Want to take photos this good? Dave will show you how. (Photo by David Hagerman.)
They popped the question over lunch, about a year ago. Freelance food writer Robyn Eckhardt of the blog Eating Asia, and professional food photographer David Hagerman brought up this event at Cafe Rouge in Berkeley, CA. We had met to celebrate their book deal for a Turkish cookbook (I coached Robyn on the book proposal), which sold to Rux Martin. What did I think, they ventured, about a Turkish workshop on food writing and food photography in 2015?
I had to think about it for, maybe 10 seconds. Let’s see:
- Picturesque village of Alcati, on the Aegean and famous for its stone houses and narrow streets. Check.
- Lots of Turkish food, which fuses Central Asian, Caucasian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Balkan cuisines. Check.
- Near the beach and Ephesus. Check.
- Gorgeous accommodations, covered in Conde Nast Traveller and Travel & Leisure. Check.
- A chance to hang out with two professionals I enjoy and learn from them. Check.
It’s going to be a blast.
We’ll have lunch here, on the day of our Alcati market tour and photo shoot. (Photo by David Hagerman.)
At our 3.5-day workshop, Dave — who shoots for Saveur and The New York Times, among other publications — will lead you from market to kitchen to classroom to develop your photography skills. Robyn — who writes a food column for the Wall Street Journal Asia and freelances for The New York Times — will welcome you with a talk about food and travel writing. I will cover food writing trends and how they affect you, and how to improve your writing using a variety of literary techniques. There are three instructors for only 10 participants, and private consultations with each student.
Here’s how Robyn explains her process as a food and travel writer:
“When I travel to write I allow my obsessions to lead me to a culinary story of a place. I keep my pre-departure research to a minimum. I make a note of dishes and ingredients common to the cuisine, especially those that are unfamiliar. I try to find the names of a few better- known dishes and ingredients in the local language (cookbooks can be a great resource). What I don’t do is read published culinary travel articles, or scour blogs related to where I’m going. I don’t want to be influenced.
Here’s the hotel we’re staying at in Alcati. Gorgeous rooms and an easy walk to cafes and restaurants. (Photo courtesy of Tas Hotel.)
“Once I’m on the ground I allow my obsessions to take over. I love markets anywhere in the world, a food market is the first place I go. I give myself plenty of time to stroll its aisles and poke around in its corners, and then to retrace my steps slowly, making note of whatever pops for me: the fish that every shopper seems to be buying, the shrines hung above every stall, the room occupied entirely by vendors selling suckling pig. By the time I leave I’ve got a few culinary nuggets about this place that interest me.”
Sound good? We’d love to see you in Alcati. Tickets are selling now.
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You might also like this feature by Dave about how to shoot at markets.
I’m interested in the price for this workshop. Thanks
Sure, Maria. There are a few different prices. Here’s the link. Scroll down to read. http://turkeyfoodwritingandphotographyworkshop.com/accommodations/
Wow! This sounds great!
Thanks Alona. Does that mean you’re coming?!
That is thrilling! A blast indeed. Wow.
Thanks Julia. I haven’t been to Turkey since my honeymoon 26 years ago. But the food, the food…!
How exciting for you Dianne! Congrats. And thanks for the link to David’s tips on how to shoot at markets. Smart and simple. I can’t wait for spring.
I love to shoot at markets too. I’m always so excited by the produce and it gives me something to do besides buy too much of it. Thanks Maureen.
Would like to go but is it really safe to travel in Turkey given recent events?
Robyn and Dave spend months at a time there and they have a wonderful time, so I think all is well. These are isolated events in certain parts of the country.
This sounds absolutely incredible! Won’t be able to make it this year but I’m hoping you’ll do more of these!
Thank you. I have been running around the globe for a while now, and I love it. Previously Dubai, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and London.
What an amazing opportunity for you and your students Dianne! And I think back to our walks BB (before blog) — we didn’t imagine then where your writing would lead 🙂
Thanks. I had no idea either that I would get to travel. I feel so lucky, Rosemary. Let’s have another walk and catch up. You’re busier now that you’re the head cheese of the San Francisco Food Society.
Brilliant idea and what a place! Sorry can’t make it, but just had wonderful experience in Istanbul a couple of months ago. Wish I could have explored the countryside too. The food was amazing! Have a grand time.
Thanks Anna. I look forward to all your tips about where you went and what you ate.
Wow this sounds fabulous! Looks like a wonderful experience and learning, plus Turkey! Hmmmm…..
Not very far away from you, Sally! Could be fun, right?
Wow this looks like an amazing time and learning experience all wrapped in one. What an incredible idea. I’m sure the 10 that are able to go well have the experience if a lifetime.
Nice of you to say so, Susan, and thanks for helping to get the word out with your tweet. Appreciate it.
We lived in Turkey for 10 years and when I saw this I immediately said I want to go. It’s such an amazing country and the food… well the food is spectacular.
Wonderful Billie. I’m looking forward to it so much. Are you coming? I hope so.
Dianne,
I’ve been a big fan of Robyn Eckhardt’s work for years. I lived in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for 2 years and really enjoyed reading her pieces about Southeast Asian food and her blog as well. I’ve already reached out to her and let her know that, absent my day job (I’m a part-time lawyer) and two young kids (both under the age of 4), I’d otherwise absolutely love to attend a workshop like this! I hope that the workshop is a success and that you’ll be encouraged to host another one in the future.
Best,
Ann
Thanks Ann. I know that Robyn and Dave plan more — it’s just a question of how many years before your kids grow up!