Day 1 - Ridley Road Market
Sometimes it's good to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.
I really didn't know what to expect when I signed up to the Still Life & Food Photography Masterclass at The Photographer's Gallery.
Would everyone be experts in food photography already? Would I be way out of my depth?
I've dabbled with food photography - spent hours re-arranging macarons on a tray to make them look pretty - and loved every minute of it - but it's hard!
The Masterclass was led by photographer Jonathan Lovekin who creates the beautiful photos for Nigel Slater and Yotam Ottolenghi books.
Over a glass of wine, Jonathan began by talking us through his work, his influences and a bit more about the food and still life photography genre. Frantically scribbling notes, I had a long list of painters and photographers to google further.
The next morning, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (after a coffee) we hit Ridley Road Market, to photograph stalls, produce - whatever caught our eye - and to buy food to photograph the following day back in the studio.
Over a delicious Turkish lunch at Mangal in Dalston, the eight of us on the class got to know each other better. Some worked as photographers already, for others it was a hobby to explore further.
Being outside, in the fresh air, somewhere completely new just felt invigorating. I felt excited to sit down and look through my pictures back at the gallery later that day.
Exhausted but inspired, I couldn't wait for Day 2 in the studio.
