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SOLD OUT Video & Photography WORKSHOP/RETREAT: Finding Your Voice. Thursday July 14th – Monday July 18th 2022

May 2, 2022 By stemsandforks Leave a Comment

Held at Foxglove, a 200 year old original farm house situated on 70 acres of beautiful rolling hills just outside of Orangeville, Ontario, participants will experience true farm life in style. This workshop will be 4 days of intense video and photography study where you’ll learn mise-en-scène; composition, styling, angles, props, lighting, sound, and editing (Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, Premiere Pro). And of course some guidance to help discover your visual voice. 

Retreat will be fully catered using local fare with dinners al fresco along a tree lined path whilst listening to our very own baroque cellist at sunset. Fine dining in our own private room at Keith Froggett’s Greystones Restaurant and wine tastings with lunch at a local vineyard. 

Couple options. Stay at the farmhouse or commute. (located about 1 hour outside of Toronto). Limited spaces. 

Paragraph I wrote to announce the last workshop…My sentiments have not changed. 

Photography in its purest form is a documentation of a moment, an essence, a memory, a vision, a soul. It’s one of the strongest mediums to tell a story, and in recent years, it has become the most accessible and democratic form of art and expression. Today, particularly through social media we are overwhelmed with visual diaries. Windows into the souls of our friends, celebrities and even pets. This was not the case 25 years ago when smartphones didn’t exist. Photography was different. Every frame mattered in an age when camera live views didn’t exist and film rolls were expensive to develop. 

During this workshop, we will go back to the way we photographed. With meaning, intention and purpose. To photograph the soul of ones subject as if it were one’s own through today’s looking glass; the camera.

Foxglove Farms, Alliston Ontario

Schedule Summary

Thursday July 14th 6:30 PM – 9 PM

***Those arriving from out of town are welcome to come to the farmhouse anytime after 4:30 PM***

Cocktails, dinner, introductions, schedule review, setting goals.

Photography/Editing: (1.5 days)

  • Hands on style sessions on styling/creating a still life scene with local produce, food, and foraged botanicals
  • How to create the dramatic technique, ‘chiaroscuro’, the use of strong contrasts between light and dark in photography. 
  • Followed by an in-depth session on editing in a painterly style in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 

Video/Editing: (2 days)

  • Fundamentals on how to shoot video with your camera – settings for cinematic, slow motion, footage etc
  • How to create a striking and emotive story under 1 minute via use of light, props, angles, speed and composition.
  • Film a short video and learn how to edit both video and sound on Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Gimbals and stabilizers will be available 

Friday July 15th 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

-Finding your VOICE

-Gear & the basics of filming VIDEO

-Hands on Photography/Video style session and shoot with still life (video/photography combo optional)

-Floral garlanding and centrepiece demo

-Baroque Cellist Felix Deak will perform during cocktail hour. See below for bio.

-Dinner al fresco 

Saturday July 16th 9:00 AM- 9:00 PM

-Premiere Pro video editing

-1:1 Sessions 

-Still life and cocktail styling session

-editing tutorial Adobe Lightroom Classic

-Dinner at Greystones Restaurant 

Sunday July 17th 9:00 AM – 9:00 AM

-business/social media

-1:1 portfolio consultation

-wine tour and lunch

-editing pics and/or video

-video screening of participants work

Detailed schedule available upon request and booking.

Excursions: 

-Wine tasting tour at Adamo Vineyards.

-Fine dining experience in a private room at beautiful Greystones Restaurant (owned by Keith Froggett, chef at the legendary institution Scaramouche in Toronto) 

-Shelly Perry one of the partners from Valley of Mother Of God Gin shaking up some cocktails.

-All meals will be catered

Meals/Drinks: 

Snacks, beverages, and all meals will be served (3-4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners and endless snacks and drinks) for all participants, those commuting and staying overnight.

