Friends celebrate you for who you are, cheer you on, ground you and best of all love you for who you are. Cherish your friends and nuture the relationship. That's been my motto for a while now. Every so often, something happens and it shakes my confidence, my friends are there for me. I'm very fortunate to have made some great blogging friends. Hold on tight to your friends, because they are the ones who help you make it through the tough times. Celebrate each other and don't take each other for granted.
This past weekend, I was very fortunate to attend Todd & Diane‘s food photography workshop in their beautiful Orange County, California studio. I learned so much!! We ate a ton and soaked up a ton of knowledge. Todd & Diane are amazingly talented photographers and are so generous with their time and talents. If you're looking for a food photography workshop…look no further than their 2-day workshop. I heard they may be setting dates for two more this summer, it's a can't miss.
This was a serious workshop, they put us to work on the first day. We had full access to their prop room (picture below) and got to work styling and photographing ingredients. I had a lot of fun with these farm fresh eggs from Kim of Rustic Garden Bistro.
We started the first day off with Todd & Diane sharing with us the importance of telling a story through photographs. Forget the perfect shot, the perfectly placed food, share your unique story and be authentic.
Food is about community and celebration. I love that Diane said that her favorite food blogs to visit are ones that don't have perfect photos. She said there's value in an imperfect photo.
They pushed us to move out of our comfort zone. If you like to shoot horizontal shots, shoot more vertical this weekend. If you like to shoot a certain light, switch it up. I'm proud to say that I shot a majority of vertical shots this past weekend and am way more comfortable shooting them now. I also tend to shoot with the light coming from the 6 o'clock angle and found that backlight or 12 o'clock has been become a favorite to shoot now. I'm going to constantly change it up.
One of the other things that Todd & Diane encouraged us was to find our own style – the aesthetic that we enjoy. For me, I like the minimal, less styled shots but as for mood and color, I'm still trying to find my way. They constantly inspire me and made to look at my photographs in a different way.
The prop room at their studio is amazing. I instagramed a similar photo asking if they would notice me if I moved in with a cot? Sigh…
Diane and Todd taught us to appreciate the little things about each plate, bread board or prop and to appreciate the little details from the rim of a bowl to the notches on a bread board. And to appreciate textures. Layering textures when using props and not just adding a prop to having a bunch of props. For them and me, it's always been about the food…but still, I can't wait to hit the local antique shops!
This is the second shot I styled and shot the first day. I love the lightness of their studio and I love their herb garden at their house. I wanted to showcase both and this is when I realized how much I love backlight.
Todd and Diane believe in small classes, we had a lot of one one one time, they answered so many of our questions and made us feel so comfortable and welcome in their space.
Diane is an amazing food stylist and makes it look so easy but she made sure that we did our own styling and shared with us a bunch of tips and tricks at the same time keeping it all edible so it's real food that you're photographing.
At the end of the first day, we painted boards for backgrounds and backdrops. I loved this…I painted a couple that are different colors that I normally don't use and I can't wait for them to arrive, they shipped them for those of us who were traveling. I can't wait to paint more though…the creativity and limits are boundless.
My key takeaways from this workshop was to be more deliberate when shooting photographs so I'm not wasting my time and hard drive space shooting 200 shots of the same plate! Another is to keep evolving and trying new things. And lastly, not to try to be someone else, be me and show what I love. I hope that continues to shine through on this blog. I only share my favorite recipes and if I mention a product, it's because I love it. On my blog, on twitter, on facebook, you're always getting me and I hope that keeps you coming back to see what's up.
This blog is my place to share and grow and I'm loving where I'm at in 2012. I appreciate each and every one of you who visits The Little Kitchen. Thank you so much for being a great supporter of mine!
This is one of my favorite shots from this weekend, Diane styled it and I shot this from a different angle. I had an amazing time at the workshop and spending time with Todd & Diane. Thank you so much, guys!! I really, really appreciate the time and effort you both put into the workshop from planning a wonderfully packed agenda to feeding us amazing food such as spicy sriracha white bean dip to the best margaritas I have ever had and sharing your talents and knowledge with us!
Three things I miss right now: Todd's daily Vietnamese iced coffee, Sierra's hugs and the NON-HUMID California weather…and I miss Todd & Diane too!
When Diane told us that the California Avocado Commission sent over a bunch of avocados for their Cinco de Mayo party, I knew what I wanted to make for our styling project. There's this tea shop in Orlando and I love their avocado boba smoothies. I have been wanting to recreate them at home and I think I have come up with an even better recipe!
It's so easy to make if you have the freshest, butteriest avocados on hand. You can even substitute almond milk with (liquid) non-dairy creamer.
Recipe
Avocado Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 ripe California avocado, sliced in half, peeled & seeded
- 2 1/2 Tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1 cup crushed ice
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into a blender and pulse until ice is completely crushed and the smoothie is well blended. Feel free to add more sugar to make it more sweeter. Serve immediately.
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Leave a RatingJoin Dine & Dish and Cookin’ Canuck for the California Avocado 4th of July Blast, sponsored by the California Avocado Commission.
Tim says
I used this recipe, but subbed a quarter cup of vanilla ice cream for the sweetened condensed milk and crushed ice – awesome dessert shake!
Julie Deily says
Sounds awesome, Tim! I’m going to have to try that!
Que says
This avocado smoothie is SOOOO delicious! I never would have thought it would taste this great! I will definitely be making this more!
Julie Deily says
So glad you liked it, Que! It’s a favorite for me and my siblings! We love it with boba too!
marla says
Great recipe! Will be linking back to this in my post today!
Cookin' Canuck says
I have yet to make an avocado smoothie (the closest I’ve come is a chilled avocado soup), but this sounds like a must-do. I’d love for you to share this up in the avocado link-up/giveaway that Kristen and I are hosting right now!
Sarah @ Miss CandiQuik says
Ohh, I wanna go there! Vietnamese coffee!? Is this with the sweetened condensed milk on the bottom of the individually brewed cup?
This smoothie sounds great…avocado is not bursting w/ flavor (which is good in this case), but I’m sure it makes the smoothie super “smooth”. 🙂
Julie Deily says
Yes, you are correct!! If you’re looking for a photography workshop, you should check out Todd & Diane’s site. I highly recommend their workshops!
brandi says
i want to move in there, too!! i hope i can go to one of their workshops sometime.
TerriAnn @ Cookies and Clogs says
Avocado…smoothie? Just the combination of ingredient and dish reeled me in. It’s such an odd pairing in my mind but the recipe looks delicious. Wow, what an amazing experience! I couldn’t imagine that your already gorgeous shots could get even better. Those are beautiful photos you took! Too bad I missed you while on my side of the country but hopefully we’ll be able to connect one day.
Julie Deily says
Aww, TerriAnn, you’re so sweet! Thank you! I was in Orange County so it was a ways from. One day, we will meet! 🙂
Meg says
my goodness. this looks decadent!
Marly says
Julie – that sounds like so much fun. I really want to go to their workshop one of these days. Your photos were so great to begin with so I can’t wait to see the exciting things to come!!
Julie Deily says
You’re so sweet, Marly! Thank you!!
Cate says
Oooh… you lucky duck. Diane and Todd are so amazing- I love all their photo tutorials on their blog. And your photos are looking great 🙂
Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies says
Your photos are all so beautiful–thank you so much for sharing the details of the workshop because I am totally convinced that I should do it now! 😀 I’m glad you had such a great time!
Thyme (Sarah) says
Loved seeing your photos from one of their workshops. I would LOVE to attend one and really hope I can in the future. Your photos look wonderful and I can’t believe their prop room.
Paula- bell'alimento says
That looks like an incredible weekend. I MUST get myself to one of their workshops. Must!
Maria says
How fun! I adore T and D! Love the smoothie too!
diane and todd says
you have an amazing eye Julie, looking at these images is proof. And this is just the beginning for you and your love affair with lighting. It was a treat to have you join us at the workshop. Look forward to seeing more of your new images! xo
Julie Deily says
Thank you so much, Diane & Todd! You’re wonderful teachers who have a huge gift, it’s wonderful that you share it with others. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Melinda@LookWhatMomFoundandDadtoo! says
that sounds like so much fun. I’m not a food blogger but I really want to learn to take better pictures of everything!
