Food {Faux}tography

I gotta keep it real here.  Food photography is tough.  I struggle with it every single time I do it.  I am not exaggerating in the slightest when I say that I am totally faking it.

This is my favorite shot of a slice of cake.  When one person (whose opinion I trust implicitly) saw it they said, “Can I just tell you everything that is wrong with that shot?”

Yes!!  Please do!!  (Seriously, I appreciate all feedback!)  Because when I took it I didnt realize the back was blown out and that the fork placement draws your eye away from the cake or that my depth of field is way to shallow.  I just thought it was pretty.

So this is not a series on how to be a better food photographer.  Because clearly I know very little on that topic.  And there are amazingly talented people out there who DO know how to do food photography and styling.

Dine and Dish

What Katie Ate

Sweetapolita

Rawmazing

Roost

Donna Hay

These guys are the real deal.  One reason that these folks speak to me is that when I see their pictures I dont think, “That is beautiful styling.”  I think,

I want to eat that food.”

They are so masterful with telling my eye where to go, where to linger, and what exactly it should be focusing on.

They just get it.

(I highly encourage you to check out those blogs… if you love their talent as much as I do, be sure to tell them!)

I am quite secure in the fact that food styling & photography is NOT my gift.  I DON’T get it.  I have taken classes, I have watched video’s, I have tried to flat out copy people. (always giving credit of course) Its just not. my. thing.

So I fake it.

One way I fake it is with props.  I tend to make lots of cakes so side plates are a big prop in my life.  I have many, many, way-to-many side plates.

And way to many cake stands.  But thats another post!

For this {faux}tography post I want to show you the power of a side plate.  I am not kidding you when I say that they can transform a piece of cake.

Things to look for:  In which picture do you think, “Oh, thats a pretty plate,” and in which (if any, remember I am not a pro) do you think,

“I must eat that cake!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So does one stand out?

Look at how much a difference a red plate vs. a white plate can make.  Can you imagine if we added a glass?  Or a pretty napkin, or even the whole cake behind?  I have a hard time seeing that so I have to try and build as I go, a piece at a time.

So.  While I fully suggest if you want to be a great food stylist and food photographer, learn from the best.

But if you need to fake it like I do, try focusing on one prop.  Like plates.  Or silverware.  Or napkins.  And then build up your supply so that you can experiment and see what you prefer!

(Most of these plates were purchased at Thrift Stores and yard/salvage/garage sales.  One of these days I will take you shopping with me!)

Wanna know which one I like the best?

Plain ole white.

Did you have a favorite?

 

 

 

141 Responses to “Food {Faux}tography”

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  1. Erin says:

    I wouldn’t guess by looking at your blog that you don’t know what you’re doing…but I’m a total faker too…I just love food and take pictures of it LOL…and I love dishes and I’m drooling over your side dishes!

  2. Tara says:

    Yes, I like the white as well. And I recently read the post where you made the cake that’s your favorite shot and despite the rhythm of the photo, I still wanted to eat the cake! Wrong styling or not, half of us don’t know the difference.

  3. Stacy Marie says:

    I like the first pic you started with…the one that was over criticized. I like “raw” and “edgy” foodie photo pics. Remember….if it aint broke don’t fix it. I feel natural is best because then…you’re just being yourself. I have not seen one photo of yours that I have said…ew..I don’t want to eat that….ALL of your photos are inviting. Just keep it real and keep on baking. ;)

  4. Jen says:

    Uhh your pictures are way better then mine so I will not critizise any of your pictures :-) I would love to read more about your take on props, lighting etc etc. I still have a lot to learn. Thank you!

    • Avatar of Amanda Amanda says:

      I am happy to share… as long as you promise to learn WITH me. I would love for you to share YOUR knowledge and skill too! :)

      • Jen says:

        Deal! Though I don’t have much to share at this point :-) I just shoot and then run back to my screaming baby. I wish I had more time but I will not complain. Hehe

        • Avatar of Amanda Amanda says:

          How old is your baby? Mine will be one in a week. Sure makes it harder to focus on things like taking picture so of food and perfecting cake frosting dosent it? ;)

          • Jen says:

            She is 5 months now and there are days when I get to play around with my pictures and then there are days when I have 1 minute haha. 1 congratulations!

