Description
We’re excited to announce a brand-new collaboration with Solli Kanani for a unique and exciting workshop.
From Object to Artwork
A piece of fruit, a flower, a cup… behind every object lies an infinite number of possibilities. This workshop will teach you how to transform them into true works of art. Through an accessible and inspiring approach, you’ll explore, step by step, the techniques that will allow you to reveal your own style and create works that truly catch the eye.
Workshop Content
Solli Kanani session:
(September 13)
Culinary still life photography, when approached with inspiration drawn from the Old Masters, becomes something far more than a simple food image—it becomes a painting, a story, an atmosphere. In her presentation, Solli guides you through her creative process: how she finds inspiration in painting, how she builds a narrative through her choice of elements, and how she works with light to achieve that distinctive painterly quality that defines her work.
The editing phase is an integral part of her creative process, during which she uses Lightroom and Photoshop to refine the mood, further sculpt the light, and achieve the rich, painterly quality that defines her images.
What You’ll Learn – Highlights
Understanding Still Life
• What defines a still life, and why the tradition of the Old Masters remains such a powerful source of inspiration today
• The fundamental visual principles at play: color, harmony, contrast, and how to “tell a story” through the elements in your frame
• Key artistic references and pictorial codes: chiaroscuro, light gestures, palette, textures, and how Solli translates these into her own photographic work
Building a Culinary Still Life Scene
• How to select and combine elements: background, surfaces, fabrics, props, and the food itself
• Culinary styling: how to work with food as both a subject and a visual element
• Light: where to place your light source, how to shape it to create contrast and achieve a painterly look
• Camera settings: framing, choice of focal length, depth of field
Who This Is For
• Photographers of all skill levels with an interest in culinary or still life photography
• Those who want to bring an artistic, painterly dimension to their food images
• Anyone inspired by the aesthetics of the Old Masters and curious about how to translate that into photography
• Photographers looking to develop a more intentional, narrative approach to composition and light
About Solli Kanani:
Solli Kanani is a photographer and videographer based in Paris, originally from Sweden. Specializing in food and travel photography, she creates visuals for food and lifestyle brands, Michelin-starred restaurants, and high-end hotels. Fascinated by still life and dark, mysterious atmospheres, she is passionate about sculpting light to reveal textures, materials, and emotions in her images.
Solli Kanani is a Nikon Europe ambassador based in Paris. She was nominated for the Pink Lady Food Photo Awards in 2020, 2021, and 2023. She is also an ambassador for the Calibrite and BenQ brands.
Website:https://studio.solli-kanani.com/portfolio
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sollikanani_studio/
David Duchens' session:
(September 20)
In this session, I will guide you step by step through my creative process.
We will begin with a brief presentation of some of my images created in this style, so you can see concrete examples and gain a better understanding of my artistic vision and approach.
Following this introduction, we will move on to the practical portion of the workshop. Together, we will explore a variety of methods and techniques that will enable you to create your own images while developing your personal artistic expression.
Most of the work will be done in Photoshop. I will explain each step of the process in detail, starting with simple source images and gradually transforming them by changing backgrounds, refining the atmosphere, and modifying various elements to create a unique final result.
During the session, you will learn how to:
• Create a strong base image from a simple photograph.
• Build and refine the overall composition.
• Enhance atmosphere and lighting, both globally and locally.
• Discover practical tips and shortcuts to improve your workflow and save time.
• Use layer masks efficiently and creatively.
• Develop a cohesive visual style and mood throughout the image.
In addition, I will introduce several filters and plugins that can simplify complex effects and significantly expand the creative possibilities available in Photoshop.
The plugins we’ll explore include the Nik Collection and Boris FX Optics, a powerful tool that offers virtually unlimited creative variations and adjustments.
I’ll also introduce you to the Bloom app from Topaz Labs
By the end of the workshop, you will have a clear understanding of the entire workflow, along with the techniques, tools, and confidence needed to create your own distinctive and personal images.
Free bonus:
A 16-page PDF document also dedicated to still life (composition, lighting, detailed diagrams, etc.)
How the workshop works:
This workshop is deliveredonline (via the Internet), and live. TheZOOMvideo conferencing application will be used. The connection is established in a few clicks. You do not need to create an account or subscribe to Zoom to participate in the workshop.An invitation link will be sent to you by e-mail before each session. You will then simply be asked to download the application in order to access the user interface. It is very easy to learn. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Video recording :
This workshop is accompanied by a video for each session.
It is recorded live during the workshop.
The video will be sent to you in MP4 format, via WeTransfer, after each session.