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen says
What a great experience! Finding your style in photography and writing, is the perfect way to enjoy having a blog and get others to enjoy it too!
Bunkycooks says
It is all so true about your friends and being authentic, etc. etc. It is great that Todd and Diane continue to weave that discussion into their workshops. That is why they are so incredible! 🙂 Your photos are looking smashing! Guess I need to get out to CA for some of those margaritas and a little food photography instruction!
Julie Deily says
Yes, do it, Gwen!! For sure.
MommyNamedApril says
oh, julie! i’m so jealous of the workshop! and that prop room! *swoon* not that your photography needs any help. you are seriously talented 😀
Lori says
Such a great post! Thanks so much for sharing. Your photos look amazing. I was just thinking as I looked through this post how much your work has evolved since we met in Atlanta at the FBF. You are an inspiration! There is a slight chance I could be in California before the end of the year so I’m definitely going to pay attention to their next scheduled classes. From the little I’ve corresponded with Diane and Todd they are not only amazing photographers, but amazing people.
Julie Deily says
Lori,
What a kind thing to say and to notice, thank you so much! If you’re in California…you should definitely make it to one of their food photography workshops…yes they are amazing people. They are as genuine as they come. PS I would subscribe to their blog via email so you don’t miss the announcement, that’s what I did! Hope all is well, Lori!!
Leslie Wootton says
Hi Julie,
It’s Leslie from the workshop. Your shots turned out beautifully! I’m so glad to be reading your blog now. You’ve inspired me to start my own eventually. I’m working on it and I’ll let you know when it’s up. Todd and Diane were amazing and I totally endorse them as well for anyone who is interested in a work shop. I just went to Home Depot yesterday and bought a bunch of boards. Tonight I’m planning on making your delicious avocado smoothie! Take care.
Julie Deily says
Hi Leslie,
Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words. It was so nice to meet you!! WHEN you start that blog, please drop me an email me and let me know. I cannot wait to see it. The best advice I got when I “said” I wanted to start a food blog was to “stop talking about it and just do it”. It doesn’t have to look perfect when you start, you’ll learn along the way. And the only regret I had when I first started was not started 6 months earlier when I said, I want to start a food blog! I went to Home Depot and bought a bunch of boards last weekend too. Keep in touch, via email or twitter. I can’t wait to see what you end up doing. 😀
Shaina says
I love Todd and Diane. I learned so much from their first Boulder workshop they did, and I never miss a chance to hear them speak at a conference. The smoothie is gorgeous. I love a good avocado in just about anything.
Julie Deily says
Thank you, Shaina! I love Todd & Diane too, they are so giving of their knowledge & their passion.
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
Sounds like a fantastic time Julie! Maybe I’ll have the opportunity to attend one someday. Your photos are so beautiful!
Julie Deily says
Thank you so much, Rachel! I hope you get the opportunity…for sure I think it’s more worth it to hit up their workshop than a conference.
Kim says
Beautiful photos, Julie! The light in that studio is beautifully filtered, and the residents know a thing or two about photography. 😛 I get so inspired every time I’m standing in that studio (and prop room).
Thank you for passing along what you learned – next time you’re here, swing by the RGB and say hello!
[K]
Rachel Cooks (formerly Not Rachael Ray) says
What an amazing experience, thanks for sharing! Love all your photos.
Julie Deily says
Thank you so much, Rachel!!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
I’m totally moving into their prop room too, think they have room for the both of us? 😉
Sarah says
Thanks for sharing your experience at this wonderful photography workshop. I’m always looking for ways to improve my own skills and your tips were helpful. Wouldn’t it be great to have so many props!
Laura @ GotChocolate says
Oh wow, Julie! This looks like an amazing time! I learned some things from you on photography from just reading this.
Question: I know what deliberate means, but could you clarify how you mean it when shooting photos? Take less of them?
You’re photos are absolutely beautiful!!!