          • Avatar of Amanda Amanda says:

            Five months old? You are amazing. Its such a beautiful and fun and TOUGH time!! Sounds like you are doing well though! :)

  5. Marla says:

    Love this post Amanda! I think we all need to fake it from time to time. I have a habit of over propping. Perhaps I should just stick to the white plate?!

  6. Love it! The white was my favorite too. I feel like this post is speaking right to me. I am a huge faker too and trying as we speak to get much better at this very difficult skill. Great post! thank you for sharing :)

    • Avatar of Amanda Amanda says:

      Oh sweety… you take AMAZING pictures!! Your definitely have an eye for beauty. Plus it doesnt hurt that you create beautiful food too! :)

  7. Sue says:

    I like the white too! When all else fails and I am stuck, I usually end up with white:) Thanks for all the links, but I have always think your photos look fabulous!

  8. Jeannette says:

    My favorite was actually the white rectangular plate with the flowers (?) on the edge. I know nothing of food styling so I always want to “eat that cake!” It is fun to pretend that I know what I’m doing!!

  9. I think every picture looks beautiful! :-)

  10. Love your project Amanda, the white looks pretty. Amazing post! Have a wonderful weekend

  11. Marcella says:

    My favorites are in the 2nd to last trio. It is either the redish brown plate or the caramel colored one. I lean to the caramel color one b/c the other one is too close in color with the cake.
    just one opinion of many! love your blog!

  12. Ursula :-) says:

    Your pictures are always amazing and appetizing in my eyes! My favorite one is the 3rd in the 1st trio set. It’s a round floral dish. I feel that the pink and red hues compliment the red velvet the best. Also makes it seem like a sweet tea time dessert :-)

  13. Kim Jeffrey says:

    I love all of your photos. I am sure this person knows what they are talking about, but honestly, I didn’t even notice the fork until i read “the fork placement draws your eye away from the cake”. I just saw a beautiful piece of cake that I was reaching for through my monitor.

  14. cluttercafe says:

    Well, you fooled me. I love your photos, and your food! Personally, I liked the rectangular dish with the dainty flower edging and the fork. And I gotta say, all of those make me say “I want to eat that!” Of course, I can never resist a piece of cake.

  15. My dear you are the real deal- even if it doesn’t feel natural to you. Be assured that your photos are stunning! I have no doubt that you work hard at it- and the work pays off. I feel like such a heel when I’m excited by a recipe then can’t get a decent shot. But half the fun is trying I suppose. :)

    • Avatar of Amanda Amanda says:

      Oh girl, I know EXACTLY what you are talking about. But dont you worry… every picture on your blog is wonderful! You always make me hungry. I think you are very, very talented. :)

  16. Cat says:

    I, too, as a caker, try to stylize my photos. While my talent lies in nature/wildlife photography, I do have some experience with studio work…but nothing prepares you for photographing food. I, too, feel, usually, that white is what does it but I recently found that people love color! I was photographing “dinner party cupcakes” and hands down, people preferred the purple plate while I gravitated towards the white! Unlike you, I tend to have to photograph whole cakes since they are already with the client before they get cut, so I keep trying to add to my prop base (much to my husband’s horror as he watches the many plates/stands/props grow in our small home) in order to try to make the photos look like a Martha Stewart photo. I succeed only about a third of the time but I keep working at it! LOL!

    Cat

    • Avatar of Amanda Amanda says:

      Sounds like you know exactly how tough it can be, but that you are making it work!! I am going to have to spend lots of time over on your page!

  17. Yup, the white is the best! White is always my dish color. I think really bright or busy plates can often take away the focus from what is most important, the food!