DATE: Thursday July 14th 6:00 PM to Sunday July 17th 9:30 PM 2022 with option to stay until Monday July 18th 10:00 AM

Cost: 

$2500 Canadian + HST  NO overnight accommodations but all meals/refreshments included (located 1.5 hour outside Toronto)

(Those not staying overnight are welcome to stay at the farmhouse until 9PM in the evening)

$3500 Canadian + HST  Accommodations and meals/refreshments included

Included: Includes all materials, meals and refreshments. 

Not included: Travel to Ontario, Canada 

Spaces available: 7-9 

Who should attend?

This program is ideal for photographers/videographers, bloggers, social media influencers/content creators, food/floral stylists, food industry specialists such as restaurant owners, and portrait photographers and those interested in photography and/or styling your food, flowers or subject with an edge. Some basic knowledge of how to use a camera is recommended to attend this workshop. However all levels of photographers are welcome.

BRING: Laptop with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom CC, Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro 2021 installed, any type of digital camera with memory card(s) and fully charged battery, charger, and any special props you’d like to use. However I will have some props, tripods, gimbals, stabilizers and C stand available.

Please email: contact@stemsandforks.com for more information or to register.

Terms & Conditions:

Bookings are non-refundable unless you are able to find someone to take your place. 

Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the facilitator.

In the event (Ontario) government issues a provincewide Stay-At-Home order that requires everyone to remain at home due to COVID-19, we will notify you as soon as possible. You may have the option of a full refund –  or credit applied to the next workshop/retreat. 

Beginning March 1, 2022, in-person events will be permitted up to 100% capacity and there is no general requirement for participants to have received a COVID-19 vaccination. Every effort will be made to sanitize high traffic areas multiple times throughout the day. 

For more information or to register email: contact@stemsandforks.com

See you there.

Valley of Mother of God Gin, Maplewood Smoked Juniper
Foxglove Farmhouse
FoxGlove Lounge
Foxglove Sitting Room
Driveway to Farmhouse – Image provided by Shelly Perry.
Felix Deak, baroque cellist/gambist is a recording artist and regularly tours with Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Montreal based viol consort Les Voix Humaines. Super thrilled and excited to welcome Felix to perform for us. Photo: Matthew Marigold

Filed Under: Workshops

SOLD OUT. Through the Looking Glass: Photography & Editing Workshop Toronto February 22nd and February 23rd 2020. An introspective session bringing soul back into photos.

January 21, 2020 By stemsandforks 2 Comments

A Photograph…captures a moment, an essence, a vision, a memory. It reveals the soul of the subject but more the soul of the person behind the camera. It is one of the strongest mediums to tell a story, and in recent years, it has become the most accessible, democratic form of art and expression. 

Today, particularily through social media we are overwhelmed with visual diaries. Windows into the souls of our sisters, friends, celebrities and even pets. This was not the case 25 years ago when smartphones didnt exist.  Photography was different. Every frame mattered in an age when camera live views didnt exist and film rolls were expensive to develop.

On Saturday February 22nd and Sunday February 23rd, I will be hosting a workshop that will go back to the way we photographed. With meaning, intention and purpose.  Through elements such as props, light, angles, composition, botanicals and editing, the simplest food or subject can be transformed into an opulent visual story. Learn to stand out from the ever growing saturated crowd of “photographers” and tell your unique narrative.  To photograph the soul of your subject as if it were your own through today’s looking glass; the camera. 

…

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Filed Under: Workshops Tagged With: adobe, camera, editing, learn, lightroom, photography, photos, photoshop, toronto, workshop

CANCELLED due to COVID- Paris In Spring: Photography Food Styling and Editing Workshop Saturday March 14th and Sunday March 15th 2020

January 20, 2020 By stemsandforks 2 Comments

Paris Photography/Editing Workshop Saturday March 14th and Sunday March 15th

Saturday, March 14th and Sunday, March 15th 2020

Paris…the most beguiling place to be during spring. She gives us blossoms of pink magnolias, warm sunbeams and soft rain mists. She sings with her gothic church bells, high and clear as her notes dapple the narrow cobble stoned pathways to lead us to scents of perfume and warm sweet bread. She’s centuries old and yet Paris still breathes and exhales art and culture with ease and abundance. She is a Goddess. The unrivalled Venus on earth and the ideal backdrop to reload oneself with creativity, memories and inspiration.

