Behind the Scenes: A Bright & Fresh Bakery Photoshoot
Showing the Lighter Side of My Food Photography Style
When people think of my food photography, they often picture cozy shadows, rich tones, and a moody vibe. But great photography is all about versatility — and for this shoot, I set out to show a different side of my work: light, fun, and full of warmth.
This was a styled shoot I created for a pretend client — a local bakery known for its golden, crusty everything bagels. The goal? To show what a full branding session might look like for a bakery that wants vibrant, inviting imagery for their website, menu, or social media.
Step 1: The Concept
To start, we start with the brand of this bakery. Think welcoming, clean, and fresh — maybe even a bit playful. I wanted the bagels to feel like they just came out of the oven and onto your Sunday breakfast table.
I created a Pinterest moodboard to lock in the tone: bright light, minimal props, natural textures, and a bit of everyday mess — sesame seeds scattered, cream cheese smears, crust flakes falling and ensure it’s exactly what you are looking for.
Step 2: Shot List
Next, we will work on a shot list together so you and I both know what will be delivered with the photos.
Hero Shot (Product-Focused)
A clean, well-lit image of everything bagels arranged beautifully — ideal for website banners or promotional use.
Overhead Lifestyle Scene
Bagels with cream cheese, coffee, and a knife — styled casually to feel inviting and natural.
Detail Close-Up
A tight shot showing the crust, toppings, and golden texture of the bagel (perfect for Instagram or print menus).
Hand Interaction Shot
A natural moment, like hands lifting a bagel from a tray — adds warmth and a personal feel.
Stacked Bagels / Graphic Composition
A playful, clean arrangement (like a vertical stack or flat lay) that adds variety to your image library.
Step 3: Styling & Prep
Bagels are humble, but beautiful in their simplicity. For styling, I kept things real:
A parchment-lined baking tray
A mix of overhead and 45° angles to show off texture
A few stacked shots for visual rhythm
Cream cheese added just before shooting for the right sheen
I used a combination of artificial light and fill cards to keep everything bright but soft. The marble backdrop added that clean bakery-counter feel without overpowering the food.
Step 4: Live Photos During the Shoot
While the final product is important, I also love sharing a bit of what happens during the shoot.
I shoot tethered when possible, which lets me preview shots on a screen in real time — so I can fine-tune lighting, styling, and composition on the spot. It also means clients (real or pretend!) can preview the direction and give input if needed.
On set, I adjust as I go — shifting crumbs, refreshing cream cheese, and watching for those perfect little details like falling sesame seeds or soft steam off a fresh bagel.
Step 5: Professional Editing
Once the photos are captured, the next step is professional editing. This is where the images are polished, consistent, and brand-ready.
For this shoot, I focused on:
Bright, natural tones that reflect a fresh bakery vibe
Color correction to keep the bagels looking warm and delicious (without going overboard)
Minor clean-up like stray crumbs or lighting tweaks — nothing too retouched, just naturally enhanced
Each image was exported in high resolution, with web-friendly versions available too — just like I’d deliver to a real client.
Step 6: The Final Shots
Here are some of the final images from the shoot — perfect for a website banner, product page, Instagram post, or even a seasonal print ad.
I made sure to include:
Hero shots of the bagels with strong detail and shape
Flatlays with cream cheese and coffee for lifestyle context
Close-ups that show off crust texture and toppings
A few playful stacks for visual interest
What This Means for Clients
This shoot was a reminder that food photography doesn’t need to be dramatic to be effective. Whether your brand is rustic and romantic or modern and bright, I can tailor each shoot to match your style and voice.
If you're a bakery, café, or food brand in need of fresh imagery, I’d love to talk. Whether it’s a seasonal update or a full visual refresh — let’s make your food shine.