  18. Oh what a fun post Amanda. One I’d love to have a slice of your cake on any plate you would serve it on. Your photography is always LOVELY. hmm…which plate did I like best. Well I would have thought the white plate as I LOVE white plates…but to my surprise it was the floral plate, simply because it had me thinking I’d be enjoying a lovely piece of wonderful homemade cake at a friends house. Reminds me of elegant home cooking, did that make sense? Well it did to me when I thought it, but typing it, well it’s sounds weird! Ok I’m weird today. But I would really like some cake :) I hear it healing!!! Dessert therapy :)

  19. Oh where to being, Amanda! First off, thank you so much for including me in the links, and for the incredibly sweet words–I had to do a double take when I saw my name on the list. It means so much to me that you would group me with such inspiring people. I think you don’t give yourself enough credit, and I have to tell you that I really like that very first image (your fave)…blown, forks, whatever–it looks dream-like to me, and it actually evokes the most emotion (I realize we’re talking about cake, here, but you know how it is) from all of the images you shared. Truthfully, that is the shot that makes me need to eat the cake the most, but they are all good. You are so very talented, and I love how real this post is. You’re a gem, honey! xo

  20. I really like it on the third plate, the floral one. I think it complements the cake and adds some interest to the photo, without distracting. I am seriously jealous of your side plate collection!! I seem to always use the same one in my pics. I need to hit some thrift stores!

  21. JD Wolfe says:

    I like the third plate with the floral pattern, too. The colors really compliment the photo, but white is always classic.

  22. Lol – if you’re a faker I’m a wanna-be faker! I find food styling and photography very challenging. I like your first pic as well as the one on the clear glass plate. The Food Bloggers Network is hopefully going to be starting a book club. Our first book? From Plate to Pixel of course!

    I really need to find a class near me. I’m such a “do-it” learner. Any way you slice it (heh) your cakes are beautiful!

    • Avatar of Amanda Amanda says:

      LOL You are so witty!! I have heard amazing things about Plate to Pixel… even took a class from Helene! I hope you love it and that you are inspired!! :)

  23. Crystal says:

    I’m with Ursula and Robin – I like the third plate best. And I LOVE your blown-out, fork’s-wrong picture! I think it looks fantastic! (And delicious.)

  24. Anne Clink says:

    I think you do a great job with your food photography! We are new to photographing our food and learning as we go too. ;) I think the food item should always be the focus of the photo and that any plate, bowl, background or foreground should compliment the food but not take away from it. Maybe I’m wrong on that though, lol.
    I think the white plate & white background “wash out” the cake, you are unable to really see or differentiate the frosting from the background. I much prefer it on the red glass plate. Also, maybe with a colored or black background so the cake literally jumps out at you??
    Good photos, bad photos or no photos… we LOVE your blog & recipes!!!

  25. Mariel T says:

    I liked the gold plate. I also find your pictures quite nice. I am glad that you get feedback to improve but I always thought they were elaborately planned out. You always seem to have a clear crisp photo not overwhelmed by shadows. The food always looks like it would on my plate too, often I find what I capture on pixels does not look anything like what I see when I take the picture.

    • Avatar of Amanda Amanda says:

      SO interesting Mariel! I find that what I see in my head never seems to match the screen… is that a good or bad things? hehe Thanks for the kind words and happy baking!

      • Mariel T says:

        It’s a thing of diligence. You always seek perfection but those with detail orientated minds can never hope to fully achieve their visions. You will always continue to modify and evolve your visions and create new goals. It’s a wonderful thing in my opinion.

  26. Santresa says:

    You are a talented photographer in my eyes. Consistently, you create mouthwatering recipes and post of photos that draw the attempt to lick the computer screen. ;-) I do, however, want to thank you for your honesty. You may not think that you are an outstanding photographer, but the way you present your craft and gifts begs to differ. Keep baking, taking beautiful pictures, and food styling. Why? I still have more to learn from you as I become a better blogger.

