Taking Pictures of Cookies-The Background Matters
This is going to be a short post. I am in no way telling you what to do but, I want to show you something. I surf the web all the time and I come across some showstopping cookies that I can’t see very well. They are amazing cookies but, the problem is, they get lost by the background. Taking pictures of cookies is not hard but, there are a few things to remember before you start. Let me show you what I mean.
These are some cookies I made for a guest post for my friend Karen at TrilogyEdibles. I wanted to use them to show you about a simple white background and the difference it can make to your cookies.
The plain white background is so much better than this picture of the cookies on the baking rack. Not that this photo is horrible but, the cookies get lost in the grid of the cookie rack. When I see showstopping cookies on a rack I automatically zoom in on the cookies so I can focus on the wonderful details of the cookies without my eye focusing on the rack. I also know photography is art and the beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I want all my hard work to be seen in my photos. I don’t want them to get lost in the background.
You don’t have to break into your savings account to buy expensive props. Just find some white paper, poster board, foam board or cute scrapbook paper that is complimentary to your cookies. Your cookies will be the focus of your photo and not the cookie rack.
Happy Creating,
Very true! I struggle with backgrounds sometimes, but normally stick to white or black foam board for photographing cookies. Only a couple dollars each, but they make such a huge difference in your pictures!
Assuming you reuse the foam board (I’m cheap like that!), how do you avoid the grease spots? They are why I always use a white plate, but I don’t like the slanting sides.
Set a small piece of cardboard under your cookie. The cardboard needs to be smaller than your cookie so it won’t show and it will keep the cookie from getting your poster board greasy and you can reuse the cardboard and the poster board over and over.
Thanks! I’ll try it!
That is why I like foam board because you can use it over and over again.
I stick to white backgrounds. You know why? I have no imagination for fancy backgrounds and by the time I’m finished with the cookies, I just want to package them and get them out the door.
As I see it, the cookies are lucky to get me to take their picture! 😉
The cookies are LUCKY!! They were made with LOVE by YOU!!!! I don’t think you can go wrong with a white back ground.
Great advice! I just wrote a blog post about easy photography tips http://happylorisbaking.com/2012/09/19/top-5-cookie-photography-tips/
I really really need to get a new camera and then I really need to take a class and then I really need to have a camera tutor and then I really need to just hire someone to take my photos because I’ll never be able to get it right! I so enjoy your photos – I can tell you really know what you’re doing! And I really love these little bat cookies – such an unusual shape!
You’ve got to be kidding! I love your photos Kim!
I went to a fabric store and bought a yard each of black and white broadcloth. If it has grease stains afterwards I just thrw it in the wash! Spots come out everytime.
Lora!!! That is brilliant!! Thanks so much for sharing with us! Talk about savings!! I LOVE IT!!
Thanks! Feel free to check out some of my creations on my FB page, A Little Taste of Heaven by Lora Brewster. I have experimented with different colored fabric backgrounds, but with my crappy/ broken camera, black seems to work best for me. 🙂 Hoping for a new camera next week for my birthday (fingers crossed)!
That IS a great idea!! Do you have problems with it getting wrinkly?
I store mine flat but, if I try to bend it to much it might get a bubble. All you have to do is carefully lift the paper on closest corner and smooth it out again. The good thing about the spray adhesive is your can re-stick it several times.
I know this is about photography but I must say, you little bats are so cute. I love their googly eyes. BTW: I sent you a FM a couple days ago as I don’t have your regular email address.
Hey Deborah, I will check out my FB asap. I haven’t been on the computer much the past few days but, I am looking now:)
I couldn’t agree with you more! I appreciate a nice clean background to show off a beautifully decorated and colorful cookie. No extra staging necessary.
Cute sparkly bat friends by the way! 🙂
I’m in love with these!! They’re sooooo cute!
You’re such a great teacher Lisa!