Food Styling + Photography Workshop in France Part Deux

Today, I am happy to announce that I am hosting another food styling and photography workshop in France this year with Aran Goyoaga of the award-winning blog, Cannelle et Vanille.  September proved to be the perfect time of year in 2011, so we've decided to press repeat for this next workshop, which will take place September 23-27 of 2012.  The workshop will be limited to just 8 guests.  Think: delicious food, castles, picturesque villages (one of which will be your "home" for the week), comraderie and up close and personal instruction...in France.

More details about the workshop are outlined on Aran's blog today so take a peek if you're the least bit interested in upping your game when it comes to food styling and photography. We would love to have you with us that week in the Dordogne region of France!  You can peek at images from last year's workshop here, here and here. 

images by Aran Goyoaga of Cannelle et Vanille

Butterflies + France

It's getting down to the wire here as I prepare to host a food photography and styling workshop with Aran in Southwestern France.  For the first time in awhile, I have butterflies in my stomach...which is a strangely enjoyable feeling to be honest!  There is something therapeutic about being downright giddy as a middle-aged adult.  I'm excited, nervous and grateful--all at the same time.  I'm crossing my fingers for good weather, good lighting and safety and enjoyment for all. 

One of our guests, Emily McCall, was kind enough to snap these beautiful images of our village and the surrounding area (the workshop will take place nearby).  Oh, and if you didn't catch Emily's "real life home", then you must take a look-see (caveat: I approached her about featuring her home before knowing she'd just made a reservation at La Maisonnette.  Wild. Is it a small world or what?!).  An attorney by day, she also has a wildly creative side that makes it possible for her to be both an amazing photographer and amateur interior designer all at the same time.  Lucky duck.

Registration {Now Closed}

Update: Thank you so much for your interest! The workshop (and the next 6!) filled up in 12 minutes. We are in the process of emailing out forms and getting this party started! Aran and I appreciate your patience! Again, you'll hear back from us within 12 hours as to the status of your placement. In the meantime, we are scheming as to how to possibly host another workshop (or two) based on the overwhelming interest! Merci beaucoup!

Ready to whisk yourself (and your camera) away to the French countryside for an amazing rendezvous with Aran Goyoaga of the award-winning blog, Cannelle et Vanille? Oui? C'est magnifique! Now, prepare to take your food photography skills to a whole new level and have a whole lot of fun doing it!

The workshop includes 4 days of cooking, styling and photographing food in a stunning manoir nestled against a stone cliff overlooking the beautiful Dordogne river. The workshop will run from Sunday evening, October 2 through Thursday, October 6. We are intentionally keeping this workshop small and intimate, therefore providing the optimum experience possible for our guests.

Aran will share with you her process of procuring, styling and photographing food--all in a picturesque setting. Topics will include selecting and prepping ingredients, cooking and styling food for the camera, how to compose a shot, and how to communicate a story through props. Also on the docket is her philosophy on food photography, understanding your camera's manual settings and how to use your best source of natural light to create a mood.

The workshop fee of $1950/person covers 4 nights accommodations in a luxurious bed and breakfast, 4 gourmet breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner, transportation during the workshop*, 3 days of hands-on instruction with Aran and 1 day of sightseeing in the area. There is a supplemental charge of $400 if a single occupancy room is requested; keep in mind these are extremely limited.

* guests are required to transport themselves to and from the Dordogne; however, once you are at the workshop, you are welcome to utilize the transportation provided to and from markets, etc. if you wish.

HOW TO REGISTER:

1. Send an email to: stephmodogetaways@gmail.com indicating your intent to register for the workshop. Please include the following contact information: name, mailing address, email address, blog/professional website, and your preference for either double or single occupancy.

2. If/when we are able to place you, you'll receive an email from us with a little paperwork for you to sign and return. After paperwork is completed, you'll receive an email from us confirming the good news (!!!). If you are not able to secure your spot at this time, we will be sure to add your contact information to a waiting list.

3. If you are able to secure a spot in this workshop, and receive an email from us indicating so, then we will pass along a PayPal address for sending payment. A full payment, at this time, is required to secure your placement.

4. A detailed itinerary will be issued to the 6 participants via email within 48 hours of registration.

Looking forward to meeting you!

image via Tripadvisor--this is the manoir where guests will be staying

Registration Update - Food Styling + Photography Workshop

So many of you have responded positively to the announcement of the food styling and photography workshop in France and this warms my heart! Aran and I appreciate your patience as we sort through details and logistics. We are happy to announce that registration will be open tomorrow morning (that's Friday, May 13) at 11:00 a.m. PST (2 p.m. EST).

This is how registration will take place:

1. At 11 o'clock sharp a post will go live indicating an email address where you'll need to send your intent to register. Please make sure you are online at this time if you are interested in attending this workshop as we will accept participants based on the order in which emails are received.

2. Once you hear back from us via email (within 24 hours), you will be required to complete some paperwork and then return it to us via fax, email, etc.

3. When payment is made and requested forms are signed, your spot will be secure. At this time you'll receive an email from us confirming the good news. If you are not able to secure your spot at this time, we will be sure to add your contact information to a waiting list.

4. A detailed itinerary will be issued to the 6 participants via email within 48 hours of registration.

As a reminder, this is going to be a unique workshop, not only for it's picturesque and inspiring location in France, but for its size as well. Limited to just 6 people, you will be given the opportunity to spend a significant amount of time with Aran each day as she guides you through the thoughtful process of procuring, styling, creating and photographing food. We like to think of it as a 4-day party with amazing food, accommodations and experiences. The workshop will begin the evening of the 2nd of October and run through the evening of the 6th.

The workshop includes 4 days of cooking, styling and photographing food in a beautiful manoir nestled up against a stone cliff overlooking a lazy river. The cost is $1950/person (based on double occupancy) and covers 4 nights accommodations in a luxurious bed and breakfast, 4 gourmet breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner, transportation during workshop hours, 3 days of full instruction with Aran Goyoaga, and 1 day of sightseeing in the area...just to start.

If only we could accurately express, within a blog post, how much you'll love this tour! We can't wait...can you?!

images by Aran Goyoaga for Cannelle et Vanille