By Makai Cake Decorating Supplies

 

Whether you're just starting your cake business or looking to grow your Instagram, great photos make all the difference.

You don’t need a fancy camera or studio setup – just a few simple tricks and a bit of consistency.

 

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 Why Good Photos Matter 

 

Beautiful cake photos:

• Attract new customers
  
  
• Show off your skills and style
  
  
• Build trust in your quality
  
  
• Set you apart from competitors

 

Remember: people eat with their eyes first.

 

 

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 Use Natural Light 

 

The best lighting is free – daylight!

• Photograph near a window with soft, indirect light
  
  
• Avoid harsh midday sun and yellow indoor lights
  
  
• Use white curtains or baking paper to diffuse light if needed

 

Pro tip: Never use flash – it flattens details and creates harsh shadows.

 

 

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 Keep the Background Simple 

 

Your cake should be the star.

• Use a clean wall, white board, or wooden panel
  
  
• Avoid busy patterns or clutter
  
  
• Add soft props like a cake stand, flowers, or fabric for texture

 

Think of the background as a frame – not the focus.

 

 

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 Phone vs Camera 

 

A good phone camera is more than enough.

• Clean the lens before shooting
  
  
• Use portrait mode for depth
  
  
• Tap to focus and adjust brightness
  
  
• Use a mini tripod or steady surface

 

If using a camera: try aperture priority (A/Av mode) and shoot at f/2.8–f/4 for blur.

 

 

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 Basic Editing Tips 

 

Editing helps polish your photo – not fake it.

• Use free apps like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile
  
  
• Brighten the image, increase contrast, adjust white balance
  
  
• Crop or straighten slightly if needed

 

Don’t over-edit – your cake should still look real!

 

 

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 Stay Consistent 

 

Consistency makes your brand feel professional.

• Stick to 2–3 background styles
  
  
• Use similar lighting and angles
  
  
• Choose 1–2 photo presets or filters and use them regularly

 

Create a look that people recognise as "you".

 

 

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 Bonus: Try a Styled Shoot 

 

Want to level up? Collaborate with others:

• Ask a local florist or party decorator to help style a shoot
  
  
• Use themes (baby shower, wedding, birthday)
  
  
• Create a mini scene: table setup, candles, gift boxes

 

Related: 👉 How to Collaborate with Local Businesses as a Cake Maker

 

 

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 Final Tip 

 

Your photos represent your business. Start simple, stay true to your brand, and don’t be afraid to experiment.

Your cakes deserve the spotlight!

 

👉 Download our Cake Photography Setup Checklist (PDF)

 

 

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