I’m so happy to let you all know that the images of the Venice retreat you see here, some of my favorites I’ve ever taken, are going to have an encore–Skye (of From My Dining Table) and I are hosting another retreat at the palazzo this coming January and tickets just went on sale yesterday evening—we only have four spots left at the moment so if you’re interested, you can find all the details & reserve a spot here! EDIT: We are now sold out but you can join our mailing list here to keep abreast of future retreats like the ones in Spain, Paris, and Japan & all other future events! These shots of our retreat last year that we did with Ginny Branch Stelling, Aaron Teece, and Lisa Garcia are a good preview of what’s to come this year…
Venice was the first European city I ever set foot in when I was 15 years old. Over the years I’ve written many stories in these streets—memories layered upon memories, but the ones pictured here are by far my favorite. I’m so happy that Chef Teece (the one looking sugar smeared, bearded, and moody with meringues) will be joining Skye & I again this year as we embark on another journey through the canal veined Venetian streets.
I’ve cried 15 year old tears on stone steps in this city. Listened to show tunes about the French revolution in a trundle bed here. Thought I was in love for more than a few street lit hours with more than a few different faces. I don’t know why I keep ending up in Venice, but I do. And it’s a source of endless inspiration. There’s a whole other city far from the throngs of tourists that still exists, and that is the Venice I love.
I really want these photos to speak for themselves, but here’s a brief overview of what we did last year. Skye graciously offered to host a retreat in Venice, her second home since she was just a child, and of course I didn’t even have to think twice about taking her up on it. We’ve been friends since the first retreat I ever did in Portugal, and her work continues to inspire me.
We were joined by Ginny Branch Stelling—a hilarious woman & one of the best stylists around. She taught alongside me, brought a treasure trove of props, and made sure we had beautiful tables at every meal. Lisa Garcia, a dear friend & brilliant artist (who’s work Sonadora Handmade many of you are probably familiar with), came along and kept things behind the scenes moving, and Chef Aaron Teece made sure we had gorgeous food on the table—his frito misto was the stuff of legend. As was his Osso Buco. There were high teas. Grand suppers. Nights out on the town. And lots of exploration of the process of visual story telling both from the photography perspective and the styling perspective. Our team was a family. Our guests were the same. There are no words for what these experiences are. Retreat has always been the best word I could come up with. Workshop doesn’t do the experiences we try to create justice. They are about so much more than learning technical skills. They are about recharging, relationships, and creative inspiration.
And if you can’t make it to Venice with us this year, there will also be retreats in Japan, Paris, and Spain in the spring!
I SO so wish that I could go to this. My dad was born near Venice and I’ve only ever been 1 time. It’s not quite in my budget but maybe I can make it work in time for the Paris retreat! Hope it goes well!
These images are absolutely gorgeous! Always love seeing your photography in my feed, but had to stop by to say how much I loved these shots in particular because they’re just so stunning!
I am speechless. Beth, these photos are breathtaking.
Same here! I had the opportunity to go to Venice in college for a 3 week Mayterm class for $1300 but I didn’t go! Always the saver, I thought I’d better start paying off my student loans instead. Alas regret!
I’m in absolute awe. I want to live in your world, Beth!
Beth – I love all of the cool blue tones in your photography. I know it’s generally not your posting style but I would absolutely love if you did a brief post on your growth through photography and what you use to make your photos so consistent and whimsical.
I know you spend time writing things to accompany your photos but I can’t ever help but going to the photos first and soaking them all in before perusing the text.
How I love Venice and this post is breathtaking…………I will look at the pictures again and again…….it´s a world of beauty , romance and magic! Thank you so much!
Jade
You are an amazing photographer.
Just when I was feeling like the inundation of ceaseless photos in all avenues of social media had jaded me to gems like these, you’ve proven me wrong. I am floored.
This a dream. Definitely a dream! Stunning scenery and gorgeous pictures, they sure do Venice justice! I am still keeping my fingers crossed for that jackpot so I can join you in January 😉
Love!
Beautiful photos– I have one of the Grand Canal that looks like yours ( not as good, by far). I was there on my birthday — would love to make that a tradition!!
Love everything about these photos! Wonderful Renaissance/baroque/vampire-feeling. Lovely.
You did a phenomenal job on your photos and your inspirational heart shines throughout your work. Venice was also my first stop of European adventures which expanded from a simple ski trip in the Austrian Alps. How could anyone not fall in love with such a magical place.
