paris food & photography workshop with Yossy Arefi

I've got big news for you today: I'm teaming up with the super-talented Yossy Arefi of Apt. 2B Baking Co. to bring you a food & photography workshop in Paris this May!

We’ve planned 4 glorious days of cooking, shooting and styling in our light-filled Apartments Actually flat. We’ll visit local markets, boulangeries and cafes as we stroll the streets capturing the light Paris is famous for and tasting the city's best chocolate, coffee, pastries, cheeses and natural wines. And of course we'll gather around the table to share meals both in our beautiful workshop apartment and out and about in Paris.

We've designed this workshop for all skill levels. It will be a great opportunity to learn to shoot manually and master the settings on your camera if you’re new to that. More experienced photographers will benefit from our hands-on styling and editing sessions as well as our guided photo tours through the city.

All you need to do is book your ticket, pack your bags and show up. We’ve got all the details covered so you can focus on taking in the incredible beauty of Paris. You’ll leave feeling more confident in your photography skills and full of creative inspiration!

There are only 8 spots available. My last Paris retreat sold out in a week, so treat yourself to one of them before they're gone!

XO,

Olaiya

food photography workshop with Aran Goyoaga

After I left the Pantry to start leading culinary tours abroad, I decided to start Milly's Kitchen so past clients and cooking class students could follow along on my new adventures. After weeks of compulsive research, obsessing about brands and megapixels and lenses, I finally bought a camera. Which I then left in its case, untouched for six months.

Then, on a whim, I decided to take a food photography workshop in Portugal. I packed my gear, boarded a plane and landed in light-filled Melides. Five days later, I was in love with photography. 

I had only the flimsiest grasp of what ISO and aperture and shutter speed had to do with anything. It was frustrating to try to capture what I saw in my mind’s eye only to see a flat, lifeless image on my computer screen. But the few times I succeeded in capturing a sunset or a meal or a smile with a modicum of depth and beauty, I felt intensely gratified. I knew photography was for me.

So I’ve been at it since that summer in Portugal. Shooting my way around Seattle and Paris and San Francisco. Driving my husband gently insane with my requests that he hold his hand just so or wait to eat his ice cream cone until I’ve got my shot. (Thanks, Honey!) Reading photography books and blogs and magazines. And taking as many workshops as I can manage.

Last Saturday, I had the very good fortune of taking a food photography workshop with Aran Goyoaga of Cannelle and Vanille. Aran’s work is gorgeous. Each of her photos is a small story unto itself. Subtle layers of shadow and light. And so beautifully styled--with just the right balance of formal composition and loose, casual detail.

Aran did a wonderful job of laying out the technical elements of photography. But the thing I most appreciated was how she articulated her thought process as she styled and shot. That, for me, was priceless. Just watching her at work and understanding her flow. 

To all aspiring photographers like myself, I so recommend taking a workshop from someone whose work inspires you. Each time I take one, I learn how to better wield my camera and capture compelling images. But more importantly, I connect with fellow photographers from around the world and get a massive jolt of creative motivation.  

And that’s the real spark that keeps me shooting and experimenting and sharing here with all of you.