Photographing Cakes

Business By SugarSweetCakes Updated 16 Jul 2012 , 2:03pm by SugarSweetCakes

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SugarSweetCakes Posted 11 Jul 2012 , 3:01pm
post #1 of 14

What kind of camera does everyone use to photograph their cakes? Also, do you use any special lighting? I am in need of a new camera. The one I have now I find doesn't really capture the true color of the cake... especially purple (the cakes I make with purple always look blue).

13 replies
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shannycakers Posted 11 Jul 2012 , 3:09pm
post #2 of 14

hi, i use a regular camera, then adjust image in edit..see the pm I just sent you for exact instructions..

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theresaf Posted 11 Jul 2012 , 6:24pm
post #3 of 14

I use my Iphone camera! Zoom in, out adjust the lighting. I have a Leica Mini too that I sometimes use, but I am very happy using my Iphone camera. Most of the current pictures in my gallery are Iphone shots only. Plus I prefer using outside light coming in rather than deal with the shadow of a nearby light. That's a whole different set of problems I like to avoid!

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FromScratchSF Posted 11 Jul 2012 , 6:48pm
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Almost everything I learned about photographing my cakes started here:

http://www.crumblycookie.net/food-photography/

I have a regular digital camera but I made sure it had a manual macro setting when I bought it. I think it was under $400.

I use Picasa to do basic edits like simple color/exposure adjustments and Photoshop for stuff I need to clean up and to add my logo. I also have Lightroom but am still learning how to use it.

If you have the room for the set up, you can also buy all-in-one studio set-ups like this: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OZRFR2/?tag=cakecentral-20

I have a bigger one but it was about $100 on Amazon - I can't find the link.

There are also tutorials online for DIY lightboxes out of cardboard boxes and tissue paper.

Good luck!

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FromScratchSF Posted 11 Jul 2012 , 6:50pm
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Oh, I also prefer to photograph against a gray background instead of white. That's a stylistic decision for me.

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bitabread Posted 11 Jul 2012 , 8:30pm
post #6 of 14

I think the most important factor when getting a new camera to take picture of the cakes is to have the Macro option. Macro will enhace the colors and details of the cakes.

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SugaredSaffron Posted 11 Jul 2012 , 10:39pm
post #7 of 14

Here's a good link about food photography, the blog has other interesting posts on the subject as well:http://www.loveveggiesandyoga.com/2011/08/food-light-photography-tips-from-diane-cu.html

I used to use my iPhone but the quality just isn't as great as a proper camera imo. It did work quite well if I could get the lighting right though. I just bought a DSLR, its a canon 450D that was recommended to me by some photographers with a 50mm 1.8f lens. The quality is crazy so if you want to get a bit into food photography or you are willing to do some research on the basics of SLR's then I would recommend getting one. Otherwise get a nice clean background, some good natural lighting and free editing software to fix up any white balance and contrast issues. I'm certainly no [insert famous photographer here] and I took this photo after playing with apertures for a couple of days http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=492802347402288&set=a.333546366661221.102288.290297210986137&type=1&theater. Obv that couldn't be done with a normal point and shoot but then again you wouldn't need to photograph a lare cake in the same style.

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ellavanilla Posted 12 Jul 2012 , 1:29am
post #8 of 14

another vote for the macro setting. my colors were all wrong until i learned about that little button.

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mydearbakes Posted 12 Jul 2012 , 11:10am
post #9 of 14

My vote goes to macro mode too. It does enhance the quality of your photo. Using a DSLR cam helps too =)

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CyberKat Posted 12 Jul 2012 , 1:29pm
post #10 of 14

thanks for posting this!! I found it very helpful icon_smile.gif

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FullHouse Posted 12 Jul 2012 , 7:47pm
post #11 of 14

Funny this thread is up today. I just brought 2 of these Groupon deals this morning. They have quite a few different classes. I would love to take about 4 of them (101, 102, Portrait, Lighting), but figured I'd buy 2 to start.

$29 for a Four-Week Online Photography Class from flying photo school ($97 Value)
http://www.groupon.com/deals/dc-brd-flying-photo-school-amarillo?sd=false&utm_campaign=UserReferral_dp&utm_medium=email&utm_source=uu38313266

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lorieleann Posted 13 Jul 2012 , 1:26am
post #12 of 14

I have a Nikon D40 and i shoot with a 35mm 1.8/f lens.(I LOVE this camera and lens. i got it when i was shooting the kids when they were babies. it is a fixed length lens, but takes great photos in natural and low light. It also works pretty well on food) I also have a SB-400 speedlight that is good for bouncing light off the ceiling instead of a straight-on flash when natural light isn't available. To 'studio' shoot I have taken to black foam core because i was getting to many issues with white board.

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SugarSweetCakes Posted 16 Jul 2012 , 1:59pm
post #13 of 14

Thank you all for your help!! I know very little about cameras lol. How do I know if the camera has the macro setting?

Do you think this is a nice camera? I can't spend too much & I def can't afford an SLR camera.
http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/coolpix/life/l810/

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SugarSweetCakes Posted 16 Jul 2012 , 2:03pm
post #14 of 14
Quote:
Originally Posted by FromScratchSF


If you have the room for the set up, you can also buy all-in-one studio set-ups like this: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OZRFR2/?tag=cakecentral-20

I have a bigger one but it was about $100 on Amazon - I can't find the link.




I saw those before on Amazon & I thought about buying one, but I'm worried the 3+ tiered cakes won't fit inside the box? It looks like it has a roof on it, can you take just the roof off & leave just the walls/floor?

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