CROATIA
IMMERSIVE STORYTELLING Workshop
SOLD OUT
may 23rd - 27th, 2022
Note: Negative COVID test within 7 days of workshop’s start date and up-to-date COVID vaccination required for attendance
Join me, Eva Kosmas Flores, and Bea Lubas of Bea's Cookbook for a 5-day retreat in the Croatian countryside. We'll spend our days in a restored stone farmhouse perched a top a hill overlooking the Mirna river valley, right in the middle of Istrian wine and truffle country. The home is complete with a large vegetable garden, where we'll be harvesting ingredients for our meals, and is equipped with all the modern luxuries, including a large tranquil swimming pool where we can relax in the evenings and take in the scenic surroundings. Shauna Galante of A Secret Language will be joining us to spread her seasonal and flavor-filled bounty across our tables.
This workshop is unique as it is geared towards the needs and interests of the attendees who join us. After the workshop spaces are filled, we will be reaching out via email to survey the attendees and craft shoots + round tables focusing on the specific needs + interests of the group. We will provide beautiful food, subjects, props, and a breathtaking environment for photographing. We will collaborate on shoots together, learning and growing as we weave visual stories throughout the Croatian countryside. Attendees will also be able to style and photograph their own shoots separate from the group, if they wish.
This workshop is focused on bringing together like-minded creatives, giving them the tools + knowledge to hone their craft and heighten their skill set, and learning through hands-on shoots and collaborating with other passionate and talented visual artists. In addition to the photoshoots + round tables, Attendees will also have a 20-minute one-on-one session with Eva or Bea to ask any remaining questions and get feedback on their work, as well as a group feedback session.
During the course of the workshop, we'll go on a guided excursion into the Croatian forest for truffle foraging, complete with adorable Croatian truffle-sniffing pups. And there will also be an afternoon outing to the ancient hilltop town of Motovun where we'll wander through the cobblestone streets, exploring and photographing this small village overlooking the Istrian valley. We can’t wait to share this experience with you!
— COVID-19 Precaution —
For the safety and peace-of-mind of everyone attending, a COVID vaccination will be required to attend. After registering, you need to email a photo of your vaccination card + sign our COVID waiver within 7 days, otherwise your space will not be saved and your reservation will be refunded. We also require a negative COVID test within 7 days of the first day of the workshop (since many will be traveling internationally and most flights require this between countries, this is something you’ll likely need to do anyway). No exceptions will be made, I hope you can understand our concern for the safety of our guests, our staff, and their loved ones. We want everyone to enjoy themselves, stay healthy, and have fun!
— Skill Level —
This workshop is geared towards attendees who have previously participated in either my or Bea’s workshops, or who are comfortable shooting in manual mode and are familiar with basic camera settings.
If you'd like to split the registration fee into 2 payments, just enter the code SPLITPAY at checkout.
We HIGHLY recommend purchasing travel insurance just in case you are suddenly unable to attend. We are not able to offer refunds unless we are able to fill your space.
That being said, if we have to cancel the workshop as a whole due to any unforeseen circumstances, you will be refunded minus a $150 administrative fee.
details
Workshop material will be decided upon by the needs and desires of the attendees, but will include many hands-on photoshoots, and 1:1 feedback with Bea or Eva, and a group feedback session. If you want a more specific itinerary, we recommend joining our Advanced Workshop.
Please see ‘COVID-19 Precautions’ above for the COVID requirements.
The nearest major airports are in Trieste, Italy (1 hour from the home) and Zagreb, Croatia (3 hours from the home).
A mirrorless or DLSR camera is required.
All lodging and meals are included in the workshop's duration.
Guests are responsible for their own transportation to the villa.
Prices listed are per person.
Space is limited to 10 attendees.
If you'd like to split the registration fee into 2 payments, just enter the code SPLITPAY at checkout.
schedule
Monday May 23rd: Welcome dinner at 7 pm
Tuesday May 24th: Curated hands-on photoshoots + round tables customized to the interests of the attendees.
Wednesday May 25th: Curated hands-on photoshoots + round tables customized to the interests of the attendees. Afternoon exploratory outing to Motovun.