    • Avatar of Amanda Amanda says:

      Oh my word… I am choked up reading that. Thank you so much for those amazingly kind and supportive words. And YAY! I am glad to know we are on this learning journey together. :)

  27. Oh. My. Gosh. I just realized that I have been focusing on how to make a pretty picture with styling that I have forgotten about the simple fact that it’s all about making the food look delicious. Thanks for the reminder. P.S. I really appreciate your honesty with the i am author because I am just embarking on the cookbook writing journey. With 2 small kiddies, it’s not easy!

  28. Julia says:

    I liked your green plate.

    Re your first shot, i loved that too. The forks did not draw me away from the cake at all, I went straight in with my eyes and saw the cake.

    What one person things is totally different to someone else, and who says who’s right and wrong.

  29. Ashley says:

    I came across your blog by following a link to your post about your Christmas Tree Cake long ago, and I would never have criticized a but about your photographs! A couple of friends and I have also just started a food blog, and we struggle with the best ways to capture food in a way that makes you want to devour it right then and there as well… posts like this are a huge help, thank you!

  30. haniela says:

    Amanda, what a fabulous post, I can’t even tell you how much I appreciate all the work that went into taking all those individual pictures, I also love the plain white plate, not sure what it is about white but it always looks good.
    I’m missing one name on the list of inspirational sites and I believe it is iambaker. I love the way you present your cakes and sweets.
    Happy 1st Birthday to your little one….is there a 1st birthday cake in making? I can’t wait to see it, it will be nothing short of amazing. :-)

    • Avatar of Amanda Amanda says:

      Oh sweety! I feel so humbled by those words coming from you… your talent and grace are always an inspiration to me! I hadnt planned Eddie’s cake yet… but I am definitely going to get working on it! Be blessed friend!

  31. Dawn says:

    Thank you thank you thank you! I am SO new to blogging and taking pictures of my sweets. I know how clueless I am, and try not to feel intimidated. I laugh at my pictures and am sure others do as well. ;) Alas, it’s no biggie, right?

    Thanks for some helpful advice! I have already started looking out for thrifty finds for props like plates. And one of these days I’ll get a “real” camera. Ha! ;)

    • Avatar of Amanda Amanda says:

      I bet the camera you have is just fine girl! I took a class once and the teacher used a point and shoot for everything… some people in the class had $5k camera’s, and his was $50 from Target! :)

  32. Zombiecakes says:

    I’m always looking at your delicious creations. I always like the displays too, but a professional I am not. I think you do a great job!

  33. Maria says:

    Your photos are ALWAYS stunning!! Give yourself some credit girl:)

  34. You always do a great job, Amanda! And it just gets better and better all the time. I can almost hear the person who said “can I tell you everything that’s wrong”…wonder if I’m right?! She taught me so much in a little amount of time. I always go for a white plate first. I just like the simplicity. But white isn’t always best. I found myself drawn to the floral plate in the first set of pics. It looks so comfy with that slice of layer cake…makes me want to pull up a chair and pour a couple cups of coffee for us! Have a great week! xo

    • Avatar of Amanda Amanda says:

      I bet you are right!! Isnt she brilliant??? Your photography is beautiful Brenda… I think I have told you this before, but I always feel at home on your blog. Its a happy place!

  35. Windy says:

    If you’re doing the fake it till you make it plan, I think you’ve started shifting to the make it part without noticing. ;) And I loved that first shot. All I see is CAKE!! (With a corresponding “get in my belly” thought.)

    Hm, which plate. I think my favorite was the square, white one with the flowers. Like others, it says cozy at a friend’s house enjoying yummy cake to me. My second favorite, oddly, was the blue plate. I have no idea why, but I like that one.

    In all seriousness, I have yet to see a picture you’ve done where I don’t want to eat what’s in it right away. There are no “meh, that looks ok, I guess I’d eat it” reactions to your shots!! Every single one makes me think, “ZOMG, I want that, like NOW.” :) So, just keep doing what you’re doing. Cause it’s definitely working. I think your shots are not overdone. It’s about the food, not the props. and I like that.

