Inspirational weekend in Shaftesbury, Dorset

Gold Hill, Shaftesbury

Shaftesbury is a small idyllic town in Dorset, United Kingdon. It’s just under two hours away by train from London Waterloo to the nearest town of Gillingham, you then take a bus or a cab to Shaftesbury which is about 10 minutes away. Actually, this adventure started back last August when Jeanne, aka @Cooksisterblog help me to buy a proper slr camera. I can’t thank her enough for all the guidance. I was busy experimenting with my new toy, when in November last year, I saw on Instagram the picture of Gold Hill, above. It took my breath away… I had to go there to see it for myself.
Another month passed by and I saw, again on Instagram, that Marte Marie Forsberg, a professional photographer from Norway, who I met last Summer in London, was hosting a one day food and lifestyle photography workshop for beginners in Shaftesbury!! I emailed her straight away and signed up for the workshop which was taking place two months later in her cosy cottage in Shaftesbury. That was my Christmas present to myself. I bought the train ticket two months in advance, that was £22/ return, If you leave to buy near the time of your travel it will be three time more expensive.
Hurray! I was finally going to Shaftesbury!

Picturesque Shaftesbury

view of the Old Chapel from Castle Hill

the view from Abbey Walk

The town is small making it easy to walk everywhere. I feel in love with this place and the people.

The photography course:

It was a good full-on Saturday of introduction to food and lifestyle photography

and visual storytelling. Hope this workshop has help me to take better pictures and develop my photo taking from here on….

introduction at Marie’s cottage over hot chocolate and fresh pastries

getting started for some action at The King Alfred cafe, a great venue with stunning lighting

Zoe was our model for the day

the most photographed cabbage

We then moved on to The Grovesnor Arms for lunch and more photos

The pizza oven at The Grosvenor Arms

a family setting

a moody b&w setting

capturing action during service

A pleasant Saturday learning about photography, use of natural light, composition, a little about styling, assignments and some food and drink!

Walking around Shaftesbury

(not included in the course, pictures taken before the course)

Bright Blossoms – gorgeous florist in Bell Street

I found Corita Rose, a fabric, furniture and furnishings company, by chance, its a beautiful and colourful studio owned by the very stylish Caroline.

Where I ate:

Quick coffee and cake break

The Artisans Bakery, based in a building dated 1890, bell street, quality, taste and elegance

Lunch:
The Salt cellar – a lunch with a view! This eatery overlooks the Gold
Hill, I had the chicken pie recommend by one of the locals.

Diner: La Fleur de Lys, an award winning and smart place to eat in town. They also have a B&B. I apologise for the poor pictures, I only had the iphone with me and the poor lighting didn’t help either.

The staff was very welcoming and friendly. The restaurant bar is a bit on the old fashioned side. Nice started courtesy of the chef and owner, David, who has been heading La Fleur de Lys for the last 23 years! Good quality and local produce made this a very enjoyable experience.

main: the juiciest beef and potato rosti and dessert: box of dark chocolate, was decadent and delicious

A quick drink at The Grosvenor Arms, what a beautiful hotel and restaurant

Pub time nice place for a drinks and food: Mitre

where I stayed:

The Old Chapel – B&B

A bit of research and found a nice and charming B&B, The Old Chapel.
The owners, Sue and Philip, are so lovely and welcoming. The breakfast was massive and very tasty.There are
only two huge and comfortable double rooms, in a converted chapel. I
highly recommend this B&B.