Hello there! I got to admit, it took me MUCH longer than expected to make that first video, but here I am, at last! The whole idea of making a video on how to take pictures of tall tiered cakes appeared to me when I realised that there were hardly any tutorials (none that I could find anyway…) on that particular subject! Of course, there are many out there giving tips for food photography, and photography in general, but next to nothing when it comes to fit a three tier wedding cake in your camera frame, and make it look good.
If you are reading this, chances are that you are a cake designer yourself, looking for photography tips to make your creations look awesome. So before we start, I would like to let you know that you won’t find any technical details in this video (aperture, ISO, shutter speed, etc) because I am a cake designer too, and not a photographer. And if I am completely honest, I have a very basic knowledge of photography, but enough to be able to play around with the light and with my camera (although I am still learning a lot). So, really, what I want to share with you is my experience on that matter, my best tips for composition, backgrounds, etc. As I explain later in the video, when I first started to take photos of my cakes in my house, it’s been quite the struggle: no white walls, not enough light or too much light, fridge in the background, etc, etc. But with a bit of effort and a better understanding of my camera settings, I managed to work my way around those issues, and it turned out pretty well :)
Here it what you will find in that video:
My “starter” camera gear
How to work with your own environment
My totally affordable DIY photography set up
The backgrounds I use
How to shoot you wedding cakes for Instagram if you shoot with an actual camera (and not your phone...)
How to edit your pictures for free
So, with no further ado, I really hope you enjoy this little video and please leave your comments behind :)
In a few words, here is what you should remember:
Natural light is you BFF (and it’s free, might as well enjoy it…). Whatever the place in your house/cake studio, find the spot with the best light! Because once you found it, even if it’s the last place you would have thought to use to take pictures (next to your fridge, right under a window,…), you can always play with backgrounds and supports and nobody will tell the difference!
Play with your creativity to come up with your own “signature style”
All these tips work with DSLR but you can also start with your phone’s camera!
And lastly… HAVE FUN!
Helpful Links
Gear: www.canon.com
Free Editing softwares: Snapseed | MacBook Pro iPhoto built in software
Backgrounds: diy.com, Ikea (roller blinds), Hobbycraft (boards and foam boards)
Light diffuser: baking paper or white sheet :)
And my favourite food photography Youtube channel: The Bite Shot (she’s funny and amazing, AND she gives lots of good information on how to use a camera !!)
If you want to follow me:
Instagram | Facebook @zazamarcelle
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.co.uk/zazamarcelle/
website www.zazamarcelle.co.uk
Filmed & Edited by Isabelle B. (Zaza)
Music credits: https://freemusicforvlogs.com/unwritten-stories-hallucination/