This weekend I attended a fantastic food styling and photography workshop. The food styling portion was taught by Denise and Cindie from Food Fanatics, and the photography end of the workshop was taught by Matt Armendariz of Matt Bites. The workshop lasted two full days and took place at Matt’s beautiful studio in Long Beach.
The first day was filled with several food demos and a discussion about the tips and techniques used in professional food styling. It is so fascinating to watch how a gorgeous plate of food is prepared for those glossy magazine shots or for your favorite cooking show. I never realized the amount of detail that goes into making a perfect stack of buttery syrup-topped pancakes. Or that a bowl of tossed pasta is actually very carefully assembled piece by piece– these were just a few of the many demos we were shown. Basically, styling requires an eye for detail, good organization, a collection of “tools of the trade” and a love of food. Food styling is an art in itself.
Here are a couple of shots I took during the demo…
On the second day we all had individual food projects that we photographed with assistance from Matt. We were able to use any of Matt’s props in the studio for our shot, which was incredible. And let me tell you– were there some PROPS. I mean, from table linens in all colors and textures, to the countless bundles of silverware, to the shelves upon shelves loaded with dishes of every sort and style conceivable–it was amazing and completely overwhelming! I have a lack of props at home, so honestly, I was having a hard time deciding which direction to go!
Once our projects were styled and ready to go we each had our time with Matt and the camera. I am always practicing photography techniques through trial and error, but having the opportunity to have a professional right there to answer my questions was an invaluable experience. By the way, I would love to say that I slaved away the night before baking these tarts for the shoot– but, I did not. I bought them at Whole Foods and just dolled them up a bit.
I had so much fun and learned a ton of new tricks, tips, and techniques that I can’t wait to use. It was great meeting everyone and spending time with people that have the same love for food and photography. Many thanks to Denise, Cindie and Matt for putting this class together– they are extremely cool people, true artists, and are clearly passionate about their work.
{ 31 comments… read them below or add one }
Cory,
It was a great experience. I learned so much.
Tea,
Thank you! You would most certainly swoon over the collection of props–it was just amazing.
Your photos are gorgeous! What a great opportunity (I’m a little jealous of those who attended, if truth be told). I’d love a peek at Matt’s prop closet as well. I’m sure i would swoon.
What a fabulous experience. I would love the chance to take a class like that. The raspberry tart looks amazing.
My godness! That must have been quite an experience. A photography workshop with Matt Armendariz! OMG, I’m sure you learned a lot, and you will be showing off that here at your blog. Cheers to that!.
Your photos look so beautiful! wonderful post!
I could certainly use this class. My photos never look nearly as good as the food does in person, and the food never quite plates up the way it does in my imagination… beautiful photos!
What a great workshop! Thanks for stopping by my site – I’m glad you stumbled upon mine because now I can follow yours!
wow che splendide preparazioni! ciao!
Cheri,
It was fabulous to meet you- I enjoyed the class so much- wish it could have been longer! Would love to see you all again. =)
Natasha,
Thank you! It was a ton of fun!
Jo,
I feel very lucky to have been able to attend. It was a great learning experience.
Duo,
I think you two would have a blast at one of their workshops. Check out Food Fanatics- you guys are right in the area too. I think they do lots of classes in LA.
Elra,
It was a great class. Always so much to learn.
Sylvia,
Thank you. Matt’s photography is very inspiring, I agree!
Soma,
I had been wishing for a class like this for awhile now!
Oysterculture,
You are too sweet. I would love to get a coffee with you you some time when I’m back in SF!
Laura Flowers,
It was great. I’m so grateful I was able to go.
Adrienne,
Thank you! My move to LA was temporary to begin with–It was for work related stuff, mostly. So, looks like we will be moving back sooner rather than later. Possibly early 2010- just around the corner. When and if you go back to SF, we should do a coffee and chat too.
Mrs. Ergu,
Yes, it was very cool!
Patricia,
Your so sweet. Many thanks!
Sophie,
It’s always nice to hear form you- thank you.
Taste of Beirut,
You would love it!
KMS,
Yes, it was all so amazing!
Nora,
So much fun! Many thanks!
sound like a fun and interesting work shop!! as always ye photography is absolutely gorgeous!!
cheers!!
that stack of pancakes is unreal! simply brilliant!
sounds so interesting! I hope I can go next time
What a great experience! Your pictures are truly wonderful, as are your many lovely recipes!
Your photos are styling are superb already, Lisa – and now you are a pro! You go, girl!
Those tartlets are so pretty. Delicate and delicious looking.
Oh! How cool to have having a class with Matt! I love his blog! That is a very gorgeous photo of the tarts!
Lovely pics- but, yours were awesome before too! Sounds like you are moving back to SF…now I’m jealous.
Wow. What a wonderful amazing experience. Sighh someday I’ll get to go to those things! I am so happy you got to go.
What fun, its like playing dress up with food! I’d be there in a flash. I thought you were going to say you taught the class as I have always admired your photography. I cannot wait to see what new tricks you apply going forward. I’ll be watching carefully so I can learn.
Your photos are always beautiful, now I can’t wait to see you apply what you experienced. How fortunate to be able to attend a workshop like this one! It would be a dream come true for me.
What a wonderful experience you had. I love Matt ‘s photography. Your tart shot is beautiful and soft,lovely
Wonderful workshop Lisa. I’ve never been to this kind of workshop, I am sure there were so much info to improve the styling and the photography technique.
This is just the thing we’d both be interested in taking to learn more about food photography. You usually have great photos, and it’s nice to see your work. No doubt you brought home a few skills that we’ll see applied soon enough!
I would probably give my right arm to attend such a workshop! Lucky you! I wish we had them in Greece….
Sounds like a great workshop and your photos look fabulous!!!
I love how your photo turned out. Wasn’t that class great? Maybe we will all meet up before you move!
Ingrid,
Thank you! These were delicious tarts– I saved them and tried them the next day!
Gaby,
Thanks, I had a great time this weekend. Yes, coffee sounds like fun!
the photo turned out so fabulous!!!!!!! So great meeting you – lets keep in touch and grab coffee or something before you move back to SF!!!
Your photo is terrific. I’ll be craving tarts with raspberry and almond for days now.
~ingrid
Miriam,
I enjoyed meeting you too. Let’s definitely keep in touch- now we know about each other’s blogs! I look forward to getting together as well. Your gorgeous turkey was unbelievable!
Wonderful opportunity and great lessons!
Your photo of the raspberry tarts turned out beautifully! So nice to meet you this weekend… I look forward to keeping in touch and hopefully spending time together after you move back to SF.