From the perspective of roots

I decided to extend my Vagabond series to other cities we visit regularly and lately, it seems we're in California every other month. While I am never at a loss of things to do there, I'm not usually left with much time to explore new places. (The beach and friends take top priority!) However, being list driven, I filled my handy notebook with all of the places I'd yet to check out.

When we found ourselves back in LA last month, we only had a few hours to spare and I knew exactly where I wanted to go.  My friend Jora had recently written a post about visiting Olvera Street, the oldest part of downtown Los Angeles. I couldn't believe I'd never heard of it, let alone the fact that I'd never even thought to seek out where the city was originally settled.

The city of Los Angeles was founded in 1781 by 44 "Pobladores" or settlers who set up the early Pueblo (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Angeles di Porciúncula) near the Los Angeles River (Rio Porciúncula). The area included 29 buildings and farm plots around a traditional, Spanish-style plaza.

Fast forward 230 years, Olvera Street might be a speck on the Los Angeles grid, but it's still an important piece of history. Here, one can shop, eat and take in the Old Mexican/Early Californian culture. There are musicians, street vendors, and many historic buildings all around, not to mention the oldest house (the Avila Adobe) in Los Angeles. It's definitely worth checking out!

Connected

A little over a week ago, I received an anonymous comment that was so lovely I just had to share. It was written in French and on a really old blog post, so I doubt that anyone would happen upon it on their own. I spent a long time trying to translate it properly -- and even if it isn't exactly right, it made me smile to think that someone so far away would leave me such a beautiful note.

Part of the beauty of the internet is that little journey we take by the click of a link. And then perhaps another and another until we find ourselves where we need to be right then. That moment is small but sometimes profound or at least tangible.

When was the last time you left a comment that made someone think twice?

Trait d'appui en retrait soulève une diagonale et à l'angle indique son existent.

Au sommet de la droite vers une extrémité de cinq pas, place deux boucles entre une intention et un environnement pour un équilibre.

Si demain, je prend une pomme, l'audace sera de laisser les fruits pour perpétuer la vie et honorer le nombre que j'ignore.

Prendre c'est comme donner, à soi et aux autres sachant qu'il existe entre nous un lien, une histoire mieux une perception.

Oh bel ami, demain allons lire le reflet des rivières et prenons quelques myrtilles dans les sentiers peuplés de fleurs.

Real Food Styling + Photography Workshop

After six busy weeks of traveling, I can officially say I am home to stay. Well... at least for the rest of the month anyway! This past weekend was well worth the effort though, because I was able to train with two of the industry's best at their studio in Long Beach, California. Matt Armendariz and Adam Pearson were kind enough to share their extensive knowledge and trade secrets with me and 9 other talented photographers, designers and food bloggers at their "Real Food Styling and Photography Workshop."

I've been following both of their careers for several years now and let me just say, not only are they incredible artists, they are also genuinely friendly, fun and accessible. It's no wonder they have been so successful!

Before the class began, I had a wander around the studio and I must preface with this: they have the most enviable "prop closet" ever! Technically, it takes up the entire loft of their studio and is full of everything you could possibly imagine. I could have stood there and pawed each piece for hours. It was that beautiful!

But back to what we were there for... learning!

First, Adam showed us how to style and plate cheeseburgers. Admittedly, I am NOT a food stylist. While I love beautifully styled food, it is safe to say that I will leave that job to the true experts! Regardless, it is fascinating to see how real food is composed for the camera. There were no strange tools like glue, motor oil or shoe polish used. To quote Adam, they make "perfectly imperfect food" which I think is one of the reasons why I love their work so much. You can't fake a natural quality!

Above, Adam teaches us how to style a cheeseburger and below, are some of our creations.
I was totally blown away with the talent in our class and I clearly need to practice my styling each time I cook.
(Mine is that boring one on the right!)

After each styling session, we took turns photographing our work. Matt taught us about lighting, shooting tethered, using a tripod and setting up our composition. Watching him work in his own space and see how and what he used was one of my favorite parts of the workshop. (Unfortunately, I didn't take enough photos of Matt.)

Next we styled and plated pasta. Adam artfully arranged the noodles, meatballs and cheese on a layer of mashed potatoes (for volume).

Look at how great some of my classmates dishes came out. (I wish I could've taken photos of everyone else's work.)

And then there's mine. Hmph... At least I can say that I've massaged marinara into noodles and meatballs! 

Last but not least, we learned how to dollop. Dolloping takes serious skill, yo! And frankly, mine didn't come out so well, but it was fun to learn and something I will forever recognize in food photography as a true art form!

All in all, it was a fantastic workshop. I loved seeing both Matt and Adam in action. Not to mention, I met a group of talented individuals that I was able to learn from as well!

But most of all, I am forever grateful for all of the questions that they answered for me. They were both so candid and open. (Thank you guys!)

If you are interested in food photography or styling, I highly recommend taking one of their workshops.

To view all of the images I shot, click HERE.