STEMS & FORKS

October 10th – 14th 2023 Fairmont Jaipur India

(Post written by Mridul Kawatra)

Join us for an unforgettable experience where you will meet like-minded photographers from all around the world, and indulge in hands-on photography + videography sessions with the creative genius, Betty Shin Binon and your host, Mridul Kawatra. 

Jaipur – The Royal State of India 

A glorious example of India’s royal heritage, Jaipur preserves the vestiges of the regal past. Oozing with romance, it is a colourful mix of bazaars, palaces, temples and forts that beg to be explored and photographed. 

This retreat is your chance to capture the beauty and culture of the city while staying in the lap of luxury at one of the opulent palatial hotels in the country – Fairmont Jaipur. 

Whether you are a seasoned professional or an aspiring artist, this retreat is designed to inspire and take your skills to the next level. 

Betty Shin Binon, Stems & Forks was established in 2017 to showcase all her creative musings: recipes, photography and botanical sculptures. Betty has built a successful multi-faceted brand after nearly twenty years in the floral design business. She sold the thriving business in 2013 to embrace a balanced lifestyle with more family time and immersion in all things creative. Since the shift in career, Binon’s photography and video is highly sought-after by brands for her distinct chiaroscuro style and striking emotive storytelling. Her global workshops sell out to prominent artists and content creators around the world.

Mridul Kawatra 

An Attorney at Law in India specialising in Intellectual Property, a self-taught Culinarian, photographer and Creative Director. Kawatra’s creative drive led her to establish Food Art Project and The South Asian Kitchen in 2020, during the lockdown, as a platform that elegantly amalgamates her love for photography with her insatiable palate for delectable cuisine. 

Food Art Project celebrates the finest in the world of food and lifestyle photography, with a global outreach. Its main objective is to provide creatives with the recognition they deserve and connect them with the industry’s right opportunities.

Whereas The South Asian Kitchen showcases her creativity that centres on recipes, photography and styling, all of which are inspired by the diverse cultures of the Indian Subcontinent. From a passion project to a lucrative business, Kawatra’s efforts have earned her the chance to collaborate with top brands in India and globally.

Food Art Project evolved from its earlier vision of spotlighting creatives worldwide into conducting global photography challenges with established photographers from around the world as judges.

In a testament to her ongoing commitment to creativity, Food Art Project is now taking its first step beyond the virtual realms with its upcoming Creative Retreat in Jaipur, scheduled for this October.

Creatives’ Retreat 

Your retreat will begin with a warm welcome at the Fairmont Jaipur, where you will be surrounded by the magnificence of a royal palace and the serenity of rolling hills. You will spend four nights in lavish accommodation, enjoying the finest amenities and hospitality.

During the retreat, you will embark on an exciting journey that will take you to the heart of Rajasthan’s culture. A local village tour will give you insight into the daily life and traditions of rural communities, capturing the essence of India’s vibrant, colourful culture through your lens. Dining at an acclaimed fine dining restaurant where you’ll experience a modern yet traditional take on Indian cuisine. You will also enjoy a hike in the Aravallis, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, where you will have breathtaking views and capture the raw beauty of nature.

A visit to the Amer Fort, one of India’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site, will give you the opportunity to explore its intricate architecture and history. Here, you will also take pictures of the Wall of Amer Fort, a majestic fortification that is an architectural marvel and a perfect backdrop for your photographs and videos.

Throughout the retreat, you will be provided guidance, tips, and tricks to elevate your skills to the next level. You will be able to capture and document the essence of Rajasthan in the most unforgettable way.

The workshop will be focused on in-depth learning of video and photography techniques. During these four days, the participants will gain knowledge regarding mise-en-scène, which includes composition, styling, angles, props, lighting, sound, and editing using Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro. On the last day we’ll cover Business & Legal standpoint in the creative industry.

Participants will receive guidance to aid them in finding their own artistic expression, along with an exciting itinerary that captures the essence of the Pink City in all its glory. 

This further includes opportunities for critique and feedback on participants’ work, as well as networking opportunities. 

Throughout the retreat, you will have ample opportunities to photograph and film the beauty of food and luxurious interiors at the Fairmont Jaipur. 

Who should attend

Whether you are a beginner looking to improve your skills or a seasoned professional seeking inspiration and new perspectives, this retreat in a picturesque location like Jaipur, will be a transformative and enriching experience. The workshop is designed to take your photography and videography skills to the next level and learn how to tell compelling visual stories. Our workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn from the best, Betty Shin Binon and experience a luxurious, immersive environment that will enhance your skills and creativity. There will be break out sessions with 1:1 expert guidance with Binon and an opportunity to see Betty’s method of styling, photographing and editing both photos and film. 

