If you have visited this blog before, you know how much I care for Ireland. That affection began long before I married an Irish man and made many trips across the sea. I adore the landscape, the warmth of the people, and the lively energy that makes Ireland such an inspiring place to work and create. I am also grateful to have family there now, which makes each trip feel even more like coming home.
So I was truly honored when Angela Ritchie, who runs Ace Camps, invited me to lead a food styling and photography workshop in Ireland. Her workshops attract travelers with a creative spark, and pairing that spirit with Ireland’s rich food culture felt like a perfect match.
Together we planned an intimate program set at a beautiful lakeside estate. Our theme highlights the storytelling of food culture in East County Clare, and the sessions were designed to combine technical photography instruction with hands-on food styling and local exploration.
When: September 15–20, 2013
Where: East County Clare, Ireland
Cost: US$ 2250.00 (airfare not included)
This includes:
- A 4-day, hands-on food styling and photography workshop led by me
- Five nights at an exclusive lakeside estate in County Clare
- Five breakfasts, four lunches, and four dinners
- Final night dinner party with cocktails and wine
- Snacks and beverages available during the workshop
- Transportation for scheduled workshop excursions (farmer’s market, local farm, and a visit to a nearby village)
- Entrance fees for farm visits
The program balances practical technique — composition, natural light, plate and prop styling — with the storytelling aspect of food photography: how to capture place, seasonality, and the sense of a meal. Small groups allow time for individual feedback and plenty of practice shooting in different settings around the estate and on excursions.
Please check the full details on the Ace Camps site for the complete itinerary and room options. Some rooms are shared, and assignments are made on a first-registered basis. The workshop is intentionally small and limited to 10 participants, ensuring focused instruction and an intimate creative environment.
To register, visit the Ace Camps registration page. Registration opens October 12, 2012 at 10 AM EST. Early registration is recommended because space is limited.
Beyond the workshop curriculum, the setting in County Clare offers plenty of inspiration: quiet lakeside mornings, local markets, and the rhythms of rural food traditions. Participants can expect meaningful time spent sourcing ingredients, meeting producers, and translating those encounters into styled images that tell a story about place and eating culture.
Ireland remains one of the most evocative places I have worked and traveled. If you have not yet visited, this workshop combines practical learning with an opportunity to experience the food and landscape of East County Clare. I hope to meet you there and to share techniques, stories, and creative moments as we explore food styling and photography together.
