photography

W. A. Giveaway #2 - Photography Workshop in NYC

Photography-Workshop-1

My second giveaway is dedicated to a joy that was unmasked through this blog... a love for photography ... capturing images the way I see them. When I started this blog, I started with an Olympus point and shoot that was very dear to me, until, one day, it died. I upgraded to a Canon point & shoot basic version, not much better in terms of sophistication. I was still toddlering about this form of expression. After about two years of blogging, and, countless hours of ogling gorgeous foodgasmic photos from some of my favorite food bloggers, I decided it was time to take the plunge and get the big girl camera. I got a Nikon D5000 and that has been my loyal companion since on all my photo journeys and escapades!

I have been asked many times, how I learned to shoot. I don't really know how to answer this because I had no method or class. I twiddled around with the buttons, setting, style, everything for a long time and took a giant leap of faith in myself, a deep breath and plunged right into it. All the while, knowing full well that this is going to be a long and continuous journey of learning and there was no point in thinking about where I was now. I looked to where I wanted to be and drew inspiration from all the photographers around the web! I have a style now but I get bored of it soon enough and yearn to change it. I come across a new style of photos and I try to emulate, tweek, change, get comfortable... move on!

It's the best hobby for the very restless, easily distracted, yet obstinate people... like ME! :) This blog is a journal of that growth and even as I cringe when I look at the photos of yester years, I am filled with a sense of pride on how far I have come from there.

So, here I am, putting myself out there once more through this giveaway - a Photography Workshop for you from me.


Giveaway #2: HALF DAY FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP FOR TWO
waiting to cool - set up shot

Details:

1. Through this hands-on workshop, you will learn food styling tips, how to work with natural light and how to handle post production. I will walk you through the techniques of using camera, setting up the subject (study of lighting and styling) and developing an unique style signature.
2. Two winners will be chosen. Non-residents of NYC can participate if you can travel to the city.
3. Date: A mutually (between the three of us) agreed upon day before December 31, 2013.
4. Location: New York City, Indoor or On-Location, weather permitting.

Region: New York

Giveaway Ends on: June 24, 11:59 PM, EST

General Rules:

To participate in the giveaway, you can do one or all of the below. Each one will be counted as a separate entry -

1. Leave a COMMENT on the giveaway post declaring intention to participate
2. If you haven't already, LIKE the fork spoon knife Facebook page that is brand spanking new
3. If you don't already, FOLLOW me on twitter (@ashafsk) and TWEET this giveaway with tag @ashafsk and hashtags #forkspoonknife and #madebyasha
4. If you don't already, FOLLOW me on Instagram (ashafsk)
5. If you don't already, FOLLOW me on Pinterest (@ashafsk)

For NEW Likes and Follows only. However, tweets from old and new followers count as an entry. For new followers, please leave me a comment here saying you did so. Thank you.

Specific Rules:
1. Please include #fskgiveaway2 in your tweets

Announcement: Winners will be picked and announced within a week after the closure of the giveaway.

Chasing the Sun.... Eggs Benedict

Late evening


Yesterday, I caught a bit of magic in the park...

I wanted to capture the beauty of the cherry blossoms that line the reservoir track in the soft glow of the evening sun. But, I did not manage to get to the park until 15 minutes before sunset. Yet, it was perfect timing.

As I walked around the reservoir track, I was able chase the setting sun and capture her various moods as reflected against the sky and over the water. It was nature at her best.


SunsetSunset by the railing - Midtown West to UWS skyline in the distance

Dusk Refracted hues of Dusk

Twilight Lights on twilight


Which one is your favorite?

Eggs Benedict


Also, this week I have the honor of guest posting on Prerna's blog, Indiansimmer. Prerna is a dear friend and I was so happy to share a piece of typical New York while she is away spending quality time in India. So, please head over to her blog to see my recipe for spending Sunday lazily perfect with Eggs Benedict at home made from scratch!

Eggs Benedict
(Homemade Thyme Biscuit, Asparagus, Poached Egg and Hollandaise Sauce)

For each sandwich:
1 thyme biscuit
1 egg, poached
2 spears of asparagus
3 T Julia Child's Hollandaise sauce
salt as needed
1 tsp butter, softened
Cut each biscuit in half horizontally. Spread butter on the bottom half. You can toast if you like. I just prefer fresh out of the oven biscuit as is. Place the asparagus spears on the biscuit. Gently

Thyme Biscuits

200 g flour
1 tsp sugar
2 tsp salt
1.5 tsp baking powder
2 tsp thyme, finely minced
60 g cold butter, cubed
140 g buttermilk
1 yolk + 1 T cream for egg wash
Sift together the flour, salt, sugar and baking powder together. Cut into the mixture the cold butter until they are no more than the size of peas. Stir in the thyme and mix well. Add the buttermilk and mix for form a dough. On a floured surface knead just a bit to make into a non-sticky dough ball.
Pat the dough out with your palms to 1/2 inch thickness. Using a cookie cutter, cut out scones and place on a greased baking sheet. Brush egg wash over the scones. Bake at 425F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown on top. Cool on rack.