Food Photography + Heritage Walk Retreat
DATES
12 – 16 September, 2018
LOCATION – Hampi, Karnataka, India.
The retreat is located in a magnificent landscape and the resort where we will stay, reflecting the fort like entrances, stone-paved boulevards, arched hallways and regal chambers mirroring the famed palaces of a bygone but glorious era. Your stay will be in luxurious rooms that are a perfect blend of traditional architectural charm juxtaposed with modern facilities.
Travel back in time to the glorious days of the 14th century Vijayanagara Empire, in the fantasy land of boulders and ruins. Let the monuments at Hampi tell you the story of what was once described as “the best provided city in the world”. With stunning rugged forests and boulders forming its backdrop is where we will take pictures not just of the stunning food on offer but also its people and landscape.
In this perfect setting learn not only the tips and tricks in Food Photography and Styling but also walk where once Kings and Queens did. Learn about the amazing history of one of the richest and most successful empires in the history of the world.
TEACHERS
Rakhee – Boxofspice
Aimee – Twigg Studios
WHO IS THE WORKSHOP FOR?
This workshop is for anyone who has been thinking of delving into photography seriously or even as a hobby. It is for any level of photographer. For the beginner who has never picked up a camera, we will be going through camera settings and photography basics. For the intermediate and advanced photographer, you will be in a stunning location, in a setting perfect for photography, honing your skills. This retreat is perfect for those interested in food photography (but not limited to) and who want to meet like-minded creatives from around the world.
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 an opportunity to talk 1-on-1 with us about your goals and ambitions concerning food photograpy, styling, blogging (+ editing) etc. Aside from the learning, we will also gather, laugh, 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, how to approach lighting 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 lighten pictures, if that is the direction you’d like to take. 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.
Heritage walk – Hampi’s ruins are spread over 16 square miles and has been described by UNESCO as an “austere, grandiose site” of more than 1,600 surviving remains of the last great Hindu kingdom in South India that includes “forts, royal and sacred complexes, temples, shrines, pillared halls, mandapas, memorial structures and water structures. We will have the chance to not only visit these ruins but also have the opportunity to shoot them.
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.
The business of 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,
Feasting – You will be treated to exotic food that was prepared for royals hundreds of years ago! You will be indulged and pampered to the best vegetarian or non-vegetarian food that this region has to offer by some of the best chefs in India.
DETAILS
- Workshop will cover: basic camera settings such as shutter speed, aperture, and ISO and their effects on the image. Lenses and their focal lengths, manipulation of natural lighting, food styling and plating, and post production in Adobe Lightroom.
A DLSR, or smart phone camera is required. (no point and shoot) - All accommodation, meals, drinks (excluding mineral alcohol), walks are included in the workshop cost.
- Price listed is per person.
- Space limited to 8 attendees.
PLAN*
- Wednesday September 12th: Check in and welcome dinner cooked by Rakhee and Aimee at 7:30 pm.
- Tuesday September 13th: Photography lessons, hands on shooting & styling, visit the UNESCO Heritage Site.
- Wednesday September 14th: Styling lessons, hands on shooting & styling, social media, how to pitch to brands and creative writing.
- Thursday September 15th : Adobe Lightroom demonstration, tips and tricks, human element photography.
Visit more ruins. - Friday September 16th: Farewell breakfast at 9 am, guests depart by noon.
COST OPTIONS
Single bed (shared room) $1950
Queen bed (shared room) $2250
INCLUSIONS
4 nights shared accommodation
A shared room on a beautiful and luxurious resort for the retreat period
All classes and demonstrations
All meals and drinks (alcohol not included)
Visit to the historic site
A wonderful goodie bag
NOT INCLUDED
Transport to and fro to the location
Alcohol
Spa
TRAVEL
There are several ways to get to Hampi. I am listing them below:
- Fly to Bangalore International Airport (BLR) and drive to Hampi. Its a 6 hour drive through a beautiful countryside.
A rare opportunity to see India and its villages. - Fly into Hyderabad Airport (HYD) and then take a local flight to Jindal Vidyanagar (VDY). This will bring you just 37 kms away from Hampi. Airport transfer from Jindal Vidyanagar are included.
- If you are a seasoned traveler and would like to explore the option of traveling by bus or train from the nearest airport, I can help you plan this.
EXTENDED STAY IN INDIA
Please let me know if you would like to stay in India little longer or come some days before the workshop begins. I can advise you on neighbouring cities and places to visit. If you would like to travel extensively in India, I can help you plan this.
A 50% deposit will be required on booking to hold your place, the balance will be payable latest by August 1, 2018.
(If you would like to pay in three instalments please mention this in the email)
Secure your spot today by sending an email to harvestngather@gmail.com.
After the deposit is paid, you will be required to pay the remainder which will be due no later than August 1, 2018.
No refunds will be available unless you find someone to take your spot.
* in order to provide optimal experience, the program may be subject to small or minor changesdependant on local partners.
COORG Food Photography Workshop 31 March – 4 April
JAIPUR Food Photography Workshop 3 – 7 October
KERALA Food Photography and Yoga Retreat July 31 – August 4
Oh my, so many wonderful workshop options! I’m hoping to be able to attend this or your October workshop!
Hi there Christine, how wonderful. I actually only have this workshop planned for this year. None in October. It will be lovely to have you join!