The Story:
With all this craziness of writing a cookbook, I thought this might be a good time to give a few tips of food photography. After all, it’s not that difficult if you know the basics.
Natural Light: It is a must. Find a good window at home or a place on your back porch and set up! But here’s the trick, you don’t want direct sunlight. So if it’s a cloudy day, then celebrate! That cloud coverage is good for vampires and for your photography! But if there’s bright sun, then go outside under a tree, or find a room in your house that doesn’t have a harsh light coming through the window. If you need to, you can hang a sheer white fabric over your window to help soften it.
Reflecting Board: Do you see the white thing to the right of my cupcakes? That is a reflecting board. It bounces the light back onto the cupcakes to (from the window) to lessen the shadows on the cake. You don’t need to run out and buy a “reflecting board.” A piece of white poster board will do just fine. Bend it in half so that it will stand up on it’s own and you are good to go!
Set the Scene: I like to use poster boards in the back of my set ups because I usually photograph in a small college apartment and I don’t have much space. But no matter what, keep your background simple. You don’t want it to distract from your beautiful treat.
The Camera: Budgets allow for different cameras. Get what you can comfortably afford and with these tips you will still get great photos. Even iphones these days have amazing capabilities. Go to my About page to see what camera I use.
Make it Personal: Take a ton of photos and figure out what looks like YOU. You need to give it your own flare and personal touch. This can come through props, angles or even how you edit the photos. And before you know it, you will have a beautiful photo.
Oreo Hostess Cupcakes, get the recipe here!
You have NO idea how helpful this post was!! I started blogging recently and one of the things I struggle with the most is how to take good pictures. Everyone’s pictures always look SO amazing and I want to cry sometimes because I can’t get those kinds of pictures. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Good! Glad to be of help when I can. Cute site! But yes, use natural light for your photos and you will see a big improvement.
Thanks for the tips! Lately I’ve had better luck with taking photos outside, but since I live in Oregon, that is not something I can do year round. I will give the reflector board a try. Hopefully my indoor pictures won’t have so many shadows.
Lacey, I am in Oregon right now taking photos for my cookbook, I take half my photos outside and half inside. Just find a good window in your home that has gentle light coming in so you don’t get bad shadows. Good luck!
Great tips! I’ve bought some low-end photography equipment to make the most out of my small space as well 🙂 Thanks for the help!
Some great suggestions! I like the idea of using the white board to bounce the light back! Any tips for composition?
Just take a lot of photos, you will see what kind of composition you like. And you will get better and better the more you do it 🙂
Thanks for these great tips on photography and the photos to match 🙂 I have been wondering how to do a simple reflecting board, and I had to go to the newsagent tomorrow anyway. Now I know exactly what I am looking for.
Thank you for the tips, I’ve been trying to take better pictures of my desserts and I’m hoping this will help!
This post was very helpful, thank you so much for posting it!
When will your cookbook be coming out and what is the name of it?
In stores Spring 2013 and no name is set yet 🙂
Hi, ur cupcakes are AMAZING and I love your way of editing. If I may ask, can u tell me the name of the app or site that you use for editing your pictures? Plz
Editing? I do a small amount on iPhoto on my computer, but I add text to the photos using PicMonkey.com
What a great post! Thank you for sharing these tips…I don’t know why I never thought of poster board (duh)…I see great pics on your blog and others and always wondered why there’s always a nice, clean background and now I know why (thanks again!). btw, your recipes all sounds so delish, I cannot wait to try making some of them soon. 🙂
Love this how-to post! Thank you! Using the poster boards are such a great tip and are going to be able to be easily stored in an apartment.
Hello!!! I really believe in destiny…I found you just on the right momment! I’m starting my own cupcake bussiness, after thinking about it for almost a decade I finally decided! (For the momment I’ll just sell on the web!) You’ve been so usefull I’m in debt with you! I really love every inch of you website! I did my first cupcakes right out of here (Almond Maraschino & Tiramisu) and my husband really love them (fortunately he has a BIG sweet tooth)and I’m about to take a sample to a coffee shop!
You’re my godmother…So wish me luck! :))))
so good thanksssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss saved my lifeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee you bae number 1 for real omggggg
Thank you. Simple and good. I always take tons of pics ehehehhe now I am searching for a cute, easy and beautiful background board……:)
great
I really like the concept that you shared. Thanks.
Photography is an art, especially food. It looks very attractive and appetizing, as well as conveys a certain meaning and mood.
Beth Dutton’s hat is more than just an accessory; it’s a statement. Its wide brim and structured silhouette mirror her unwavering determination. The hat’s dark hue adds an air of mystery, emphasizing Beth’s enigmatic persona
Dubai’s premier event companies in Dubai in curating extraordinary occasions. With a blend of innovation and precision, they craft events that leave lasting impressions. Meticulous planning, creative concepts, and seamless execution define their approach. From corporate galas to luxurious weddings, these experts ensure every detail is impeccable, elevating Dubai’s reputation as a hub of spectacular events.