We cannot wait to share this beautiful experience with you and soak up the sense of togetherness and community as we discover the magic of Rajasthan through our lens. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture the vibrant culture and natural beauty of India’s Land of the Kings. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable adventure!

Dates and Location: 

10th – 14th October ’23 

Fairmont Jaipur, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India 

Itinerary Overview:

Day 1: Upon arrival at Fairmont Jaipur, experience a traditional Rajasthani welcome with refreshments while you check-in. Enjoy the free time to unwind, soak in the magnificent ambience, or even take a dip in the pool. Later in the day, we gather for “Shaam-e-Khaas,” featuring Rajasthani folk music, high tea, and an overview of the schedule, as well as a meet & greet with our fellow creatives. The evening winds down with casual conversations over dinner.

Day 2: Start the day with a guided hike trail in Aravallis, offering an excellent opportunity to practise landscape photography and capture the magnificent colours of the sky and the rugged terrain. Return to the hotel for a dedicated full day of the workshop.

Day 3: Embark on a curated village tour, where the locals will prepare Rajasthani breakfast for you. An opportunity to capture the process of cooking and the local ingredients used. Followed by the workshop schedule at Fairmont Jaipur premises.

Day 4: Begin early with a sunrise shoot over the Wall of Jaipur followed by the Amber Fort. Explore the beauty of the fort’s intricate Rajputana architecture, stunning courtyards and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Walk along the wall of Jaipur and capture the different gates and bastions along the way. The wall offers great views of the old city, including the Aravalli Range and the Maota Lake. Continue with the last day of the workshop schedule including business and legal aspects in the creative industry. 

As the final day of the retreat draws to a close, we invite you to an exquisite dining experience at one of Fairmont Jaipur’s acclaimed fine dining restaurants. The curated dinner will be a gastronomic journey, immersing you in the authentic flavours and cuisine of Rajasthan. This immersive dining experience will be the perfect way to cap off the retreat on a delectable note, and create memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Day 5: Savour a hearty breakfast at the hotel before bidding farewell to the glorious city of Jaipur and the new friendships you built. You leave with newfound knowledge, skills, beautiful photographs and unforgettable memories!

The workshop will be focused on in-depth learning of video and photography techniques – including composition, styling, angles, props, lighting, sound, and editing using Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro along with business and legal aspects involved in the creative industry. Participants will receive guidance to aid them in finding their own artistic expression, including opportunities for critique and feedback on your work. There will be break out sessions with 1:1 expert guidance with Binon and an opportunity to see Betty’s method of styling, photographing and editing both photos and film. Throughout the retreat, you will also have ample opportunities to photograph and film the beauty of food, luxurious interiors and serenity of the rolling hills surrounding the Fairmont Jaipur.

Inclusions:

▪︎ Your four nights stay at Fairmont Jaipur 

▪︎ All meals – Breakfast, Lunch, High Tea and Dinner 

▪︎ Excursions and Activities 

▪︎ Transport for the said Excursions and Activities 

▪︎ Workshop 

Non Inclusions:

▪︎ Flights

Note for Outside India Attendees: Jaipur has its own International Airport however flying to  New Delhi (capital city) will be more convenient and economical than a direct flight to Jaipur. There are frequent flights between New Delhi and Jaipur every two hours and the travel time of 45 minutes at dirt cheap cost. We’ll definitely be available to assist you at all steps for most convenient bookings.

▪︎ Transit from the Airport to Fairmont Jaipur and vice-versa 

Uber is conveniently available from Jaipur Airport to Fairmont. 

Furthermore with the collective information of all participants’ arrivals, we have made arrangements for a very reasonably priced group pick up from the airport. 

Accommodation & Cost:

▪︎ Twin Sharing room with two queen/double Beds 

INR225000₹ or $ 2750USD

▪︎ Single room with one King Bed 

INR273900₹ or $3350USD

Note: Prices listed are per person. 

TO REGISTER: Please contact foodartproject@gmail.com

What to Bring: 

Laptop with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom CC, Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro (at least 2021 installed), any type of digital camera with memory card(s) and fully charged battery, charger, and any special props you’d like to use.

Terms & Conditions:

Bookings are non-refundable unless you are able to find someone to take your place. 

In the event (Indian) government issues a statewide Stay-At-Home order that requires everyone to remain at home due to COVID-19, we will notify you as soon as possible. You may have the option of a full refund –  or credit applied to the next workshop/retreat. 

Upon filling out the registration form and sending the same to us, we’ll get in touch with you shortly to provide you with payment details. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out.

We cannot wait to have you join us in exploring the awe-inspiring wonders of Rajasthan. TO REGISTER: Please contact foodartproject@gmail.com