Wedding cake pictures are an essential part of the venue, decor and details photos that every wedding photographer needs to deliver to the client. But with the time pressures of a wedding, it’s tempting to settle for standard, boring wedding cake photos without taking the time to consider the creative opportunities. To help, here are some essential tips to help you take beautiful wedding cake pictures that your clients will cherish forever.
Note that this article will focus on capturing the wedding cake itself and not the cake cutting event during the reception. That information is housed in a separate article on cake cutting photography tips.
All images are provided by the photographers at Wedding Maps and used with their permission.
Camera Setting Tips For Your Wedding Cake Pictures
Try a Low Aperture to Get Beautiful Background Blur
Using a low aperture (wide aperture) creates a beautiful background blur, known as bokeh, which helps to isolate the cake from its surroundings. This technique draws the viewer’s eye directly to the cake, emphasizing its details and making it the focal point of the image.
Photo by Green Apple Weddings at 3rd Turn Oldham Gardens in Oldham County, Kentucky
Don’t Blow Out the Details!
When using flash or shooting in bright conditions, ensure you don’t blow out the details of the cake. Wedding cakes are traditionally white, which makes them easy to blow out, i.e. overexpose to the point of no recovery for the texture and details. Be sure to use your highlight alert and/or histogram to make sure you’re not making this mistake.
Photo by Stefani Ciotti at San Dimas Canyon Golf Course in San Dimas, CA
Check your exposure settings carefully, and use the histogram on your camera to avoid overexposure. Retaining the cake’s intricate details is crucial for a high-quality photo.
Photograph as Part of the Scene in Couples Photos
Including the wedding cake in couples photos adds a unique narrative to the images. Position the couple near the cake, and utilize the cake as a central element in the scene. This not only showcases the cake but also highlights the couple’s emotions and the ambiance of the special wedding day. See the example below.
Photo by Andy Sidders Photography at Addington Palace in London UK
Mind Your Backgrounds
The background in any photograph, including the backgrounds in wedding cake pictures, is important to pay attention to. Let’s discuss a few things to keep mind.
Photo by Gretchen Troop at Spruce Mountain Ranch in Larkspur, Colorado
Photograph Against a Dark Background
Using a dark background in your wedding cake pictures can make the wedding cake pop off the background, drawing attention to its details and colors. This technique works especially well with cakes that have light or vibrant decorations, creating contrast that enhances the cake’s visual appeal. See the example below:
Photo by 1836 Photographie at The Skyline in San Antonio, Texas
Photograph Against a Light or Neutral Background
A light background gives wedding cake photos a clean, editorial feel, like you might see in a magazine or product catalog. Ensure the background is uncluttered to maintain focus on the cake. The baker of the wedding cake will thank you for the incredible pictures for their social media and marketing!
Photo by Picturist Photography at Cavallo Point Lodge in Sa lito, California
Photo by Andreas Pollok at Hambacher Schloss in Rheinland Pfalz Germany
Photograph with a View
If you’re photographing an elopement or at a venue with a breathtaking view, incorporate the scenery into your wedding cake pictures. Position the cake with the stunning surroundings in the background, creating a picturesque frame that tells a story. Make sure you balance out your exposure so that you can see both the cake and the background.
Photo by Vows and Peaks at Silverthorne, Colorado
Photo by Lets Make a Memory at Serendipity Garden Weddings in Oak Glen, CA
Find Frames for the Composition
Look for natural elements or architectural features to frame the cake within your composition. Arches, doorways, windows, mirrors, fireplaces, or floral arrangements can serve as beautiful frames, adding depth and interest to your wedding cake pictures. See a few examples below:
Photo by Belinda Philleo at Friendly Hills Country Club in Whittier, CA
Photo by Roc Focus at The Strathallan in Rochester
Photo by Nix Weddings at Southern Charm Events in South Carolina
Foreground Elements – Shoot Through Objects for Interesting Compositions
Incorporate objects in the foreground to shoot through, creating layered compositions. Use elements like glassware, floral arrangements, string lights, candles, or even fabric to add texture and interest. This approach can lead to creative and captivating wedding cake pictures that stand out from traditional photos.
Photo by Kelsey Sheehan at Grand View in Mendon, MA
Adding foreground bokeh lights can create a magical and dreamy effect in your cake photos. Use fairy lights or other light sources to create soft, out-of-focus light spots in the foreground.
Photo by Kristin Cheatwood at The Laurel in Grapevine, Texas
Photo by Mauricio Urena at Amor Arenal Resort in La Fortuna, San Carlos Costa Rica
Photo by Ether Photography
Get a variety of Angles of the Wedding Cake
Get in Close
Don’t forget to capture close-up shots of the cake, especially if it features intricate or unique designs. Focus on the details, such as sugar flowers, decorative patterns, or personalized wedding cake toppers. These close-up shots highlight the craftsmanship and artistry of the cake, providing a different perspective for the wedding album. Remember the story telling formula of wide, medium, tight in all of your wedding photos, including wedding cake photos.
Photo by Zack Bradley at Edinburgh West in Taylors, South Carolina
Photo by Cindy Brown at Aska Farms in Blue Ridge, GA
Try a Top-Down View of the Cake
A top-down view can showcase the cake’s design in a way that traditional angles might not. This perspective is particularly effective for multi-tiered cakes or those with elaborate decorations or personalized messages on the top layer.
Photo by Larsen Photo Co at Arapaho National Forest in Boulder, CO
Wedding Cake Lighting Options
Try Using Ambient Light
Ambient light can create a soft and natural look for your cake photos. This type of lighting is perfect for capturing the true colors and textures of the cake. Position the cake near large windows or in well-lit areas to take advantage of natural light sources.
Photo by Laurentiu Nica at Hanul Andritei in Craiova, Dolj Romanuia
Try Using Natural Light for Outdoor Weddings
For outdoor weddings, natural light can be your best friend. The soft, diffused light during golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) can enhance the cake’s details and create a warm, inviting glow. Be mindful of harsh midday sun, which can create unflattering shadows and highlights.
Photo by Shukhrat Kamalov at Private Estate in Massachusetts
Try Using Flash Photography
In low-light conditions or during evening receptions, flash photography can help illuminate the cake. Use a diffuser, such as a softbox or umbella, to soften the light and avoid harsh shadows. Ideally, use off-camera flash (or a bounced on camera flash if OCF an option for you) to create a more natural and flattering light source.
Photo by PMC Photography at Paradise Point Resort & Spa in San Diego, CA
Conclusion
Photo by Michelle Arlotta at Treno Pizza Bar in Haddon Township, NJ
Capturing beautiful wedding cake photos requires a blend of creativity, technical skills, and an eye for storytelling. Experiment with different backgrounds, lighting techniques, compositional frameworks, and creative concepts to create stunning images that highlight the cake’s beauty. Remember to always keep the couple’s vision in mind and aim to tell their unique story through your photos. For more information, you might also be interested in our article on Wedding Details and Decor.
