A few photos, a cool class and a very special event you should attend

I am not really sure where the time went. All I know is that it's been a very busy few months, and things are not getting any less busy. Believe me, in this economy, I am nothing but grateful.

But it does make blogging a bit more challenging.

So, here I am, back to the blog with a whole slew of topics to cover.

First, have you seen the latest Edible Seattle magazine? I have some photos in there from a story about Trellis Restaurant in Kirkland. Several months ago (when it was warmer and sunnier) I had the pleasure of walking around Chef Brian Scheehser's awesome 5 acre garden, seeing Trellis' farm to table philosophy in action, sampling some of the restaurants pickled vegetables and onion jam, and watching the chefs work in the kitchen. It was a really fun job to shoot and I could not stop taking photos!

Below are some images that aren't in the magazine.

I recently shot another story for Edible Seattle, this time about Dog Mountain Farm in Carnation. Since the issue isn't out yet, I don't want to give anything away, but I did want to share some of the images of this great place.

(By the way, Becky Selengut wrote the Dog Mountain story and is pictured in one of the shots below, chatting with one of the farm owners, Cindy Krepky. Becky also happens to be working on a cookbook about sustainable seafood--which I will be shooting-- AND is one of the cast members of a new reality show called Mission Sustainable , and you are invited to the premiere! Click here for info.)

Okay, on to other things.

Cornish College of the Arts just posted their summer program and I am super excited to announce that I am one of the teachers for a REALLY cool class, called the Art of Food.

I am also incredibly honored to be among such distinguished company. The other teachers include author and forager Langdon Cook, Orangette's Molly Wizenberg, Gluten Free Girl's Shauna James Ahern, Delancey owner, Brandon Petit, Becky Selengut, who I mentioned above, Robin Levinthal, who was recently seen on Top Chef, and Jenifer Ward, the Associate Provost at Cornish and the mastermind behind the whole thing.

Last but definitely not least, I want to tell you about a really cool benefit that I am helping to plan for an amazing person.

"Sharlane is a mother, a photographer, and our friend. This year began like a fairy tale, complete with a magical proposal from the man she loves. Like too many fairy tales, this one turned dark as Sharlane was diagnosed with cancer even before the wedding planning could begin. The diagnosis itself is scary enough, but so are the crushing costs associated. This is our attempt to help our friend, who has helped so many others herself."

Shar is a wonderful mother, the most generous person I know, the founder and brainchild behind Urban Unveiled, a hilarious, strong-willed, passionate, and loyal friend, and basically just an all around kick-ass person.

Here are the details:

•WHAT: fundraising event for Sharlane

•WHERE: SoDo Park, 3200 1st Ave South

•WHEN: February 4th at 7pm

•HOW: a silent auction of art and services

•WHY: because cancer sucks and we hear Sharlane.

More info: http://weheartsharlane.showitsite.com

(Thank you, Me Ra Koh, for the great shot of Shar and Anna!)

TASTE, again

One of my favorite clients, TASTE Restaurant, is also one of my favorite spots for a good happy hour, (or dinner, for that matter.) So, I had to post some shots from my recent food shoot there. The food is deeeeelicious, and if you haven't checked it out yet, you should.

I am definitely a fan of shooting in natural light for food photography, but this most recent shoot took place at night, in order to create some diversity within the food shots I have already taken.

It worked out great. I used 2 Lowell Ego Tabletop lights, a reflector or two, and an assistant, (aka: Danielle Custer of TASTE who was more than willing to help with this shoot...and she was AWESOME) to create the lighting you see here.

I am pretty pleased with the results.

(Oh, and you see that shot of the gnocchi down there towards the bottom? The one taken on top of the article about TASTE that was featured in Edible Seattle? That GREAT photo of the executive chef, Craig, was taken by the talented Rina Jordan. She does lovely work and I want to make sure she gets the proper credit she deserves.)

Thomas Keller and Bastille

A few nights ago I had the opportunity to photograph a culinary master: Thomas Keller, the owner of and visionary behind The French Laundry, Bouchon, and Per Se.

Keller was a visiting chef participating in another one of Kim Rickett's fabulous Cooks and Books events.

This month, the event took place at Bastille in Ballard.

Some of my favorite moments of the night took place in the Bastille kitchen, with all the chefs busily working away and overseen by the talented Shannon Galusha.

Not surprisingly, I was too busy to eat the food, but got to read about it later.

Being behind the camera was a dream come true, so I am not complaining! :)