Thursday May 26th: Curated hands-on photoshoot customized to the interests of the attendees. One-on-one sessions, truffle foraging, group feedback session.
Friday May 27th: Farewell breakfast at 9 am, guests depart by 11 am
sleeping options
We are also offering additional lodging at a second villa with its own private living quarters and swimming pool that’s a 15 minute walk down the hill from Villa Sancta Maria.
SOLD OUT - Offsite Lodging (15 min walk) - Private Bedroom Shared Bathroom
SOLD OUT - Onsite Lodging - Shared Twin Bedroom Ensuite Bathroom
SOLD OUT - Onsite Lodging - Private Full Bedroom Ensuite Bathroom
The listing price for each accommodation type is the full registration fee, if you'd like to split the registration fee into 2 payments just enter the code SPLITPAY at checkout.
Travel insurance is HIGHLY recommended.
*No refunds available after booking unless we can find someone to fill your space.*
An up-to-date COVID Vaccine, COVID release form (to be sent), and negative COVID test within 7 days of the workshop’s start date is required for attendance. No exceptions will be made. I hope you can understand our concern for the safety of our guests, our staff, and their loved ones.
If we have to cancel the workshop as a whole due to any unforeseen circumstances, you will be refunded minus a $150 administrative fee.
relax, let go, + let us show you the beauty of Croatia
All you need to do is pack your bags, grab your digital camera or iPhone and show up. We’ve got the rest covered! All delicious meals, wines, and excursions are included in the workshop. Just relax—focus on learning, having fun, eating well, and shooting your stunning surroundings!
testimonials
"a lifetime experience & unique journey"
Not sure if workshop is the right word to describe this event. It is more of a lifetime experience and a unique journey. I found myself sharing these ladies’ passion, learning from them in the most natural and fulfilling way, exchanging ideas and thoughts with a group of participants from each and every corner of the globe. It is all in the little details that they transmitted to me that made a huge difference in my food styling and photography career. It is all these meals and gatherings we shared together that enriched my soul, in such a short time.
Joelle Kanaan
Photographer
"MY EXPECTATIONS WERE TOTALLY EXCEEDED"
There is something to say for when you get the opportunity to be in the midst of someone you admire in your field. To spend a few days watching how they work, listening to their advice and soaking up as much information as you possibly can that leaves you feeling blessed.
I had the pleasure of attending my first FWE workshop with Eva two years ago, held in Iceland. My expectations were totally exceeded and I was left wanting more.
Besides the wonderful food & beauty that surrounded me daily I was amongst some of the most amazing ladies. The talent, joy, enthusiasm, passion, and drive that sat around the table daily was the biggest reward of this workshop. Coming from all over the world, with different levels of experience, we came together and shared our passion for Photography."
"We were chatting & telling each other stories like we'd known each other forever"
The days I spent with Eva, Trisha, & company in Istria were truly glorious. I learned a lot about food photography and styling and feel confident now to get to the next level. I also got to know a bunch of fabulously interesting women from all over the world. We were chatting and telling each other stories like we'd known each other forever. This kind of connection feels very special to me. I went home with a head full of inspiration and ideas and a heart full of gratitude. Thank you Eva and team for creating a truly unique, creative and amazing experience.
"It was the best days of my life!"
Those days were so relaxing and full of good memories, so warm (because of the people!), inspirational and, of course, sooo tasty! The food was really incredible!...To be honest, it was my very first trip outside of Russia, and it was the best days of my life! I got much more than I expected.
Dasha Ustinova
Easy Cooking Project
"They are passionate about sharing their love and knowledge of the industry"
“I am so happy to have discovered the all encompassing food photography workshops called First We Eat Events. Every workshop is a unique opportunity to rub shoulders and learn from the best professionals in the industry. They are passionate about sharing their love and knowledge of the industry and have perfected the workshop adventure by finding fantastic villas or historic homes to occupy while they dive in and create an experience (and food) in amazing settings. Magic happens when you spend four concentrated days learning from them; two top notch professionals that graciously share their individual artistry through stylized meals in beautiful settings. I have made great strides in my own photography and I can honestly say that I owe my successes to my experiences with First We Eat!!”
Beryl Striewsky
Photographer