Studio Notes – A Shortcake Reimagined
Project Overview
This shoot was part of a personal training exercise focused on photographing seasonal produce using artificial light. I wanted to challenge myself to move away from the orange/yellow tones I often default to and explore a cooler palette using blueberries.
I used a recipe found online for strawberry donut shortcakes that suggested a blueberry variation. While the recipe is not mine, it served as a great visual concept for styling and shooting.
Creative Goals
Feature seasonal summer fruit in a dessert context
Avoid warm color dominance (i.e., no oranges/yellows)
Practice building a full scene using artificial light
Emulate the look and feel of a bright, modern kitchen
Troubleshoot melting whipped cream in a controlled environment
Setup & Lighting
All photos were taken in my home studio with artificial light. My signature style aims to replicate natural daylight in a clean, contemporary kitchen setting—white subway tiles, marble-textured surfaces, and minimal clutter.
Lighting was shaped to keep the subject airy and fresh, while preserving shadow detail around the donut glaze and blueberry compote.
Ingredients
The shortcakes are made using:
Glazed yeast donuts (sliced like biscuits)
Whipped cream
Blueberry pie filling
Fresh blueberries
Lemon zest
Process & Build
Prep
Each donut was carefully sliced to preserve structure and crumb. Some sugar flaking occurred naturally, which added visual texture to the finished image.
Each donut was carefully sliced to preserve structure and crumb. Some sugar flaking occurred naturally, which added visual texture to the finished image.
Assembly
A layer of whipped cream and blueberry filling was added before topping each half. This step had to be shot quickly—whipped cream began to soften under lights within minutes.
A layer of whipped cream and blueberry filling was added before topping each half. This step had to be shot quickly—whipped cream began to soften under lights within minutes.
Final Presentation
Once assembled, the donuts were garnished with fresh blueberries and lemon zest to balance the richness and create a vibrant, fresh finish.
Once assembled, the donuts were garnished with fresh blueberries and lemon zest to balance the richness and create a vibrant, fresh finish.
Reflections
This shoot taught me to be faster and more precise under artificial light, especially with soft or melt-prone ingredients. I was happy with the way the blueberry tones played off the neutral background and how the lemon zest added an unexpected spark.
If you’re a food brand, baker, or chef looking to showcase your work with mouthwatering visuals like this, let’s talk. I offer commission-based photography throughout the South Carolina Upstate and beyond.