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Filed Under: Workshops Tagged With: food styling, lightroom, paris, photography, workshop

Sold Out Leamington Food Photography and Styling Workshops Thurs June 20th 2019 $100 per workshop

May 16, 2019 By stemsandforks Leave a Comment

WORKSHOP 1: Food Styling/Photography with your Camera (DSLR/Mirrorless)

Hosted by Taste Leamington, sponsored by DelFresco Pure , and in partnership with Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation Join food photographer and stylist, Betty Binon from Stems & Forks for a fun but intense afternoon to learn food photography and styling – whether you’re a hobby photographer or an established influencer, youll get some styling and photography advice and inspiration to thrust you to the next level. 

We’ll have step-by-step demos and a hands-on practice break out. Learn some amazing tips and tricks to elevate your food shots in restaurants and/or home & learn how to navigate editing apps. Betty will be sharing all her easy editing hacks to make that picture perfect.

There will also be a Q & A. So come armed with questions. We’ll also have a practical session on how to navigate social media. We’ll have available food props, boards, fresh botanicals and of course food to style and shoot.”

Date/Time: Thursday, June 20th, 2019 12PM -3:30PM

Price: This workshop was made possible through generous donations from sponsors. $100 each class

Location: Leamington Arts Centre 
72 Talbot St W 
Leamington, Ontario N8H 1M4
Canada 

TO PURCHASE A SEAT: Click on this Eventbrite link to book your CAMERA WORKSHOP Seat.

Food and refreshments generously supplied by @bradtsbutcherblock

Beautiful Pastries/cakes generously supplied by @thewoodenspoonbakeryaziz

Flowers are kindly provided by @houseofflowercm

SOLD OUT-WORKSHOP 2: Food Styling/Photography with your Smartphone

Hosted by Taste Leamington, sponsored by DelFresco Pure, and in partnership with Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation–Join food photographer and stylist, Betty Binon from Stems & Forks for a fun but intense evening to learn food photography and styling – whether you’re a hobby photographer or an established influencer, you’ll get some styling and photography advice and inspiration to thrust you to the next level. We’ll have step-by-step demos and a hands-on practice break out. Learn some amazing tips and tricks to elevate your food shots in restaurants and/or home. Learn how to navigate editing apps on your phone. Betty will be sharing all her easy editing hacks to make that picture perfect. There will also be a Q & A. So come armed with questions. We’ll also have a practical session on how to navigate social media. We’ll have available food props, boards, fresh botanicals and of course food to style and shoot.”

Date/Time: Thursday, June 20th, 2019 5PM – 8PM

Price: This workshop was made possible through generous donations from sponsors. $100 each class

Location: Leamington Arts Centre 
72 Talbot St W 
Leamington, Ontario N8H 1M4
Canada 

TO BOOK TICKETS: Click this link to go to EVENTBRITE to order tickets- SMART PHONE WORKSHOP

Food and refreshments generously supplied by @bradtsbutcherblock

Beautiful Pastries/cakes generously supplied by @thewoodenspoonbakeryaziz

Flowers are kindly provided by @houseofflowercm

 
 

SEE YOU IN LEAMINGTON!

