photographing cakes!

[jeniveeev]

Hi, i have dabbled a little in photography for a few years and love it. most of my pics are of kids/portraits. a friend has recently asked if i would take pictures of her cakes (she has a new cupcake business) as she is ready to launch into the marketing/stationery side of things! she has seen some of my photos and she thinks it would be a great idea to get me and her business moving forward! where do i start as i dont own studio/or studio lighting! is there a specific set up for this (a lightbox or something)
what is the best set up for photographing cakes (i expect indoors) as i am concerned about how they might look. hope someone can give me so guidance?
thanks

 

[towershot]

I haven't done this either but I would try with a light box, rather than buy to start I would get a big cardboard box ,paint it with brilliant white matt paint,
Stick a diffuser on the flash and go from there...:shrug:


Come on guys, tell Him what to do.....

 

[Gwaelod]

Get hold of tesco/sainsbury free magazines and look at the food shots in there for some inspiration....don't just concentrate on white light tent type pictures...cakes are comforting not sterile.

 

[jeniveeev]

thanks for all those tips - il try everything as a practice run to start with. also, should i use a tripod? sorry for all q's but once ive taken the pics do i get them developed or should i give my friend the disc (or maybe both) and she takes it from there? im not accepting payment for this - other than cakes!
thanks in advance

 

[Kerioak]

Hi Jeni

Decide what sort of pictures you want - white backgrounds or cakes in context. Personally I like cakes in some kind of context (and in front of me!) there are some nice examples in this thread . I have used both studio flashes for mine and long exposures with just available light.

Keep it on a business footing - set out in writing just what she can use the images for (and for how long) and what you will get in return - cakes, money, cookery lessons whatever and that you retain the copyright of the images. Details worked out now can save problems in the future

 

[Chris Reed]

Do not use a light box, it will look like she is backing for a hospital.

my wife is a keen baker, and i photograph some of her things, i just leave it on my the table and get down near its level (about 30-45 degrees) you want to be able to see the top with out it looking flat, get some kitcheny stuff in the back (spice rack ect) set a narrow dof, and bounce the flash off a wall/ umbrella depending on the cake you may want to play with over or under exposing it by a stop.

shoot the whole cake, then take a slice out and shoot the slice with the cake (to show the cross section with yummy stuff inside)

I don't use a tripod unless i need to, they make me feel rooted and i like to move around, others use them all the time.

also for cupcakes do not shoot them on their own, have them in groups, they look much better, and make you think about plenty, which is good for advertising.

 

[jeniveeev]

wow - those pics are truly amazing! i am by no means a pro at photography but how on earth do you achieve the glossy perfect image!? im going to practice now and if its ok can i post the pics on here for some honest opinions?! thanks to you all for great tips.
J

 

[Chappers]

Cakes and in fact all food look better if they are in a setting that you would expect to find them. Photographed on suitable plates with a nice table cloth looks nice. If you want it to look professional think about the details; make sure the cakes present their best side, and the plates are clean with no chips ( has happened) and the table cloths are not creased.

Food photography is an art in itself and may seem simple, but trust me it isn't as easy as it seems. Best advice.. Keep it simple