Tips For Photographing Cakes & Desserts

When I look back at my earlier photos of cakes and desserts, I have to admit they weren’t very good! But, like everything in life, it’s all about practice, research, and experimentation. Over time, you’ll develop a style that’s uniquely yours.

That said, there are a few technical points to keep in mind when photographing food. I’ve put together a list of tips below, along with free and paid editing suites. High-quality photos are essential for selling your cakes and desserts—after all, we eat with our eyes!

I use Adobe Lightroom, as I find it easy to work with. I’m currently photographing with my iPhone 13 Pro. If you're looking for a good food photography book, I have Food Photos & Styling by Eveline Boone. It's very detailed and a great reference book to have.

Lighting:
Use Natural Light: Place your cake near a large window for soft, even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which can create harsh shadows.
Diffuse the Light: Use a white curtain or thin fabric over the window to soften the light and prevent overexposure.
Reflect Light: Use a white foam board or reflector opposite the light source to fill in shadows on the darker side of the cake.
Avoid Artificial Lighting: If possible, avoid using overhead or indoor lighting, as it can create unflattering colours and shadows.
 

Composition:
Frame the Cake Well: Center the cake in the shot if it’s the main focus. Leave a bit of space around it for a balanced frame.
Use Leading Lines: Position decorations, props, or plates to subtly guide the viewer’s eye towards the cake.
Try the Rule of Thirds: Imagine a 3x3 grid and place your cake at the intersection points for a more dynamic composition.
 

Angle & Perspective:
Straight-On for Layers: For layered cakes, a straight-on shot shows off the different levels and fillings.
45-Degree Angle for Depth: This angle often flatters cakes by showing both the top and sides.
Overhead for Flat Decorations: For cakes with intricate tops (like drip cakes or floral designs), an overhead shot can showcase these details.
 

Styling & Background:
Choose a Simple Background: Plain backgrounds help the cake stand out without distractions. Use neutral colours or a clean kitchen setting.
Add Props Sparingly: Use props that enhance the cake’s theme—like forks, cake knives, or small floral arrangements—without overwhelming the cake.
Use Cake Stands or Boards: Elevate the cake slightly on a stand or board to add a professional touch and make it the centrepiece of the shot.
 

Focus & Depth of Field:
Use a Shallow Depth of Field: A blurred background with a sharp focus on the cake adds depth and helps the cake stand out. Use a low aperture (like f/2.8 or f/4) if your camera allows.
Focus on Key Details: Make sure the focal point is on the most interesting part of the cake, like intricate decorations or texture.
 

Editing & Adjustments:
Adjust Brightness and Contrast: Use photo editing software to fine-tune lighting, making sure the cake is well-lit but not overexposed.
Enhance Colours Naturally: Slightly increase saturation to make colours pop, but keep the look natural.
Crop Carefully: Adjust cropping to remove any distractions and bring more attention to the cake.
 

Consistency for Social Media:
Establish a Style: Whether light and airy or dark and moody, consistent styling builds a recognisable look for your brand.
Use the Same Filters or Editing Techniques: Apply similar edits across your cake photos for a cohesive gallery or feed.
 

iPhone Photography Tips for Food
Use Portrait Mode: For single cakes or smaller desserts, Portrait mode adds a subtle background blur, keeping the focus on your subject and adding depth.
Tap to Focus and Adjust Exposure: Tap on the area of the cake or dessert you want in focus. Then, slide your finger up or down to adjust exposure, making the photo brighter or darker as needed.
Natural Lighting is Key: Take photos near a window for soft, even lighting. Avoid harsh overhead lights and use indirect sunlight for the best results.
Avoid Flash: The built-in flash can create harsh shadows and wash out colours. Use an external light source if you need more light, or try a white reflector to bounce natural light back onto the cake.
Experiment with Angles: Try a 45-degree angle for depth, an overhead shot for flat decorations, or a straight-on shot for layered cakes. Test a few different angles to see what works best for each cake.
Use the Grid Feature: Go to your iPhone settings, enable the “Grid” feature, and apply the rule of thirds for better composition. Place the cake where the grid lines intersect for a more balanced shot.
Keep the Lens Clean: A quick wipe of your iPhone camera lens can prevent blurry or cloudy images.
Editing with Built-In Tools: The iPhone Photos app has great built-in editing tools. Adjust brightness, contrast, and warmth, and try the “Vivid” filter for richer colours.
 

Free Photo Editing Suites:

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Features: Advanced editing with layers, retouching tools, customisable brushes, and support for plugins. Open-source with a wide range of tools similar to Photoshop.
 

Canva
Platform: Web, iOS, Android
Features: Basic photo editing tools, filters, text overlay, and templates. Great for social media posts and branding. Canva Pro offers more templates and tools but is optional.  I have used Canva a lot in the past  - I found it very good to use before I moved on to using Adobe.
 

Photoscape X
Platform: Windows, macOS
Features: Includes basic editing tools, filters, batch editing, and collage maker. User-friendly for beginners and good for basic photo adjustments.
 

Darktable
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Features: Free alternative to Lightroom with RAW photo editing, colour adjustments, and a variety of editing modules. Excellent for professional-quality colour correction.
 

Snapseed
Platform: iOS, Android
Features: Mobile app with advanced editing features like selective adjustments, healing tools, filters, and RAW photo editing. Developed by Google and great for on-the-go editing.
 

Pixlr X and Pixlr E
Platform: Web
Features: Pixlr X for quick edits, and Pixlr E for advanced editing with layers. Browser-based, offering a variety of tools without software downloads.
 

Paid Photo Editing Suites
 

Adobe Photoshop
Platform: Windows, macOS
Features: Industry standard for professional editing, with powerful tools for layers, masking, retouching, and graphic design. Available via monthly subscription as part of Adobe Creative Cloud.
 

Adobe Lightroom
Platform: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Features: Ideal for photo organisation, colour correction, and RAW editing. Simple user interface with cloud storage options and available as a standalone subscription or with Photoshop.  This is what I currently use and I find it very good.
 

Capture One
Platform: Windows, macOS
Features: High-end RAW editor known for colour grading, tethered shooting, and advanced photo manipulation. Favoured by professional photographers, especially for portrait and product photography.
 

Affinity Photo
Platform: Windows, macOS, iPad
Features: One-time purchase with powerful editing capabilities similar to Photoshop. Includes layers, HDR merging, and panorama stitching.
 

Luminar AI
Platform: Windows, macOS
Features: AI-powered adjustments for quick, high-quality edits. Great for enhancing photos with minimal effort, making it popular among those who prefer speed over manual adjustments.
 

Corel PaintShop Pro
Platform: Windows
Features: Feature-rich with tools for RAW editing, layers, and graphic design. One-time purchase with frequent discounts, making it a budget-friendly Photoshop alternative.
 

ACDSee Photo Studio
Platform: Windows, macOS
Features: Comprehensive suite for photo organisation, RAW editing, and layered editing. Strong alternative to Lightroom and Photoshop for organising large photo libraries.