Presenting Sponsors

@ExperienceLeamington

@ontsouthwest

Main Sponsor

@delfrescopure

Supporting Sponsor

@hippiesnacksorganic

@bradtsbutcherblock

@curedcraftbrewing

@azizfruitstand.thewoodenspoon

@houseofflowercm

Filed Under: Workshops

WORKSHOP: Rembrandt with a Camera: Styling and Shooting Fauna & Fare in London Saturday June 29th & Sunday June 30th 2019 -SOLD OUT-

February 24, 2019 By stemsandforks 1 Comment

Rembrandt with a Camera: Styling Fauna & Fare In London 

SOLD OUT — Two Day Intense Master Class 

Saturday June 29th and Sunday June 30th 2019 

In the spirit of the Dutch Golden Age still life paintings, we will be creating beauty “Vanitas” style. The idea that life is transient. As fragile as a plucked apple with her skin peeled exposing her vulnerable flesh. As futile as a tulip, blooming to a magnificent bloom only to drop its petals and bear seeds showing a new phase of life that is equally beguiling. The certainty of death, the reality of life for fruit, flower or man is ephemeral. When observing these Dutch masters still life paintings, they’re saturated with opulence yet dotted with frailty and decay to remind us of our futility. An exotic insect, a willful jasmine strand or an imperfectly perfect cluster of decaying grapes. 

Of course there is much intention and order when arranging asymmetrical still life’s. Every flower, every fruit and goblet has its place. We will examine how to translate and capture untamed poignant beauty through still life photography and styling. 

Join us Aimee Twigger @TwiggStudios Twigg Studios, Elise Dumas @ThePineappleChef  The Pineapple Chef and Betty Binon @StemsAndForks Stems & Forks for 2 full intense but fun days of learning. Whether you’re a hobby photographer and need camera knowledge or an established influencer looking for motivation and inspiration. You’ll get tons of styling, photography advice and inspiration that will thrust you to the next level. We’ll have step-by-step demos, hands-on practice breakouts with the instructors guiding each participant individually. 

There will even be a session where participants make their own floral crown. This will segue us to discover the art of portrait photography and the Rembrandt triangle. And of course there will be cake and macarons, food props, boards, fresh botanicals and fruits to style and shoot.

All this followed up by an intense hands on lesson on how to edit your images on Adobe Lightroom Classic CC.

We’ll also have a session on how to navigate social media and treat your blog/social media like a business. So come armed with your questions. 

When: June 29 and June 30, 2019

Saturday June 29th 2019

9:30 AM to 5:00 PM 

Sunday June 30th 2019

9:30 AM to 5:00 PM followed by a toast to close the workshop

Where: Central London, England. Exact location TBA

What is this workshop about?

Spend 2 intense but fun days in a studio in the heart of London, with Aimee Twigger, Elise Dumas and Betty Binon to learn all their handy tips and expertise on capturing that picture-perfect shot.

Topics to be covered:

Camera Basics: 

-Shooting in manual with your DSLR camera

-The importance of ISO, aperture, shutter and shooting in RAW

Using Natural Lighting: 

-Using natural light to create light and airy or dark and moody shots

-how to manipulate a dark and moody scene

-how to remove shadows, add shadows etc.

Food Styling: 

-Exploring various types of props and how to use them to their fullest to elevate your story

-Telling a visual story…how to style your product/subject to reflect it’s fullest potential…composition, angles, lighting, tone, colour etc. in a photograph 

-Styling and Capturing the essence of a Dutch Still life 

Flower Crown Tutorial:

-Fresh floral crown demo and DIY floral crown with your own fresh flowers

Portrait photography: 

-how to use lighting effectively, capturing the character/personality of your subject, tips on maintaining flattering positions of your subject, the Rembrandt triangle etc…

Adobe Lightroom Classic CC

-Adobe Lightroom editing skills – transform your image with Lightroom Classic CC including some tips and tricks

-Learn all the modules and sliders in Lightroom and what they do

Social Media and Making your Blog a Business:

-Navigating social media – and how to grow your followers and engagement

-Making your blog into a business

-how to make a media kit – price list

Who should attend?

