give me another couple years of evo attendance), here are a few things that might help the food and/or photography workshop newbie:
- Expect to learn. You’re sure to have an “a ha!” moment no matter your level of experience.
- Ask questions. Everyone there is more than happy to answer them, including other bloggers.
- Take notes. The workshop may be hands on, but you’ll still want to take notes.
- Practice, practice, practice! Whenever you find an opportunity to participate, whether it’s cooking or photographing, take it!
- Try everything. I know this sounds like something a mom would say, but it’s true. Even if you think you won’t like it, try it. You might be surprised. This applies to photography as well.
- Use what you’ve got. You don’t need a top-of-the-line DSLR; a good point-and-shoot works wonders. Don’t let your old-school camera keep you from attending the workshop.
- Understand how your camera works no matter its shape, size or ISO capabilities. It has a manual—read it!
- Take in your surroundings—the speakers, the setting, the bloggers, the food. Enjoy it. Breathe. And then take more pictures to capture the moment.
The food workshop was one of the highlights of evo ’11 for me. I ate delicious food, learned from the best, tried my hand at stuffed chicken and took A LOT of photos. Some of them even turned out.
Hope to see you there!
Posted by Emily Hill. You can connect with her on Twitter or isthisreallymylife.com
