We have been preparing quietly for some time, and I am thrilled to finally announce the Capture, Eat, Visit! workshop I am organizing with Hélène and Tami in Tuscany this October. Last year I met Hélène for the first time, although I had followed her work for years.
Discovering that I loved photography as much as cooking and writing, I turned to her blog for inspiration while shaping my own style. I watched her evolve from blogger to professional food photographer and develop a signature aesthetic that is personal, consistent and instantly recognisable—like the little black dress of food photography. Meeting her shifted the way I approach images and taught me the value of perseverance and focused, steady work. Hélène was every bit as warm and generous as I had imagined.
This year Hélène will be joined by her friend Tami, an exceptionally talented food stylist. I have admired Tami’s work for years, so I am especially excited to spend a week learning from these two inspiring women.
Would you like to join us?
Capture, Eat, Visit!
Food Styling, Photography & Cooking Workshop
October 7th-11th 2017
Join photographer Hélène Dujardin, food stylist Tami Hardeman and cookbook author Giulia Scarpaleggia for a hands-on workshop in Tuscany from October 7th to 11th. The core three-day program, hosted at the beautiful agriturismo Tenuta di Mensanello, focuses on Tuscan food culture, food photography, styling, prop selection and plenty of practical shooting time. It’s designed for those who want to refine their photographic eye, improve styling technique and build a consistent visual voice for editorial, brand or blog work.
Hélène and Tami will share their processes for composition and styling, how to select the right lens, how to set up a shot, and how to choose ingredients and props that support a story. Each day combines demonstrations with guided practice so you can apply the lessons immediately. Beyond the studio sessions, we’ll explore the region with a dinner in Siena, visit a local cheese farm and shop at a market. Giulia will host a cooking class in her studio kitchen where we’ll prepare dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients and photograph the results.
Together the instructors will help you shape an edible narrative with your images and discuss current styling and prop trends. No question is off limits: from choosing ingredients and cooking techniques to timing a shoot, balancing food preparation with photography, and understanding whether to pursue photography as a hobby or professionally. All of this takes place against the backdrop of scenic Tuscany, giving ample opportunity to practice in natural light and charming settings.
Participants will stay on site at the lovely Tenuta di Mensanello, about an hour from Florence. Accommodation consists of comfortable apartments and a selection of single and double rooms available on a first-come, first-served basis. The setting is ideal whether you seek quiet solitude after a day of shooting or prefer to share a room with a friend and unwind together.
Schedule
October 7th
Arrival day. Welcome meet-and-greet followed by dinner at Tenuta di Mensanello.
October 8th
Morning
Hands-on food styling, composition and photography demonstration. Hélène and Tami will explain their approach to creating mood and storytelling in a shoot, covering ingredient and prop selection, composition, lens choice and angle, and how to work with light and shadows. Individual practice will follow with guidance from the instructors.
Afternoon
A second demonstration focusing on defining a visual style and mood suitable for editorial, brand or blogging work. We will review basic art and design principles and put them into practice. Time for individual practice and feedback will follow.
Evening: dinner in Siena.
October 9th
Morning
On-location shooting and food photojournalism. We’ll visit a nearby cheese farm to observe cheese production and document the process. Sessions cover what camera gear to bring, how to adapt to changing light and how to capture authentic moments on location. Lunch at the farm will feature fresh local ingredients.
Afternoon
Open Q&A with Hélène, Tami and Giulia — discuss writing, styling, photographing and the practical details of running food shoots and projects.
Dinner at Giulia’s kitchen studio: an al fresco pizza night with homemade pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven.
October 10th
Morning
Market visit in Poggibonsi to source fresh local ingredients, followed by a hands-on cooking class at Juls’ Kitchen. After the class we will enjoy the meal al fresco at Giulia’s studio.
Afternoon
Critique and review session: participants will present selected images for group feedback and constructive critique so everyone can learn from shared tips and techniques.
Evening: farewell dinner at the agriturismo.
October 11th
Departure and travel day.
Workshop includes
3 days of hands-on practice
4 nights at Tenuta di Mensanello (a limited number of single rooms available on request, first come, first served)
All meals, snacks and refreshments
Transportation for workshop activities (cheese farm, Juls’ Kitchen, market etc.)
Airport shuttle pickup from Florence or Pisa (specific time to be confirmed)
Workshop size limited to 8 participants.
Fee: $1875 (airfare to Italy not included).