Creating images that capture the creativity of these tasty treats
This past week, we stumbled upon a local bakery overflowing with gorgeous (and incredibly delicious) creative pastries, and inspiration struck like a bolt of buttery lightning. We weren’t on assignment, and no client was waiting—this shoot was purely for the joy of creating. Sometimes, that’s the best kind.
Armed with our camera, a little extra time, and a spark of curiosity, we set out to build a series of breakfast-themed flatlays that were as fun to style as they were to eat.
The Setup
We kept the lighting simple and focused. All the images in this series were captured using a single light source: a 24″ MagMod MagBox Pro softbox equipped with both a diffuser and a grid. This allowed us to shape the light precisely over our scenes, maintaining a natural, morning-light feel while keeping attention on the pastries themselves. It also allowed us to create these bright, clean images so we could use a faster shutter speed, narrower aperture, and lower iso – giving us a cleaner final image!
For our backgrounds, we used our new CottonPaperie flatlay boards, which offered a soft, neutral base that complemented the warm tones of the pastries. With just a few props and careful placement, the scene was set.
Day One: Classic Pastry Favorites
Our first shoot day featured a trio of classic treats: a golden almond croissant, a glossy blueberry Danish, and a buttery cinnamon roll. But as beautiful as they were on their own, they needed a little context—and color.
We added fresh strawberries and blueberries for visual interest, then reached into the pantry for cinnamon sticks and a few extra almond slices. Finally, no breakfast spread would be complete without a good cup of coffee, so we brewed a pot to both complete the scene and fuel the shoot. The aroma alone made it hard not to sneak a bite mid-shoot!
Once the setup was dialed in, it was just about finding the best angles, playing with composition, and capturing the soft textures and warm tones. These were the resulting images—and yes, we were thrilled with how they turned out. Even more so, they make us crave pastries all over again every time we see them.
Day Two: An Unexpected Twist
We weren’t quite done. The next day, we saw our favorite bakery had listed bread pudding—my personal favorite dessert—along with apple Danishes on their online menu. Naturally, we made the trip. Unfortunately, there was a hiccup: the bread pudding wasn’t available due to a glitch in the system.
While that was a bit of a bummer, we didn’t leave empty-handed. We picked up some beautifully baked apple Danishes and headed back to the studio. The light was already set up from the day before, so all we had to do was place the pastries, reheat the coffee, and shoot.
The results were just as satisfying—and within minutes, we had another set of rich, textured images ready for editing. Of course, we also had another round of delicious treats to enjoy once the camera was off.
The Takeaway
You don’t need a client or a commission to flex your creative muscles. Sometimes, the best way to grow is to create for yourself. Look around your home—what everyday items could become the subject of your next shoot?
Practicing with flatlays is an excellent way to improve your sense of composition, lighting, and storytelling. Whether you’re building a portfolio or just having fun, these kinds of creative exercises help sharpen your skills—and they often lead to some unexpectedly great work.
So go ahead, grab your camera, raid your pantry, and shoot what inspires you. You might just end up with a portfolio piece… or at least a sweet snack.
Want to see more of my portfolio? See it here! Or, ready to schedule your own photoshoot to tell your brands story? Setup your consultation now!