  36. Bethany says:

    I love the third to last. The plate is beautiful but not show stealing, the fork needs tweaked, but over all I love it. Plain white is good too. :)

    I love that you call it faking it! You crack me up. You are learning and growing and I’m loving watching. It gives me hope!

  37. kiki comin says:

    i love the white as well. you are amazing. wish i could fake it as well as you do!:)

  38. Lene says:

    I liked the square plate with small flowers. If everyone were as good at faking it as you are, everyone would look like professionals :) Keep on faking it!!! I love everything you do :)

  39. Kristen says:

    First of all, I am totally humbled to be among the incredible photogs you listed here… especially since I’m a faux tographer too! I have no idea if what I’m doing is right or wrong… and I personally love that cake pic you took that is “all wrong” :)

    Great post… I am envious of your props!

  40. Great post and I am sooooooo right there with you! I wish with all my being that I could be an amazing photographer…but the reality is…I am not. Show me an old house with horrible wallpaper and carpet and I can transform it into a Pottery Barn show place. Give me a plate of food and a camera and LOOK OUT…things might get hairy. Or scary or any other not so great word you want to apply.

    I really appreciate this post and agree that the white plate made the cake pop and I just wanted to eat it. :) Thanks for your honesty and for the great new word “Fauxtography”. :)

    • Avatar of Amanda Amanda says:

      Oh sweety… you are so talented!! Isnt it amazing how you can be great at so many things and yet be humbled by not being able to realize your photography vision? I think you have SO many gifts. :)

  41. You are a just as sweet as your photos. Don’t think too hard – just do what feels right and it will show. xo

  42. I think I would CRY if someone pointed out all of the flaws in my pictures. No, I KNOW I would. But, you know, I didn’t start blogging to become a photographer and while I LOVE, LOVE a gorgeous picture, I really appreciate a REAL picture more….not over stylized, just the food, man.

    YOUR pictures are always beautiful. I love your picture of the slice of cake. And you know what else I love? That your pictures are YOU. I can tell an Amanda picture when I see one on Pinterest or Tastespotting without even having to look at the caption.

    PS…it’s hard to chose, but I think the floral plate was my favorite.

    • Avatar of Amanda Amanda says:

      You are so sweet!! I think so similarly to you in so many things… I feel the same way about your pictures and talent. I can spot a ‘Bridget” anywhere and I love it!! (I liked that plate too!!!)

  43. Sherra says:

    I love the white plate with a color napkin under it. I agree that there are issues with the first photograph, but I love the pink napkin under the white plate. It brings out the color of the sprinkles. :)

  44. Great post, and I love all of your pictures. If I was half as good as you, I’d be happy :) I totally fake it too…

  45. Amanda you are so silly. I have always loved your pictures and wished I could capture my creations as perfectly as you do! I have studied your shots and in doing so have found some faults of my own photos and my process, and have learned to correct them. Thanks for being such a {real} inspiration!

    I think my favorite is the green plate in the very beginning. I always tend to stick to light, solid colors and clean lines to make the food the attention getter. Of course your first and favorite shot is just perfection to me.

  46. Food photography can be rough! Thanks for some great tips!

  47. TidyMom says:

    you’re an awfully good faker!
    LOOK at all those plates! lol and I thought I had a lot!
    funny, I pick up colored or patterned plates, and usually end up with my white plates.

    • Avatar of Amanda Amanda says:

      *sigh* I just hope someday my picks could look like yours… every time I see your blog I think your shots are straight out of Real Simple!

  48. Great post! Food photography doesn’t come naturally to me at all either, but if I can get to where you are I’d be thrilled! I’m improving slowly (oh so slowly), but I’m definitely improving. Now that the evenings are lighter I’ll have more time to play around with my camera, which is always good! :)

    • Avatar of Amanda Amanda says:

      You are definitely talented girl. :) I know, I am SOOOO glad its lighter out later!! That extra couple hours has made SUCH a difference!

