I’m so happy to finally announce that together with one of my favourite food photographers, amazing, talented Kimberly Espinel (from The Little Plantation) we’re going to host a 3-day retreat in Southern Finland, surrounded by beautiful secluded woodlands, stunning waterfronts and quaint historic villages. The workshop will take place at my cottage in the middle of nature, where you can make the most of the moody nordic light, learn much about story telling food photography and food styling and even develop an eye for lifestyle and landscape photography. We wanted keep this as an intimate, small group retreat, so you’ll get all the guidance, encouragement and support you need for exploring and evolving as a photographer. If you want to know more, keep reading!
(P.S. All shots taken in our retreat location)
OUR MIDSUMMER FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY RETREAT SCHEDULE
SESSION 1 – MIDSUMMER FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY AND VISUAL STORY TELLING RETREAT
When: Wednesday, June 10th
Schedule: Arrival and welcome drinks
You are invited to arrive from 2pm onwards to settle into your accommodation (see image above). From there, we look forward to meeting you at 7pm on Wednesday, June 10th for introductions, drinks and lots of chatter about food and photography.
Where: Southern Finland, approximately 1.5 hours from Helsinki (please get in touch for exact location)
SESSION 2 – MIDSUMMER FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY AND VISUAL STORY TELLING RETREAT
When: Thursday, June 11th, 10am – 5pm
Schedule: Following breakfast, you will be collected from your accommodation and taken to Viola’s cottage in the countryside (approximately 30 minute drive) where the teaching sessions will take place. In the morning we will focus on styling and photography sweet foods with lots of hands on practice and space to explore composition, natural lighting and visual story telling.
We will break for a light vegetarian lunch.
In the afternoon we will venture into the surrounding woods and develop our eye for outdoor and lifestyle photography.
Thereafter, you will be taken back to your accommodation.
Where: Southern Finland, approximately 1.5 hours from Helsinki (please get in touch for exact location)
SESSION 3 – MIDSUMMER FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY AND VISUAL STORY TELLING RETREAT
When: Friday, June 12th, 10am – 9pm
Schedule: Following breakfast, you will be collected from your accommodation and taken to Viola’s cottage in the countryside (approximately 30 minute drive) where the teaching sessions will take place. In the morning we will focus on styling and photography savoury foods with lots of hands on practice and space to explore composition, natural lighting and visual story telling.
We will break for a light vegetarian lunch.
In the afternoon we will venture into one of the local historical villages for sight-seeing and the opportunity to explore the art of travel photography and enjoy relaxing strolls through cobble stoned streets.
Thereafter, everyone will be given time to unwind before we get back together for a joint evening meal.
Where: Southern Finland, approximately 1.5 hours from Helsinki (please get in touch for exact location)
SESSION 4 – MIDSUMMER FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY AND VISUAL STORY TELLING RETREAT
When: Saturday, June 13th, 10am – 2pm
Schedule: Following breakfast, you will be collected from your accommodation and taken to Viola’s cottage. In the morning we will explore editing in Lightroom before completing the teaching session with a photoshoot in the garden.
We will break for our farewell vegetarian lunch after which you will be taken back to your accommodation as the retreat concludes.
Where: Southern Finland, approximately 1.5 hours from Helsinki (please get in touch for exact location)
FINLAND FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY
RETREAT FAQS
· WHAT ABOUT TRAVEL, IS IT INCLUDED?
You will need to arrange your own transport to and from the retreat location on Wednesday, June 10th/Saturday June 13th respectively. We will arrange transport to and from your accommodation to the teaching venue during the duration of the retreat and this is included in your retreat package.
· IS ACCOMMODATION INCLUDED?
Included in the retreat experience are 3 nights (Wednesday night, Thursday night and Friday night) shared accommodation with shared bathroom facilities in a beautiful bed and breakfast in one of the prettiest historical villages in Southern Finland. If you wish to upgrade to a single room, please get in touch asap for further details.
· ARE MEALS INCLUDED?
All your breakfasts, lunches and snacks throughout the day are included. The retreat also includes welcome drinks (Wednesday evening) and one joint evening meal (Fridays).
· WHERE IS THE RETREAT LOCATED?
Please complete the contact form below for exact location details, travel instructions and more.
· DO YOU CATER FOR SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS/VEGAN DIETS/PALEO ETC.?
The food provided during the retreat will be vegetarian. If you have any dietary restrictions, allergies etc., please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we’ll be happy to discuss your needs.
· WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
Due to the logistics of this retreat, we do not offer refunds. Hence, we recommend you make sure the workshop dates fit into your schedule and advise you book travel insurance too.
· IS THIS WORKSHOP FOR BEGINNERS OR ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHERS?
We are keeping this workshop small and intimate with a 3/1 student to teacher ratio so that everyone’s learning needs can be attended to. Though this workshop is open to ambitious beginners and seasoned creatives alike, you will get the most out of the experience if you own a DSLR or mirrorless camera and are confident shooting in manual mode. If you’re not sure whether this retreat is for you, please complete the booking form and we can get in touch to answer any questions you might have.
· CAN I ONLY ATTEND ONE DAY?
So sorry, no. This is a 3-day immersive retreat experience and the days’ learning opportunities are interlinked. Thank you for understanding.
· DO YOU OFFER PAYMENT PLANS?
We sure do. Please complete the contact form below and we’ll send that through as quickly as we can.
B&B picture taken by the owners of the accommodation.
MIDSUMMER FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY AND VISUAL STORY TELLING RETREAT, FINLAND
From £1799 (early bird offer!)
Early bird offer applied to those booking on/by 01/04/20. This offer is not coming back, so be quick!
Payment plans are available too. Please get in touch by completing the contact form in this Kimberly’s post! We’re only having 6 students so be fast to reserve your seat!
WHO ARE YOUR TEACHERS?
Kimberly Espinel – I’m an award winning food photographer, stylist, blogger and educator, having taught 1000s of students from around the world food photography and styling. I run a successful food photography business and I’d love to teach you all I know. I adore playing with light and shadow, creating dark and moody as well as light and bright shots. I’m known for my playful approach to colour theory and composition and supporting students in reaching their creative potential.
Viola Minerva Virtamo – I’m a Finnish lifestyle photographer, specialising in food and products. In addition, I also work as a graphic designer, director and food stylist and I’ve written 5 books of my own. I’m very passionated about telling visual stories through my work and finding inspiration from the nordic light and nature. Running both a lifestyle publishing house and my own one-woman business, I believe passion, creativity and curiosity for learning new are the key elements for a successful business and happy life.