Hey there, food photography enthusiasts!
I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend my first-ever food photography retreat, and I can’t wait to share all the amazing details with you! This unforgettable adventure took me to the beautiful city of Asheville, North Carolina, for a retreat hosted by the talented Mikyla & Rosslyn from The Food Photography Corner.
The Journey Begins
My adventure started on April 18th with a solo trip from the Buffalo International Airport to Charlotte Douglas International Airport and then from Charlotte to Asheville Regional Airport. Navigating the airports on my own for the first time was surprisingly smooth! I was a bundle of nerves but equally excited, knowing this trip would be a significant step in my food photography career. Upon arriving in Charlotte, I met up with two fellow photographers, Sara and Ashley, who had arranged to pick up Jess and I, as we landed around the same time. Ashley’s warm welcome, complete with a hilarious “We have pizza, get in!” greeting from the car window, set the tone for the rest of the trip. From that moment, I knew this was going to be an epic experience.
The Perfect Setting
Our home for the weekend was the charming Wilkie House, nestled on a serene 10-acre woodsy plot. It was the perfect backdrop for creativity and learning, and an ideal setting to bond with the 14 other photographers attending the retreat. The view out the back deck was beautiful complete with hills and morning fog some days. The hot tub mad for a great place to relax and end out evenings. The two fully stocked kitchens made for the perfect backdrop for our mini branding sessions that were included in our retreat package. The beautiful Kelly Shotwell from Balsam Business Photo took the most amazing branding images of myself and the other photographers.
Immersive Learning and New Experiences
The retreat was a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration. We delved into various aspects of food photography, including lighting, food styling, and composition. Mikyla’s workshops were hands-on and incredibly insightful, giving me new techniques and perspectives to enhance my photography skills.
But it wasn’t all about photography! We also participated in mindset workshops that included breath work and a soothing sound bath. These sessions were rejuvenating and helped us center ourselves, readying us for more creative endeavors.
A Taste of Restaurant Photography
One of the highlights of the retreat was working with the staff at The Black Bird Restaurant. This hands-on session gave us a real-world taste of restaurant photography, from capturing the ambiance to styling and shooting delicious dishes. It was a fantastic learning experience that provided practical insights I can apply in future projects.
Lasting Memories and New Friendships
The camaraderie among the group was one of the most rewarding aspects of the retreat. After our restaurant sessions, five of us decided to visit Lust & Lore Tattoo to get tattoos commemorating our unforgettable trip. It was a spontaneous and meaningful way to mark the occasion and the lifelong friendships we had formed.
A Weekend to Remember
This retreat was not just about enhancing my photography skills; it was about personal growth, making lifelong friends, and stepping out of my comfort zone. I returned home with a wealth of knowledge, a heart full of memories, and a network of amazing photographers who I know I will continue to learn and grow with for years to come.
Attending this food photography retreat was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my career and personal development. I’m already looking forward to the next adventure and can’t wait to see where this journey takes me.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates and delicious photos!