  49. Julia says:

    Your cakes always look EPIC and I always want to eat them right off the screen. So, you’re faking it is doing it’s job ;)
    Also, I like this post because it gives those of us who don’t consider photography our first love or talent a breath of fresh air. We need to focus on what we’re good at, and fake the rest. Loooove the honesty, thank you!

  50. Brooke says:

    I never would have guessed that you found photography to be difficult. I think your pics are always lovely. I’m a (fairly) new food blogger (just for fun), and I find photography to be my biggest challenge, too. Thanks for the suggestions of other sites to turn to for help. Some I’ve checked out (and they’re very good), and the others I will take a look at, for sure. Chin up! You’ll get it! :)

  51. susan says:

    you crack me up! i love everything about this post and to me it really doesn’t matter – I am always drawn to your cakes, your artistry, and your humor!

  52. Hey, I think your pics look great! Great post though and love seeing all the photos with different plates. For me, personally, I like the rectangular white plate with the little flowers on the side. When I see that one, since the color of the flowers kind of “match” the color of the inside of the cake, it all looks cohesive to me so I barely noticed the plate at all, just the yummy cake! Great post!!

  53. Great post though I agree with everyone that you have great pics here!

  54. What a great post. I too love the white one although I have a special spot for the patterned plate also

  55. Skye Malcom says:

    I liked the plain ol’ white one, too!
    And by the way, the picture that you said was your favorite, but the “placement of the forks draws the eye away” – I didn’t even notice the forks at first!! In fact, most of the pictures you post have me wishing I had a piece of whatever it is (piece, ha! The whole darn cake!), then wishing I had a camera like yours.
    Either way, you are doing a great job! I look forward to your posts :D

  56. I think that you take such beautiful pictures, Amanda. Thank you for being so humble and real, though. I love writing, cooking, and taking pictures. But, I must admit, the photography part stumps me every single time. I have just decided that I do it all because I enjoy it…and there is beauty in that, too. That is what shines through in everything that you do – you are beautiful both inside and out.

  57. Jovet says:

    I just ran across your blogs in a hunt for a lemon frosting recipe. I am very impressed both with your talent in the kitchen and behind the camera. I’m trying to not drool. Your photographs of your wonderful creations look very professional to me, and you showcase your subject very well.

    I know there are lots of “rules” and “techniques” for “proper” photography, but those are invented by people with too much time on their hands. Your favorite cake slice picture features the symmetry of the cake slice. Symmetry is an important aesthetic aspect, too. The two forks throw me off, but a fork to the side is a subtle break in symmetry to me since it’s not the focus of the picture. Never forget your own element, your own personality. Take pictures that you like and are happy with–let yourself shine through–and don’t worry too much what others think. You are way more talented and capable than you appear to give yourself credit.

    My favorite plate for the cake is #6, the translucent light tan one. I think its color gives a perfect contrast to the cake. But, that’s just my opinion. :) Keep up the great work!

  58. Claire says:

    I like the white too – it keeps your eye on the cake. But I have to say I also like the Red plate – it just made the cake look yummy!

  59. Barb hickey says:

    So who says there is something wrong with the picture with the fork. Not in my opinion. I think everybody has their own opinion. Do you really like all pros pictures or are there certain styles you enjoy.

    I love the muted color ones and I must say I do prefer white plates. But sometimes other plates look great too. Have fun (which you are and you are very successful). I have fun taking pictures of my food, and I am not a professional nor do I have a blog (i don’t know how to set one up) but I have fun.

    Keep up the good work. BTY I made you rose cake and I had fun doing it. I did put a picture on your FB it is the pink rose cake shaped like a heart.

    Thanks for giving me ideas. I especially love your blog because I read the I A Servant part and I too am a follower of JESUS. Have a wonderful Resurrection Sunday. HE LIVES!

  60. Oh wow- I love that first photo! My eyes went directly to the colored polka dots..maybe because I am a polka dot kind of girl? And is there any such thing as too many cake stands?? Umm…not in my world:) My favorite plate is the green one, but my favorite thing about the photos is that yummy looking piece of cake:)

    Jessie Lynn

  61. I always end up with the white plate too – no matter how many colors I try :) Same goes w/ the napkins etc… less is more. I love cake stands too :)

  62. Platinum Rose says:

    That’s really cool/interesting/intimidating how much a plate can change the look of the same slice of cake! I’m in your same boat…no food photography talent whatsoever.