I am curious about food and I am always searching for new flavors and tastes to share. My husband use to play international rugby and we have been fortunate to travel to many places and tasted different foods and drink. We have also hosted many people in our home and I have tried to learn cooking from most of them. I laugh when my friends go crazy trying to guess what that little hint of a spice is. Entertaining is a sign of your love for your friends and family. It is so nice to treat others special at your table. Most people aren’t use to being treated so loved. They give and sacrifice their time to children, parents, friends, jobs, commitments and hardly think of themselves as life hurries on.
When I have guests over I want them to bring just themselves. That lets them slow down and realize they are important and hopefully puts a smile on their faces.
Your photos are truly remarkable and I would love to see more pictures of your tablescapes. I am addicted to decorating. I have a dining room table that has continuous changing themes 365 days a year. I try to always have a bit of the seasonal nature incorporated into my themes. Fall is my favorite time to decorate and at Christmas it is an all out nothing is too much kind of a deal.
I just had to thank you for sharing your wondergul work. It helped me forget my worries and get back to realizing life needs to be celebrated. Keep up with your work no matter what. It is a reflection of you. It shows you love to share the love in your heart. You will inspire many I’m sure.
I have been to Venice before but have never seen it in this light! You’re interpretation and photos are incredible Beth 🙂
Xxhoney
http://Www.honeyncharted.com
I have been to Venice before but have never seen it in this light! You’re interpretation and photos are incredible Beth 🙂
Xxhoney
http://Www.honeyuncharted.com
I’d be doing slow-mo pirouettes for days in that dining hall 😉
Hey there! I love all of your photography, they all look so gorgeous! The photos show the feel of love, romance, warm and many! Thank you for putting your effort in writing these and the photos and share the memories to us
Those pictures are so lovely and so evocative. In my daydream life I’d be joining you at this retreat… I’ll just have to watch from afar.
You know how in Mary Poppins they all jump into a chalk drawing? Well, I’d like to jump into your photos. Oh my goodness are they lovely! Someday I’ll make it to Venice…in the meantime I’m so glad there are people like you to shoot it so beautifully! co
So very, very, deeply beautiful. I first went to Venice aged 12 and was not enamoured – I found it very much like a living museum. I think I’d like to give it a second chance.
Exquisite pieces! I do adore that brand, and LOVE to wear it!!
You look so stunning in this piece
If you guys ever happen to hold a retreat in London, do let us know
Just freakin incredible Ms Beth Kirby!!!!!! (I totes cannot pronounce your new married name bahahahahaahahaha). That photo of Mr Studio Neon is out of this world! The beard actually suits him very much.
Hello Beth, I love your blog! here everything is poetry …
Your photos are wonderful!
A kiss from Italy 🙂
Ilaria
I love the style of your photography. Each of them are a piece of art!!! I am planning to dive in to food photography for my business and Beth you give me soooo much inspiration….
These photos are simply breathtaking….and venice…what a better place to capture such beauty. Thank you for sharing you amazing talents with us all
Your photography as always is perfect! and that food – way too good 🙂
super happy and glad to hear about these retreats of yours, congrats! as for Venice – yes. been there only once, tho this city is true magic. something super special about it..
when i crave for some Venice vibes – i always watch James Bond Casino Royale – perfect scenes there indeed! 🙂
Vaida @ http://www.donttellanyone.net/blog
Much I enjoyed reading your blog
http://windittight.com/adidas/
These pictures were so perfect！
http://mcm.tmearegion26.com
I so wish I had known about this before! I live about an hour from Venice and would have loved to participate in this retreat.
Hold on a sec so I can pick up my jaw off the floor. 0_0 This is beautiful Beth, and omgshhh Venice! I’m also stoked about the fact that you and Skye are teaming up together, I just love everything she does and I’m one of her biggest fans.
These photos are particularly wonderful. The morbid beauty of legendary Venice is captured so perfectly, and the food photos parallel that in the best of ways. Just wow!
Gorgeous photographs! I would love to be apart of one of the future retreats you plan! xoxo
Erika
http://whaterikawears.com/
Thanks, that you share your amazing recipe! But I usually cook in rice cooker, so.. That’s a little bit hard for me. So, have you ever tried to cook something by this way? Do you want to try? Use amazing cooker.guru and find your “soulmate”.