This program is ideal for food bloggers, floral designers, social media influencers, food stylist and photographers and those interested in photography and/or styling your food, flowers or subject to tell a visual story. The workshop welcomes the beginner photographer and the refined photographer looking for inspiration and a different edge on styling. We recommend a DSLR camera, however, phone cameras/point and shoot cameras are welcome too.

Languages:

The entire workshop will be taught in English (French available on request) 

Cost: £750 for both days

Single day: £440  (however we strongly recommend that both days be attended to fully appreciate and absorb the material/information)

(Not included: Travel and accommodations)

This cost will cover snacks, drinks (alcohol not included) and a light lunch, materials and flowers for the floral crown and styling for both days of the workshop.

Instructors: Betty Binon, Elise Dumas and Aimee Twigger

FOR ALL BOOKINGS please email: aimeetwigger@aol.com

For general inquiries, please email 

Betty Binon: contact@stemsandforks.com  

Elise Dumas: thepineapplechef@gmail.com

We will be limiting the number of participants to a small group of 15 to ensure maximal one-on-one time. Spaces are limited so booking early is highly recommended.

Bookings are non-refundable unless you are able to find someone to take your place. 

See you there!

Photo by Elise Dumas @thepineapplechef

Photo by Aimee Twigger @twiggstudios

Filed Under: Workshops

SOLD OUT Toronto FOOD STYLING AND PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP Saturday April 6th 2019

February 23, 2019 By stemsandforks Leave a Comment

One Day Intensive Workshop

Saturday April 6th 2019

This workshop will demonstrate how to style food to tell the best and most appropriate visual story for your food or subject.  Through elements such as props, natural light, angles, botanicals and editing, the simplest food or subject can be transformed into an opulent visual story. Learn how to achieve a bright and vibrant scene or a dark and moody painterly capture.  

There will be a hands on style sessions where you can create a still life scene with cake, food and props. As well as an opportunity to work with a model to learn the art of Rembrandt’s chiaroscuro/lighting and triangle technique in portraits. All this will be followed up with a tutorial on editing your work in Adobe Lightroom.

Spaces are very LIMITED so book soon.

Saturday, April 6th 2019 From 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Time: 9:30 AM- 5:30 PM 

Instructors:

Betty Binon @stemsandforks 

Where:

Spend the day in my studio North of TORONTO to learn: 

My studio in Thornhill, Ontario 1 km north of Toronto (Bayview/Steeles area). With ample space, windows and props.

Topics Covered:

-the art and theory behind styling your food or subject to tell a visual story

-chiaroscuro effect in photography: how to manipulate natural light to its fullest to create strong light and dark shadows

-alternatively, how to brighten your subject to eliminate shadows with limited tools and/or instruments

-how to create a strong effective mood and story with minimal props in your home or business

-Shooting in manual with your DSLR camera

-the importance of ISO, aperture, shutter and shooting in raw

-we will style a food scene, shoot it and edit on Adobe Lightroom with Betty’s help

-Adobe Lightroom editing skills-best practices to transform your image with Lightroom including some very handy hacks- I will share ALL my Lightroom skills

-Navigating social media — and how to grow your followers and engagement

-How to make your blog a business/brand

There will be a large selection of props and food boards you can choose from to use for our break out sessions as well some fresh flowers, vines from the garden and produce available for your still life shots.

Who should attend?

This program is ideal for food bloggers, beginner photographers, floral designers, social media influencers, food stylist, food industry specialists such as restaurant owners, and portrait photographers and those interested in photography and/or styling your food, flowers or subject with an edge. I recommend a DSLR camera, however, phone cameras/point and shoot cameras are welcome too.

For ALL BOOKINGS and inquiries please email Betty Binon contact@stemsandforks.com 

I will be limiting the number of participants to a very small group to ensure lots of 1:1 time. Spaces are limited so booking early is highly recommended.

BRING: Laptop with Adobe Lightroom Classic CC installed, Camera with memory card and fully charged battery, tripod (if avail) and any special props you’d like to use. However loads of props here you can use to style and shoot with. 

