Natural light, natural food photography workshop in The Kitchen at Camont with Kate Hill and Tim Clinch

The invitation came just as I arrived in Paris in late June. “Join us at the table at Camont for le 14 juillet.”  As an amateur food photographer, an invitation from Kate Hill to come and work in her kitchen with Tim Clinch is like winning the lottery.  Kate runs Camont, a culinary retreat in Gascony in south-west France. On her site, she asks “Want to change the way you cook? Reboot your own style? Or get inspired by an up close and personal relationship with the people who grow our food?”   Tim is an award winning photographer (whose credits include Conde Nast Traveller) who runs photography workshops at Camont, amongst other locations.  He shoots using only available natural light and claims that his workshops “offer you a chance to explore a different approach to food photography and styling…a natural one.”

To be honest, at first glance, some of these descriptions sound a little, well, airy fairy.  Changing the way I cook, changing my outlook on photography? But hey, I was ready for a change. I’ve been to a few food blogging conferences where I have attended photography sessions which were of little to no use to me in practical terms. Hearing from someone who is a professional that you just need to “find your style, shoot what you love and be passionate about it”, well it may be inspiring (the first time) but it’s not too helpful. Of course, such sessions don’t promise to fix your photography or give you much technical insight (they cannot possibly in such a short amount of time) so it’s not fair to compare a three day workshop with a 40 minute (or less) session. But I was definitely ready. Ready for more. Ready to challenge myself. Ready to take my photography and technical knowledge to the next level. But was I ready for the world of Kate and Tim?

This is a question that a few people asked me when I told them I was attending the weekend workshop.  On reading the description of what the workshop would cover, more than one person suggested that this might be too advanced for me. Over my head. Aimed at people who are looking to become professional photographers. Not food bloggers looking to take better pictures. To be honest, even I wondered if I would be in over my head. I mean, me – little old me – working alongside someone who shoots for Traveller? Really? What would he think? Would he be understanding? Would he be able to unstick me from the rut of taking *ok* pictures and help me take different shots? Could he teach me to take chances with my photography, stop taking the safe (easy) shots? I hoped so but was nervous nonetheless.  And I mean, not to mention the fact that I was going to a country home to spend time (a LOT of time) with three people and 2 dogs I had never met. What if we hated each other?

I shouldn’t have worried. About anything actually. The moment I arrived in Agen late one Thursday night to be greeted by Kate and the lovely Bacon (her dog), I knew it was going to be ok.  Driving through the dark back lanes en route to Camont, Kate and I fell into easy conversation – we have common friends and a common love (charcuterie).

Arriving at Camont, we were greeted by Tim and Monica – the only other student that weekend – sharing Armagnac and apricots at the kitchen table.  And immediately, I knew I had hit the jackpot. Far from being self-important and arrogant, Tim is humble and, well, hilarious. And kind and generous. Monica (and her sweet dog Rocky) and I also hit it off straight away. An American living in England, Monica was also stuck in the “same old same old” photography rut so it felt good to not be the only one Tim had to help. Initially I was concerned that the other student might be a way better photographer than me so I didn’t even look at Monica’s blog or work until after I had met her. I didn’t want to be more intimidated than I already was. Turns out, we all got on famously. Kind of like, the Famous Five. Except we were only four. (I guess you had to be there, right? 😉 )

I’m not going to go into a blow-by-blow description of the weekend, that would be boring.  Some highlights though –

Driving around the countryside and stopping when something inspired us…

Taking the time to stop and look, I mean really look. And use all-manual settings on my camera.

Watching – and capturing – Kate making a simple, exquisite apricot tart.

Sourcing peaches to make clafoutis.

Heading to the market in Nérac. For me this was one of the defining moments of the weekend. Far from snapping away at every single stand of gorgeous fresh produce, meat, cheese, charcuterie, bread or seafood, I took probably 100 shots that morning at the market (way less than I usually would). Including these:

Not your usual market shots, huh? Well not MY usual market shots. I actually took the time to stop and watch the people. Because people interacting with the vendors and their food IS the story in any market.  This has been very freeing for me, as I spent a lot of time in markets this summer in France. The more markets I went to the less photos I took. Because in my head I could hear Tim saying “What’s the story?. So now, instead of simply ooh-ing and aaah-ing over the (admittedly gorgeous) food (and I still do that in my head, for sure!), I’m trying to tell a story with what I shoot. It’s a steep learning curve and stopping myself from taking more photos is hard. But then again, that’s what my iPhone and Instagram is for, right? 😉

Kate, on the other hand, did not show as much restraint as she wandered the market, chatting with the people who have now become her friends. Kate is most definitely at one with the way of life in Gascony….