Julie Deily says
Aww, Laura! Thank you so much!! Yes, how I take photos, pay attention to lighting, to framing inside the camera and then taking the shot and not just taking tons of shots. If it’s not working, move the plate, change the angle, change the angle of lighting and then reshoot. And definitely take less photos! 🙂 It was an amazing experience and one I know will change my photography forever.
Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch says
Such great tips! Todd & Diane are masterful artists and photographers and just look at those great photographs you made! Beautiful!!!!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
I love avocados, but I’ve never tried an avocado smoothie. Pretty sure I have all of the ingredients on hand, so I’ll have to give it a whirl!
Julie Deily says
I hope you like it, Tara! I have another avocado, I need to make it again today!
Sommer@ASpicyPerspective says
Awesome shots and smoothie Julie, but honestly I could not stop staring at that prop room. JEALOUS.
amanda @ fake ginger says
That’s so awesome! I wish I was able to travel to one of their workshops. Lots of great tips in your post though! 🙂
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
LOL! When I saw this on pinterest, I pinned it to my board “healthy lifestyle”. When I came to find the recipe, I see it’s maybe not so much. That said, it certainly does look and sound yummy even if it’s not the healthiest green drink I’ve seen 😉
Julie Deily says
Haha, Renee! If I’m known for anything, it’s not known for being healthy! Hehe 🙂
LiztheChef says
I, too, am a huge fan of Todd and Diane and learned so much from their teachings. I never take a shot without thinking of Diane, telling us to pick out our “hero”, the do groupings in odd numbers – and how she never uses a tripod!
Bev @ Bev Cooks says
AMAZING, Julie. Leaps and bounds, girl. Seriously.
See you in 3 weeks!
sweetsugarbelle says
Another comment…I love your motto. I try to live by these types of rules. And do you think they would notice two cots…I showed Bernie the prop room pic to justify my “problem”…and, I LOVE BOBA…maybe you could do a post on that one day. I ordered them for a long time…and made them sweetened with honey, but I would like to know the “real” way to do this. Taro is prolly my fave!
sweetsugarbelle says
I threw avocado in my green smoothie the other day and loved the creamyness it added! It is my dream to go to a T&D workshop one day. HOW FUN!
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc. says
how fun! You lucky girl! Fabulous
Carolyn says
Oh my, that workshop looks so great. So does the smoothie!
katie says
I loved reading about your experience at Todd & Diane’s workshop. It is definitely a workshop that is officially on the radar although my travel budget for 2012 is already stretched—I think its on my 2013 budget! lol. Your photos are breathtakingly beautiful and I can only imagine how much more you are going to grow as a food blogger from this experience!
I’m so glad that we are friends and love how you speak about nurturing the friends we have! This is such a true statement. I’m glad that I can always pick up my phone and call you or text you about random stuff! Thank you for being such a great friend!
shelly (cookies and cups) says
I think you know, but I SO want to go to one of their workshops.
Winnie says
Such a lovely recap Julie. I dream of attending one of T and D’s workshops!
Julie Deily says
Thank you, Winnie. I can’t believe it’s been a year since I have seen you at BHF in ATL. I hope you’re doing well and you should definitely make it out for one of Todd & Diane’s workshop!
Diane {Created by Diane} says
Looks like a FABULOUS workshop!!!
and well that settles it I’m going to HAVE to make this smoothie…YOU made it look so wonderful. and lucky me I have some avocados ripening right now 🙂
samantha says
your pictures are fab, Julie. Sounds like a really great workshop! I definitely want to look into it. I loved you, Todd & Diane from FBF, I want more! If you get a cot, I want one too!
Julie Deily says
Haha, I wish!! Wouldn’t that be awesome?
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
Oh wow! It looks like you took an amazing class. I”m super jealous! This smoothie sounds awesome. I’m going to try it asap!
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
What an awesome post and so happy for you that you were able to attend! I attend Food & Light last summer with them in Boulder, probably similar…and learned soo much. Would have loved to just do it in O.C. though, right in my backyard. Great post and tips, Julie!
Julie Deily says
Thank you, Averie!!
Cassie says
Sounds like you had a wonderful time at the workshop. I am keeping that on my radar!
Julie Deily says
Hey Cassie, it was an amazing time and if you can fit it into your budget & schedule, it’s a must!!