Bookings are non-refundable unless you are able to find someone to take your place. 

Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the facilitators.

Not included: Travel and accommodations. Please email contact@stemsandforks.comfor accommodation recommendations.

Please email contact@stemsandforks.com for inquiries or bookings.

See you there!

Filed Under: Workshops

Food Styling and Photography Workshop Paris France-Saturday February 2nd 2019

December 5, 2018 By stemsandforks Leave a Comment

SOLD OUT

POUR LE FRANÇAIS 🇫🇷, VOIR CI-DESSOUS

Elise Dumas from @thepineapplechef and I are thrilled to announce that we’ll be joining forces again to offer an intense full day workshop from the city of love, Paris France.

Join us for a full day of intensive learning – whether you’re a hobby photographer or an established influencer, you’ll get tons of styling and photography advice and inspiration to thrust you to the next level.  We’ll have step-by-step demos, hands-on practice breakouts with Elise and I guiding each participant individually. All our tips and tricks will be shared so come armed with questions. We’ll also have a  practical session on how to navigate social media and treat your blog/social media like a business. We’ll have available food props, boards, fresh botanicals and of course food to style and shoot. 

Spaces are limited so book soon.

Food Styling and Photography Master Class:

When:

Saturday, February 2nd 2019

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Where: 

Gorgeous classic Parisian Studio in the trendy 7th Arrondissement, Paris, France

…

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Filed Under: Articles, Workshops

Food Styling and Photography Workshop

September 4, 2018 By stemsandforks Leave a Comment

FOOD STYLING AND PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 3rd 2018

SOLD OUT

One Day Intensive Workshop

This workshop will demonstrate how to style food to tell the best and most appropriate visual story for your food or subject.  Through elements such as props, natural light, angles, botanicals and editing, the simplest food or subject can be transformed into an opulent visual story. Learn how to achieve a bright and vibrant scene or a dark and moody painterly capture.  

There will be a hands on style sessions where you can create a still life scene with cake, food and props. As well as an opportunity to work with a model to learn the art of Rembrandt’s chiaroscuro/lighting and triangle technique in portraits. All this will be followed up with a tutorial on editing your work in Adobe Lightroom.

…

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Filed Under: Workshops

FOOD STYLING AND PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

September 3, 2018 By stemsandforks Leave a Comment

FOOD STYLING AND PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

SATURDAY OCTOBER 20TH 2018

SOLD OUT

One Day Intensive Workshop

This workshop will demonstrate how to style food to tell the best and most appropriate visual story for your food or subject.  Through elements such as props, natural light, angles, botanicals and editing, the simplest food or subject can be transformed into an opulent visual story. Learn how to achieve a bright and vibrant scene or a dark and moody painterly capture.  

There will be a hands on style sessions where you can create a still life scene with cake, food and props. As well as an opportunity to work with a model to learn the art of Rembrandt’s chiaroscuro/lighting and triangle technique in portraits. All this will be followed up with a tutorial on editing your work in Adobe Lightroom.

…

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Filed Under: Workshops

PRIVATE FLORAL MASTERCLASS: DUTCH INSPIRED URN ARRANGEMENT

August 20, 2018 By stemsandforks 4 Comments

PRIVATE 1:1 FLORAL MASTERCLASS: DUTCH INSPIRED URN ARRANGEMENT

Private One Day Workshops:

In the spirit of the Dutch Golden Age floral still life paintings, we will be creating beauty “vanitas” style. The idea that life is transient. As fragile as a large blossom standing tall from a thin stem. As futile as a tulip, blooming to a magnificent bloom only to drop its petals and bear seeds showing a new phase of life that is equally beguiling. The certainty of death, the reality of life for both flower and man is ephemeral. All captured in an unruly yet structured arrangement where every stem and bloom is purposeful. 

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Filed Under: Workshops

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