The spread from the market trip…

As you can see, someone Bacon is rather interested in seeing if there might be something for him…

Once back from the market, we got to watch Kate cooking.  Watching Kate bake and cook that weekend has changed a lot about the way I do things in my own kitchen, I am sure she will be pleased to hear!

Kate making the pastry for the apricot tart was probably the one “lightbulb moment” in terms of cooking. She made it look so easy. And, well, that’s because it is easy. “It’s just ingredients” she told us. And she’s right. Pastry has always been a little bit my nemesis but since my trip to Camont, I have made pastry for both savoury and sweet dishes countless times. Each time better than the next. It’s not scary. It’s just pastry.  A defining moment was when, on our last night in Sablet, we literally had NO dessert. (I know, the outrage!). And a wonderful bottle of Beaumes de Venise to drink. But we did have peaches, pears and apples. And eggs, flour and butter. Voilà, dessert dilemma solved.

And I did it without even really thinking. It was kind of automatic. THIS is what Kate is talking about when she says that Camont will change the way you cook.

Truly, and I can’t stress it enough, watching Kate (and this is going to sound silly) interacting with her food as she shops for and prepares it is both calming and invigorating all at the same time. Using only seasonal, local produce, Kate is inspired by the day’s offerings either at the market or in her own garden. It’s the way we should all be eating and cooking. And it’s what we all know, right? But seeing it in action, truly in action, makes it hit home more. It’s “right”. And it makes me want to emulate that, as much as possible now I am home (though we don’t exactly have the giant market close to our house, I can shop local at the vendors on my high street or at my tiny farmers’ market once a week at the end of my street). I might not be able to have Kate’s life (yet) but I can take what I have learned from her home.


And in terms of photography? Monica and I watched Tim, tentatively, that first morning. Shooting the apricots that would be come the tart. He shot a few pictures, showed them to us, gave a few suggestions and then went to work photographing Kate in the kitchen. Close by, but not hovering. Close enough to shout a few suggestions but not telling us what to do. This is scary. I am a Taurus. I like to know what I am supposed to be doing. Monica, it seemed, felt the same way. We kind of flailed about with our cameras at first but soon got the hang of it. Find something you like the look of. Find a place you think it might look even better. Find an angle that works (preferably something different from the dreaded “top down” shot syndrome from which Monica and I seemed/seem (?) to suffer) and shoot away.

Now you might think that this type of instruction sounds about as useful as being told that if you are passionate your photos will be amazing.  And I guess it depends on how you approach the workshop. If you truly DO want to find your style, there’s no point having someone style each shot for you, right?

Even though it was hard for me to be left on my own like that feeling at some points that I had no idea what I was doing, I was determined to “go with the flow” that weekend and the biggest thing I probably learned was to slow down. Yes, that’s right, slow. down. When a workshop has a siesta scheduled in every afternoon, you know it means business. I have to say neither Monica or I took a nap on any day but we did take a while to sit and ponder. Something it seems neither of us take the time to do too often. Though now we know how important it is. Slowing down that weekend helped me take what I consider to be some of my best pictures to date.


And as for the photos?

Well, the pictures in this post are not perfect shots, technically or maybe even in terms of composition. But for a learning weekend, I’m pretty happy with the results.  I’m hoping that those of you who read my blog regularly will take a look at these pictures and realise that they are different. They’re not “not Mardi” but they’re not my regular “look” either. They are very different from the types of pictures I normally take. They don’t so much have a “style” – let’s just say I am experimenting for now.   I’m also hoping that in the past month, you might have noticed a change in the photos on my blog, even though it might still be subtle.  Though Tim would tell me to go for it in my search for a style, I am still a Taurus at heart. So I go forth with caution.

