So much has happened to me this past year that I have not known where to begin. It’s the reason for my absence from my blog. I’m here today to break that cycle of not being able to share because it is important to do so. So you can learn, discover from me just as I do the same with you.
When I first thought of doing a workshop in India, I never even thought I would be here today encouraging you to join in. Its been taken a lot of planning and it has taken a lot of people believing in the concept to allow me to invite you. I’m extremely passionate about what I do and I want to share it. Share what I have learned painstakingly over the last ten plus years. And I want to move you along to start that journey now, if photography is what makes you happy.
The people in India have opened their hearts to me and the possibility of this happening. I have never known such acceptance. India truly is now the new land of opportunity. It is where people want to meet you and want to hear your ideas. And irrespective of where you come from, they will take a chance on you. It is important to me that people see this side of India. The incredible warmth of the people is something I cannot even put into words. You will feel it too, I guarantee it.
I had never heard of Coorg till a few years ago. I may be Indian but India is an immensely large country, and the reason for not knowing is because it is completely undiscovered. It is a hidden gem of a place. It is a paradise if you are a foodie because of the amount of spices that grow here and for its immense natural beauty. Having lived abroad for now over ten years, where you don’t see regions such as this, it was amazing to me that spices just grew by the sides of the street. Where every street was lined by coffee bushes on both sides. That I barely came by a tourist. Only locals who were endearingly friendly and so sweet.
I came back with a suitcase full of spices. That were so cheap that I wanted to buy the entire store. It is an experience that has left me changed because it tapped into that wonderment that lay deep inside me. It wakened me up.
There is a fascinating quality about these people and this region that seems lost everywhere else. Without sounding cliched, it IS magical. I already believe in stories of fairies and long bearded wizards. Before you leave Coorg, you will too.
DATES
31st March – 4 April 2017
WHERE
Coorg, India. We are staying in a 7-star resort, in villas, a private pool, its own courtyard, free WiFi, room service etc. Accommodation is included, and you will be sharing the villa with one other person. The rooms are very luxurious. Some meals are cooked by us, others are provided on site and consist of the finest and freshest food this bountiful area has to offer. Included in the price are: 4 nights, all the meals + snacks + beverages + direct transport from and to the airport.
ABOUT
A 5-day food photography workshop, where both Rakhee and Aimee will share their knowledge on technical skills, styling, social media, creative writing, and Adobe Lightroom. There will be classes we teach together, others will be taught separately and of course, there will also be an opportunity to talk 1-on-1 with us about your goals and ambitions concerning food photograpy, styling, blogging, video (+ editing) etc. Aside from the learning, we will also harvest, cook, gather, enjoy each other’s company and have an amazing time in this beautiful country.
Classes + activities:
Theory of photography – We will talk about the basic camera settings. By the end of the workshop you will know everything about ISO, aperture, shutter speed, composition, lenses, full frame vs. cropped frame, white balance and much more. On top of that, you will know how to use this knowledge to your advantage and become your camera’s best friend.
Styling practical – For this class we learn by doing. Rakhee and Aimee will show you how we go about styling and creating a food story. Both bloggers will demonstrate how to create moody settings which beautifully contrasts the bright colors of food. We will also show you how you could light pictures. All dependant on the style you choose. We will also show you how to purposely use props, and what negative space does with your photography.
In the kitchen – Together with a guest blogger we will bake or cook something special, which we will decorate, style and photograph.
Out & about – We plan to visit the nearby coffee plantation, where there can also be found many spices, so common to this region, such as cardamom, vanilla, and pepper. There will also be an outing during which we visit local vendors in the village.
How to use Adobe Lightroom – A sit down session where we talk about editing your photos and how to create a personal preset to give your images that consistent look and feel.
Talk about social media – In this session we talk about growing a community on Instagram and Pinterest, talk about developing a style, the use of hashtags, dealing with the algorithms, how to go about sponsored posts, collaborations, balancing creativity & business,
Welcome dinner – After a long trip, you will be offered a lovely dinner. Long tables, a home-cooked meal by Rakhee and Ingrid, candle light, local wine and good company!
Capacity: there are only 8 tickets available for this workshop .
Inclusions
4 nights shared accommodation in a villa
A shared room on a beautiful and luxurious resort for the retreat period
Transport to and from the resort
All classes and demonstrations
Snacks and drinks
All meals, some cooked by us, others by the chefs at the resort
A coffee tasting
A welcome dinner
A picnic lunch
Coffee & tea
A wonderful goodie bag
Not included
Alcohol
Room service
Cost
Single bed in shared room in villa $2000
Queen bed in shared room in villa $2150
This includes a 4-nights shared-room accommodation in Coorg. A 50% deposit will be required on booking to hold your place, the balance will be invoiced one month before the workshop.
Secure your spot today by sending an email to harvestngather@gmail.com.
The deposit is non-refundable unless you can find another person to fill your spot.
Besan Bharwan Mirch / Chickpea Flour Stuffed Peppers
Banana Sooji ka Halwa / Semolina Pudding
Benarasi Dum Aloo / Potato Curry
