This past weekend, I went to my first blogger event, ever. After a thousand excited tweets hashtagged #FBF, our big virtual world materialized as we trickled into Orlando, buzzing with eagerness. Thanks to the planning of food blogger Julie of The Little Kitchen, I met some kindred spirits. I learned from an excellent group of panelists (including Jaden Hair of the Steamy Kitchen empire). They shared their tidbits, stories, and wisdom. Very cool.
Food photographer/stylist/blogger Helene Dujardin of Tartelette was one of the panelists. After a session at FBF, she held a comprehensive workshop which I attended the next day.
I was so excited: I adore her photos, she was a pastry chef, and well… I’m somewhat of a francophile. Her French/southern accent is beyond charming!
At the workshop, she had us pick out some food to photograph. I chose pastries for obvious reasons. Needless to say, I had a hard time photographing under pressure! (This photo actually makes me cringe, but let’s not dwell on it.) Helene actually helped me style it by choosing the curve of the desserts.
I did come to an understanding of Helene’s approach to art. She is a liberal photographer, encouraging relevance, feel, and artistic eye over rules: “Nothing is 100%”. She emphasized storytelling, and conveying moods through photos. She prioritizes getting the perfect shot over fixing it in post production.
Me with Helene Dujardin
Her daily setup is simple: A window, SC sun, a tabletop on sawhorses, some linens/props. She uses diffusers (even a bed sheet), and bounces with papers and foam core, which I will have to try. I have a similar setup, but, I’ve been using my blinds (which result in lines) to “diffuse” light. I’ve aso been bouncing with mirrors, which can be very harsh. She showed us one of her choices for artificial lighting, and she even had some DIY advice for artificial light, which I might have to apply to my set up before I go out and spend on better lighting.
I left Orlando with my mind fixed on my goals. It seems like it’s always the same. I’m at first, intimidated by greatness, and then, I forget all that and find myself completely inspired. I almost always find that those same great people are always so generous and kind.
[...] Kristen B. Veloria [...]