Adventure is to be expected when food photography goes on location. But add a massive Muskoka snowstorm, hydro blackouts, a large and expensive prop chandelier, very steep, slippery hiking with tons of gear….and you’ve got an episode. Day 1’s lack of running water or hydro for the electric stove was made all the worse for having to buy a generator to run the necessities of lights and camera equipment, which woefully set off the carbon dioxide alarms all day with its fumes.
me cooking dessert outdoors on a Coleman Stove; 45 minutes to the boil
But our spirits were rescued by a productive 2nd day and delicious locally catered meals; we heated water for tea on the woodstove, and miraculously completed the shoot in good enough time to be be packed out by sunset despite the hydro never getting restored. (Ok: so there was 1 run to town for lattes compliments of our hosts).
me taking a pic of Ron and Kareen
I always feel awe for the teamwork that makes everyday in the studio feel relevant or at least social. But amidst these circumstances, I was just relieved that no one suffered from more than a few stuck vehicles, cold wet feet, and some big time inconveniences…and thankfully no bears !
The location on Dickie Lake near Baysville (2-1/2 hours north of Toronto) was spectacular; we are all potluck heroes and made it work.
Kudos to the amazing pluck and talent of photographer James Tse and his assistants Ron and Kareen, Shelly S. and Laura for luscious props; Victoria for the perfect prep-aheads. Karen: thanks for your laughter and that glass of wine with our beautiful dinner at the Inn (that graciously had room for us all) which could not possibly have tasted better.
