In 2014, I decided to do something a little different on one of my Tuscany trips. I invited a photographer and food stylist along with me and ran my first Food and Lifestyle Photography workshop. My guests and I learned so much that first time around. I’m so happy to be running yet another similar workshop, this time with Montreal-based photographer Ariel Tarr.
We’re headed to Tuscany to celebrate its beauty and harvests through the lens of the camera in October 2016, and we’re looking for shutter-happy friends to bring along. We’ll be keeping the group small, staying true to the Delectable Destinations mission of providing every guest with personalized attention.
Ariel and I are forming a select group of passionate photographers to bring along on a six-day, seven night creative escape in Impruenta, Tuscany, not far from the hub of art and culture that is Florence. Guests will rest their heads at one of my favourite Italian retreats, Villa La Quercia, a 17th century family-owned villa, itself a treasure trove of eye-catching photo opportunities.
During the week in Tuscany, we will learn how to use natural light to create beautifully-styled compositions during free-style exercises that provide participants with the opportunity to play with props and express their creativity. We will also explore food photography trends through the work of professional photographers and the best blogs online today- that’s one of the ways I have developed my craft and I find it incredibly inspirational.
Highlights include group discussions and individual exercises designed to develop one’s eye, creativity and style. The workshop will cover the basic tools used in food photography (tripods, reflectors, diffusers, lens selection), shooting on location, white balance, the impact of depth of field and how to edit photographs in Lightroom. Students will also be introduced to the essentials of shooting lifestyle photography (environmental portraits, landscapes, street photography and detail shots.
Field trips to gorgeous locations will allow participants to use photography as a storytelling tool; there really is no better backdrop then Tuscany during the harvest season. We will visit vineyards, a cashmere goat farm, olive orchards, an organic cheese farm, beautiful markets led by Chef Veronica and cooking at her private villa. Of course, a must visit to a city that is so photogenic…Florence!
This workshop is for anyone with a love of photography and basic understanding of their DSLR camera (tripod and laptop with processing software recommended but not required). It is a great opportunity to practice your skills or pick up some new ones. I guarantee you’ll be posting some gorgeous shots on Instagram and Facebook by the time you’re through!
Carol Ketelson
My love for Italy began 16 years ago and with it, my love for the food, culture and people of this beautiful country. This passion for Italy is the main reason I began my journey of organizing culinary experiences and during these trips, I developed a new excitement for photography. This naturally led me to bringing people along on my Food Styling & Photography tours, which offer guests a new way to explore this beautiful region of Italy.
Ariel Tarr
Ariel Tarr is a Montreal-based photographer specialized in food, travel, lifestyle and portraiture. Her clients include food and décor magazines such as Les idées de ma maison, Signé M, Le Must, Gastronomica and Chez soi. Having studied Fine Arts previously, she started shooting in 1999 when her grandmother gave her an old Olympus film camera. She was instantly drawn in by the power of creating images and enchanted by the way Photography gained her entry to new and exciting experience. Creating images is her life-long passion. Observing the lushness of food, exploring a new place and connecting with authentic people through her lens is purely a joy.
Hear what one participants from our last workshop has to say:
“Words cannot describe the perfection of my week with Carol Ketelson of Delectable Destinations in Tuscany. The theme of our excursion was Storytelling through Food Styling and Photography. We discovered the Italian culture through hands on cooking classes and interactions with local producers and artisans. We learned simple methods to cook healthy and authentic food. I am no chef, but I have since replicated the meals with much appreciation and shared a taste of Italy with my friends and family. Cooking classes were presented by Veronica Clemente at our exquisite accommodations Villa La Quercia. Veronica took us on a guided tour of the local market and gave us passionate instruction in preparing delicious dishes with local ingredients. We experienced the food with all of our senses. The addition of food styling and photography was a bonus that complimented the culinary aspect of the trip. The beauty of the food was enhanced by the exploration of composition, texture, colour, lighting and depth of field. I had a magical week with a wonderful group of women. We laughed, we cried and of course, we ATE!!! We did day trips to a local winery, a cashmere farm, a goat/sheep cheese farm, rustic villages and made several trips to Florence. Not a second of time was wasted. The villa and its grounds were stunning. The Tuscany landscape was absolutely breathtaking. Originally I was going to wait until my 50th birthday to do this trip, and then I realized that the time was NOW. The journey was an investment in my creativity and very inspirational. I am so grateful that I did this trip and look forward to future Delectable Destinations!”
Heather B., Montreal, QC
We hope you will join us for this incredible week. New friends, wonderful food and wine, and honing in your photography & styling skills. You will not only see Italy, you will “feel” Italy.
For more information and complete itinerary, please contact Carol at
info@delectabledestinations.com
Ariel will be happy to answer all your photography and food styling questions.
info@arieltarr.com
Check back next week for another Delectable Destinations adventure!
Carol Ketelson is the owner and operator of Delectable Destinations LLC. Dedicated to planning, co-ordinating and curating customized group tours to hand-picked destinations. As an experienced travel planner, Carol’s customized itineraries, specialized tours and off-the-beaten-path experiences create memorable journeys for her small groups of singles, couples, divorced, widowed and solo travelers seeking exceptional trips into the culture and cuisine of destinations around the world. Spring and Fall bookings invite travelers to taste delectable local cuisine, culturally rich traditions and mesmerizing sights. For over 10 years, Carol’s tours have captured the true essence of Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, Puglia, Spain, Ireland and India.
Delectable Destinations…Delivering your dream trip. For more information & 2017 trips log onto: delectabledestinations.com
