An essential part of marketing and branding is showcasing your products in the best light, which is possible only through incredible photography skills. Cake photography requires creativity, talent, and an eye for detail. The principles of good photography are lighting, composition, and styling. Whether you are a professional photographer or a baker trying to improve your branding, here are tips on capturing the perfect cake shot:
- Lighting
Natural lighting is your best friend when photographing a candid cake shot. Avoid harsh and direct sunlight or studio lights, as they can create unappealing shadows in the photo. If you shoot indoors, you can use sheer or white curtains to diffuse lighting and create a soft reflection effect.
When photographing cakes, like multi-tiered cakes or cupcakes, emphasise the frosting and decorative details. For dry desserts, like croissants or baguettes, the focus should be on the inside of the dessert, such as the crumb structure, the layers inside, and the crust.
2. Angles
For single-tier cakes, a direct and straight shot works well to highlight the cake's layers and decoration. However, for a multi-tiered cake, a side angle is always better to capture a sense of the height and dimensions of the cake. The best shot for cupcakes and smaller cakes would be a picture taken from the top. This is especially true if the cake has decorative elements like sprinkles, drizzles, etc.
Another tip is to leave some space around the cake to avoid cluttering and ensure that the cake is the primary focus. Remember, the background should complement the subject, not take attention away from it.
3. Styling
Styling is important to any photoshoot, whether of a cake or a human. Simple decorative elements like fresh flower arrangements, fruits, or even cake ingredients add a touch of sophistication to the pictures. Change the styling depending on the cake you are photographing. For example, a loaf of plum cake would look rustic or festive, while chocolate cakes have a party aesthetic.
Ensure that whatever props you use for styling do not overpower the subject. The props should not be the focus of the shot. Another thing to be careful about when arranging props is to ensure that the elements align and don't stand out too much.
4. Editing and final touches
Once you have captured the perfect shot, you can edit or refine the pictures using photo editing apps. You can make subtle arrangements, enhance the colours, and sharpen the details to make the cakes look more appealing. Make sure that you do not over-edit a picture. The goal is to make it appear as authentic as possible because you do not want to advertise a product that does not look like anything in real life.
Comments