A huge component of the weekend was learning how to use Lightroom. I have had this on my computer for an embarrassingly long time. I’ve been scared to use it. Too many tutorials I have read made it sound way too complicated and I am a hands-on learner so a book or an online tutorial isn’t the best way for me to learn. But watching Tim work magic in Lightroom with literally a few clicks – he doesn’t spend very long editing pictures – as he says, “you can’t make a bad photo good in post-processing”, so it makes sense to work hard to get the best shot you can in your camera and then just make it better in post-processing – resulted in a huge WOW factor for both Monica and me.  And to be fair, I probably don’t use 95% of what Lightroom has to offer (yet) but I learned a few tips with Tim that have really (well, I think) helped me spend less time for better results in post-processing. I am spending way less time processing my pictures there days – I find Lightroom so much easier than Photoshop Elements, more intuitive. But it’s personal preference, right?

In any case, the most important lesson from Tim was about getting the good shot in the camera. That can’t be stressed enough.

Those of you who follow me on Twitter or Instagram might recall much merriment that weekend in Camont.  Rosé in the garden.  Heading to the night market in Vianne and spending a good long while there. Observing. Being. And being so taken with the moment that someone Tim nearly lost his cash in his oyster shells.

(no, this one is not a pretty food picture. It’s a moment.)

It was truly a weekend of friendship. Fun. Learning. And taking the time. Slowing down. I cannot recommend this experience highly enough. If the opportunity presents itself, run, don’t walk to The Kitchen at Camont. It WILL change the way you cook, photograph and more.

Kate Hill and Tim Clinch in The Kitchen at Camont

Disclosure: I was a guest of Kate Hill and Tim Clinch at Camont for their Natural Light Natural Food Photography workshop. I was not required to post about this workshop and am not being compensated for doing so. All opinions (and photos, believe it or not!!!) are 100% my own.

You can read Monica’s Food Story from Gascony here.

 

40 thoughts on “Natural light, natural food photography workshop in The Kitchen at Camont with Kate Hill and Tim Clinch”

  1. Nice post. Great shot of ‘Kate’ at the scale! I also like the garlic shot and the individual mushroom shot…great naturally lit textures. Nice work Mardi

    Reply
  2. I actually got a few tears in my eyes reading this. What a treasure. What a trip! In many ways it’s like you say: “you had to be there”. But I think you got pretty close to summing it up, and what a joy it is to relive all the “moments” through your eyes, in words and pictures (wishing now I’d taken a pic of the walnuts!). Was it really only three days? They must have been the three fullest days of my life. Forever Gascony. Rocky and I are ready for the reunion.

    Reply
  3. What a wonderful post and what a treasure of a time you had with Kate, Tim, Bacon, Monica and Rocky…and your camera! I would think that this visit has to be one of the highlights of your time in France this year.

    By the way, I doubt that you would have any trouble getting along well with anyone and they you!

    Reply
  4. Isn’t it funny how the best teachers are often those who force us to take a moment to reflect, and then to figure it out for ourselves? We often need others to tell us or show us to slow down, otherwise we’ll keep on ploughing forth, thinking that’s how it’s done. So I am so happy you shared your experience, because it serves as a reminder to us all to slow down, to take our time and that any craft is developed through experience, not simply acquired like a toy. Not only that, it’s a beautiful tale and punctuated by such lovely photos!

    Reply
  5. GORGEOUS!!! I knew you would love their workshop. I have the upmost respect for both Kate and Tim, they are fine teachers and friends. I learned more from Tim the few days I spent with him, then I have in any other workshop. Bravo Mardi!

    Reply
  6. A great post punctuated by pictures that, compared to the past, are clearly superior and, I would suggest, improving. There’s an important sub text here: reflect and pause and reap the benefits. To a large extent, modern technology mitigates against reflection – we’re all meant to be available all the time for everybody. But your post is a reminder there’s another way.
    Great stuff, Mardi.

    Reply
  7. Dear Mardi,
    There are days when the world just looks at you and says, “Huh?”. Then there are days when the email notifications point to a post where your work and home and friends and dogs are inspected, dissected, photographed and mused over to great delight. This morning, I, too, thought about that weekend (and all the weekends and weeks we teach) and over my quiet cafe au lait, I smiled.

