You guys. YOU GUYS, I am STOKED! Last Saturday was one of the best days of my whole life.
Why, you ask?
Well, I may be blowing things slightly out of proportion here, but I believe I have finally broken my I-never-win-anything-ever curse!
Two days earlier, I was just sitting at home, moping around after a not-so-great day and feeling vaguely sorry for myself because of all the hair I am losing due to my medication (HUGE bummer, seriously) , and mindlessly scrolling down my instagram news feed, when a stunning food shot posted by Adam Liaw caught my eye (as all of his posts do).
For those of you who may be unfamiliar (and to you I say: shame!), Adam Liaw was the winner of Masterchef Australia 2010, and my all-time favourite contestant out of all the seasons. After he won, instead of disappearing off the grid/turning into an obnoxious celebrity chef, he became something so painfully rare; a wonderfully real and impossible-not-to-love cookbook author, TV show presenter and social media persona.
His latest TV series called ‘Destination: Down Under’ is HANDS DOWN the best travel/food show I have ever seen. He basically travels around Australia, showcasing all the different areas and the abundance of gorgeous local produce and dishes, and the fascinating farmers and growers behind it all. You should ask my husband how I behave when I’m watching it.
You know these hardcore football enthusiasts who scream loudly at their TV screens at players and wave their arms unreasonably like mad people? Well yeah. I do that. But I scream things like “why so NICE??” at the food, & “oh my God we have to live on a farm!!”, & “this is ridiculous, that is NOT New Zealand, that is friggin’ heaven for crying out loud!!”, & “holy CRAP I need some avocado trees!”…you get the picture..
He also posts on instagram and facebook regularly, and his posts are always inspiring and entertaining, and his food never ceases to impress (and awaken the appetite!)
So anyway, on that day, his post was of a gorgeously styled bowl of deliciousness, and underneath he wrote: “Like food photography?”
Me: *yes!*
Adam: “Free for brunch on Saturday in Sydney?”
Me: *free as a bird!*
Adam: “You can join me and some very talented Sydney Morning Herald photographers for a 3-hour food photography workshop. Brunch is included!”
Me: *get OUT THE FRONT DOOR.*
Before I knew what was happening, I had my credit card in my hand and was clicking ‘purchase’. Two tickets to ‘The Cook, the Blogger & the Photographer’. Done.
On Saturday morning, we arrived just on time. I was relieved to find that it was quite a cozy affair, only about 30 people in total. The workshop started out with several extremely talented bloggers and photographers giving short talks about what they do and how they do it. To be perfectly honest, I didn’t recognize most of the speakers, as I am still so new to the scene here in Sydney, but it was obvious they all had bags of experience and shared it with us so generously. There were plenty of funny anecdotes and priceless tips and tricks of the trade, as well as a showing some of their own shots (stunning stuff!).
Just before the brunch break, they announced that they are looking for four volunteers. They didn’t say what for, but pretty much everyone raised their hands, and so did I, in an effort to get over my shyness and put myself out there. By some miracle, I was one of the four chosen.
During the break, they explained that the four of us will take part in a small photography competition sponsored by Canon. They handed each of us a camera, and asked us to snap away at our hearts’ content. At the end of the day, each of us would be submitting our favourite shot of the day, and the winner will win a $250 voucher from Canon Australia to use for whatever they please.
No pressure. I can handle this. I didn’t give myself the chance to panic or feel intimidated, and got straight to business. I was so busy trying to get a great shot that the break was over before I had the chance to eat any of the yummy stuff on display provided by Kepos Street Kitchen (tragic, I know!). However, I grabbed the cup of granola (toasted to perfection with halva yoghurt, pistachios and pomegranate poached pears. Scrumptious) I was photographing and a spoon and went back to my seat to enjoy it as the final speakers were giving their talks.
This time, I recognized both of them. I credit this to my severe Masterchef Australia addiction.
First came Adam. He talked to us about his experience with photographing food on set of his TV show and for his fabulous cookbooks. What struck me most about him was how tremendously humble and even SHY he was! It is really quite astonishing and admirable given all the fame and success he has found. Totally newfound level of respect for him.
When he was done, he asked if any of us had any questions, and I had to stop myself from asking “where is your son?”. Seriously people, he has the most adorable little boy ever and melts our hearts whenever he posts pictures of him on his instagram account.
The last speaker was another Masterchef contestant, from the final seven of the 2011 season, Billy Law. I recognized him instantly. He was amazingly bubbly and animated, and was so incredibly friendly and helpful when we went to chat with him later.
After that, we had the actual photography workshop. We practiced styling and shooting some of the food and were directed by the ever-talented photographers who were present.
Finally, it was time for the judging. I was thrilled to find out that Billy was the one who will be picking the winning shot. We printed our photos and lined them up and stood in anticipation as Billy inspected and critiqued. I looked at the three other pictures and was amazed at how beautiful they were. I was so nervous it was not even funny. He kept moving his finger from my shot to another and back, and then miraculously, stopped at mine. He picked my shot! MEEEE!
I was just blown away! I am a big self-doubter, as most of us are when it comes to our abilities, but this moment was just the biggest confidence booster and just the motivation I needed to move forward with what I love to do best. I could not be happier or more proud.
Here it is, the winning shot. Not too shabby, if I may say so myself.
I’ve gotta say though, thank God I dragged my husband along! He nudged me to raise my hand and made me comfortable enough to participate, AND he acted as my own personal paparazzi the whole day and was just so wonderfully supportive. He was also my hand model for the shot haha!
What a fantastic day.
p.s: i may look calm and in control, but this is how i really felt the whole time: