Starting a home baking business is an excellent way to turn your passion for baking into a profitable business. In today's age of social media and online marketplaces, having beautiful photos of your baked goods is essential to attract customers and to grow your business.
We all know we eat with our eyes first. In order to get the orders flowing it is important to have your photography display how delicious your desserts are. I know it can feel overwhelming and we can easily fear that it won't be "good enough". Here are some tips on how to take good photos for your home baking business even if you don’t have a special camera.
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How do I have great photography in my home baking business?
Do I need a special camera?
NO! Phones today have amazing cameras. So do not worry about needing to buy a special camera and learning how to use that. You can take amazing photos with your phone for your home baking business.
But first and foremost make sure you clean your lens. My husband (who is a professional photographer) always reminds all of us about this! We touch our phones so much not to mention my kid's sticky fingers and the lens can get really dirty making your photos come out blurry.
1. Create interest in your photos
These are things that take your photos from boring to really eye-catching.
Create multiple layers to add dept ex. Dessert on top of a plate with a towel underneath
Add multiple textures
Repeating shapes ex. Multiple circle-shaped items
Items in groups of 3 always look better
Add a little mess. Mess shows action and makes your photo pop. It allows the viewer to want to be a part of the action.
2. Lighting is key
Good lighting is crucial for taking good photos. Natural light is the best option, as it provides a soft, diffused light that highlights the textures and colors of your baked goods. Try to take your photos near a window, preferably during the day when there is plenty of natural light. If natural light is not available, consider investing in some artificial lights or lightboxes that can provide a similar effect. Here are some affordable options:
To make sure everything is well lit you can also use boards like this to bounce light off of.
3. Composition is everything
The way you compose your photo can make a big difference in how it looks. Use props, such as plates, napkins, and utensils, to create an attractive and inviting scene. This is a great opportunity to bring in your brand to your photos. Pick props and colors that align with your brand identity. If you are unsure what your brand identity is make sure to read this next.
Consider the background and the angle from which you are taking the photo. Experiment with different compositions until you find the one that looks the best.
You do not have to spend a lot of money on this either. I like to pull items from my house and find nice boards and plates at Marshall’s or thrift stores.
4. Keep it simple
When taking photos of your baked goods, keep the focus on the food itself. Avoid cluttered backgrounds and too many props, as they can detract from the main subject. Use a plain, neutral background to make your baked goods stand out. A great option to create a clean background is using background boards like these. They allow you to create a faux kitchen counter for your photos.
5. Play with colors and textures
Colors and textures can make your photos pop. Use colorful ingredients, such as fresh fruits or flowers, to add a pop of color to your baked goods. Experiment with different textures, such as wood, fabric, metal, crumbs or sprinkles, to add visual interest. I love to add some of the ingredients that were used in the photos as well to give a little insight into what is inside.
6. Edit your photos
Editing your photos can take them from good to great. Use editing software, such as Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop, to adjust the exposure, contrast, and color balance of your photos. Keep in mind that editing should enhance the natural beauty of your photos, not drastically alter them.
7. Consistency is key
Consistency is essential when it comes to building your brand. Create a visual style that is unique to your business and use it consistently in all your photos. This will help customers recognize your brand and associate it with quality and professionalism. To keep all of your photos uniform you can also buy presets from Etsy to use on Lightroom.
When it comes to photography in a home baking business it takes practice and patience, but it is possible to take amazing photos with your phone. By following these tips, you can create photos that showcase the beauty and quality of your baked goods and attract more customers to your business. Remember to have fun and experiment with different techniques until you find what works best for you.
Happy baking!
If you want some visual help make sure to check out these videos next!