    YOU GOT IT!

    IT’s not just about cooking, or taking photographs… it IS about making a life and living it. Then sharing it. Thanks Mardi for saying yes, for coming to Camont and taking such great photographs and sharing them with your world.

    See you again… I know!
    Kate de Camont & bacon

    Reply
  8. Wow Mardi what a trip! It looks amazing and your pictures tell the story beautifully. I actually took a course in photography this spring to learn the technical stuff too but the teacher was really into flash so I had to adjust what he taught to use natural light. You took some amazing shots. I can’t wait to see what yu come up with in the future with your new found skills.

    Reply
  9. Mardi,
    I really want to echo what Kate said above: “YOU GOT IT”! This post and these photos are lovely- so thoughtful and infused with the spirit of the place…and the moment. I can’t wait to see where you go with your photography from here 😉

    Reply
  10. Mardi! I’m so proud of you – these photos are just beautiful. I wish I had had time to read this before lunch yesterday so we could have talked about it more. The things you learned are some of the most important (to me) things that I’ve learned: where’s the story, slow down, be patient and really look. The part I struggle with is translating that into my home kitchen when I need to get a photo done for a post quickly. But in my travels or when I just spend a day with my camera, it all falls into place. It’s almost peaceful and therapeutic to be honest.
    So glad you got to have some hands on help with LR too because it makes a world of difference – it’s really not so scary once you see it in action!
    Style is an evolutionary process and it should never stop evolving as you grow and change so don’t get too stressed about having a “style”. If it doesn’t evolve then you’re in a rut (and we all have ruts!) If you look for the story and slow down the style will come. You did a wonderful job with all of these photos 🙂

    Reply
  11. Mardi: it sounds all so wonderful.
    I think one of the most precious lessons I too would have taken away (just as you did) is to “go with the flow” and to “slow down”.
    I can never hear that lesson enough!
    The results are stunning too… love the compositions.

    Reply
  12. Very interesting to read about this workshop. I’ve looked into going on one of Tim Clinch’s workshops, especially because he does it all with natural light. What has put me off, or stopped from going so far, is the collaboration with Kate Hill. Not that I have anything against her as such, but because she is very much into cooking with, and it comes up at many of the workshops, foie gras. Something I have a very hard time with.

    Your photos from this shoot and the one in Whistler, which is actually how I stumbled upon your blog, look really good, it’s interesting to see people trying to do things differently, and I find you take great photos.

    Reply
    • Hello Helen and thanks for your comment. Actually, when I was on Tim’s workshop, there was another vegetarian participant and Kate was very sensitive and respectful of her dietary needs, so I don’t think that’s something that should sway your decision. It’s such a worthwhile venture – changed my perspective on photography, cooking, life… If it’s the only thing standing in the way of taking the course or not, I would say contact Kate and discuss.

      Reply
    • Interesting to read Helen’s comment about Kate! I confess, going into Tim’s workshop, I had no idea Kate was renowned for her charcuterie classes and great love for duck fat – if I had, I too may have been a little wary (like Mardi said, I don’t eat meat). But it’s only recently that Kate’s “reputation” for the meaty side has come to my attention. Aside from a few jokes about duck fat and the purchase of a rabbit at the market, there was hardly much mention of meat during the weekend. Kate effortlessly prepared primarily meat-free meals, and her ever evolving ratatouille is one of the highlights of my visit (that and Tim’s chickpeas with carrots). I knew going into the class that I’d learn a lot about photography, but I had no idea how much I’d learn about food, too, and I’ve taken many kitchen tricks from Kate back with me (especially that ratatouille, as well as homemade worcestershire sauce!). Don’t let Kate’s – or indeed France’s! – occasional meatiness deter you. They both may like their duck fat, but at the same time, they are equally serious about their fruit, veg and grains. Talk to them about the garlic lady… or the folks who grow their flour… or the figs, plums, apples and pears growing in Kate’s gardens… or the eggs from Kate’s chickens… or the woman who makes the most incredible goats cheese….. I could go on. But any one of these stories will reveal that Kate and Tim are serious about food of all kinds, and the people that produce them.

      Reply

Leave a Reply to Mardi (eat. live. travel. write.) Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.