On Saturday I had one of those days-in-heaven. I attended Megan Morton‘s very first SPPW! It’s her new Style Prac Photography Workshop. It was fantastic. We were treated to exceptional teachers: a top notch food stylist and a genius photographer, both published in the big magazines, food, interior and others.
I was so impressed to meet them “for real” and hear them share their story and literally drink their advice. So I met my heroes in person: food stylist, chef and recipe developer extraordinaire Emma Knowles; and top Aussie magazine photographer Sam McAdam-Cooper.
These two mag & advertising geniuses shared everything so naturally, so generously. I learnt a lot and have been feeling sooooo boosted and positive ever since I’ve met them.
The very large and bright studio in Rosebery (Sydney) was the ideal place for photographers and stylists to chase the perfect shot.
As always at The School, we were surrounded by gorgeousness including beautiful bouquets. Where do they find these flowers???
The Megan Morton Show was as fabulous as ever.
We were given the kit of the perfect stylist: a marble backdrop, a Le Creuset porcelain mini cocotte, a Japanese looking plate from Robert Gordon, a very clever white tea towel with 3 different trim ends , a small dark tea towel, a water spritzer to freshen up veggies or blow air on crumbs, stylist’s scissors, white “blue tac”, double sided tape, wooden pokes, a golden clip, a security pin, a black and a white mini reflector boards, a wooden board holder, a special lucky ribbon (!), white gloves, and the cherry on top: excellent raw chocolate…
The School’s team was super efficient, tables were moved, lights were on when needed and off for photos, food was served, props were brought very quickly and always with a nice word and a smile. Katie Randell (above) is the guardian angel of The School’s classes and students.
I won’t start to describe the amazing props that Megan pulled out of her mythical “Propery“…
We were given a notepad to try to tie down the flying ideas and advice on paper.
Imagine… Just imagine a place where you can find all the best backdrops in the industry, where you could come with your products, props or ideas and give them a pro photo-shoot. Well, it’s right here!
Not only we had the privilege to meet Emma Knowles, also known as Knowlesy in the industry, but she spent the night before baking a few brownies to shoot. When I first saw them I thought, OK, they bought a few cakes which look good and will be chucked after the shoot.
Little did I know that they were Emma’s creation for my favourite magazine, I receive with a little squeal every month, GOURMET TRAVELLER, and the brownie was to die for. She also works as a recipe developer there. And no wonder, it was actually the best brownie I’ve ever had. It had whole peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts; and chunks of sea salt. It was sprinkled with cacao husks… The centre was moist and strong in chocolate. The recipe can be found in the Chocolate issue of the magazine and online (lucky you) HERE.
If you want to stretch your styling and photography muscles, I highly recommend this workshop which is tax deductible and totally worth it.
Now I’m off to Dumaresq Valley where another hero of mine lives: Annabelle Hickson of The Dailys. Together with Photographers Luisa Brimble and Lean Timms; Prop stylist Caitlin Melling and Chef Sarah Glover they are going to make a small group of us, photographers and/or stylists create the ultimate bush cookbook. How fantastic is that?
Expect a silent blog for a few days as there will be no connection over there. But when I return, there will be an explosion of photos, ideas and creativity!
See you soon!
NOTE: this post is not sponsored
MORE INFO:
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85 Dunning Ave Rosebery, NSW, Australia
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Email: classes@theschool.com.au
looks like an interesting day flo!
I like a bit of styling, placement and foofing!
just getting the light right is a bit of a challenge!
love m:)X
It was a great day indeed Merilyn! I loved it :) I was totally in my element…
I think light management and styling take a lot of practice, probably years of trial and error. I’m at the beginning of the journey and loving every bit of it.
x F