    I liked the green plate the best (the very first one).

  63. Katie says:

    Tarlette has a good book for anyone interested – I think it’s called Plate to Pixel.

  64. carma says:

    well I’ll say you are faking it super darn well – love your photos – and writing. Happy you are all doing well. Loved the cute picnic pics on your other blog..

  65. Yes, agree with Carma, if only I can fake like you. =) I’ve still got miles and miles to go, so much to learn. What a huge difference a plate makes, noted. Thks!!

  66. Hi! I don’t even know if you will get through your many messages to mine, but I wanted to say thanks for this post. I’m just starting out and trying to share ideas etc, but it is so important how images of whatever you share look. The internet is great but crazy at the same time. Thanks for the tips and sharing blogs that you admire too. I’m really enjoying your blog, it’s lovely and the concept is really sweet.

  67. Darcy says:

    The blue one, 2nd one shown. The white comes in next for me. I’m ‘visually’ challenged in regards to artistic …. stuff.

    Cheers,
    Darcy

  68. Amanda, I just was looking around your website because I think you do a really good job of the photography of your cakes. I am not a food stylist, but I am a photographer and I came here because your Napolitan Rose Cake looked so delicious. The photo made me want to put my hand through the monitor and just grab it and smooch it into my mouth! :-D

    As for the photos on this page and my favorite plate? I think the round floral one would have been my choice. The white suits it fine, but feels very generic to me and the floral one brings a homey feeling of someone serving love on a plate; my grandmother would have used a plate like that. I also think the fork you used works with that plate in particular and has an old-fashioned feel to it. Sure you can’t go wrong with plain white but don’t be afraid to put your own personality out there. You are definitely not a generic person, let us see who you are.

  69. Amy Thayer says:

    Your photos are amazing!! To see that you doubt yourself made me feel so much better about my photography. I keep wanting to just give up. It is very hard. People keeping saying , ” your pictures are really pretty!” But, I can’t help but notice every thing wrong with the photos. I want the best professional quality. I keep reminding myself , ” …. just take it one [picture] day at a time.”

  70. terry says:

    funny, i like the red. it brings out the depth of the chocolate, and the contrast with the frosting… ( don’t listen to me, i know nothing! :) )
    thanks for your cheats/tips. i swear one day, i will start my own blog! you inspire me so often!

  71. Lesa says:

    I just thought what a great looking piece of cake. I would like to have this for a party for my family. Isn’t that the idea of art – to inspire others. Your photo inspired me to click on it to look closer and to hopefully get the recipe…. I am inspired, as an artist – isn’t that goal accomplished and done!

    Your photo gave me a happy face today. Thank you.

    • Avatar of Amanda Amanda says:

      Thank you for sharing that! I think the greatest gift we can give is inspiration! I feel pretty humbled thinking that you found something that inspired you. :)

  72. Julie says:

    I have to say that every picture I have seen of yours I say to myself, ” She even knows how to take great pictures – what CAN’T she do?”

  73. David says:

    hi,

    thanks for all of the wonderful ideas! My partner and I are planning our wedding and he is so excited to try some of your recipes.

    David and Paul

  74. I like the white plate, too. I also like the second to last cake because the clear glass lets the cake stand out but the design also adds a little more interest to the shot. Of course, I’m the farthest thing from an expert, but that’s just what I like :)

  75. Linda says:

    I gotta say that I actually preferred your original photo… yes I see what is “wrong” with it… but at the same time it is the straight on focus on the cake with the background bit blown out etc that makes me stop and look again… the focus for me was on the slice, not the fork or the plate…. just that slice of cake :) and I’m not hungry at the moment… or i wasn’t until I started looking at your blog and pictures of cake!!!!

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