
2 minute read
PROP IT UP
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Prop I Up!
Irenea Aristigueta
is a chef, food photographer, and founder of Florida Bakers Club based in Tampa, FL. Chef Irenea shares her knowledge of food photography with bakers and treat makers to help them showcase their brand with confidence. She graduated from culinary school in 2010 at the top of her class from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Like many of you, her first love is baking, but her passion is photography.
floridabakersclub.com facebook.com/floridabakersclub instagram.com/floridabakersclub Make an excellent first impression by elevating a basic photo into a visual experience by adding props. Think of them as the accessories you add for extra glam, such as the makeup, jewelry, and a purse you add to your wardrobe. It helps you stand out, but it doesn’t take away from your overall beauty. Here’s how to compose a holiday image that’s inviting and festive.
BY IRENEA ARISTIGUETA
What You Need:
2 backdrops 6-inch decorated cake 8-inch cake stand ½ yard of lightweight fabric, such as cotton, chiffon, or cotton gauze Gift box with a bow Flower arrangement STAGE YOUR PROPS
1. Pick out 2 backdrops. Use a light color if your dessert and props are vibrant and full of color; select a pop of color if the dessert and props are monochromatic. Place 1 backdrop on the surface of a table and the second one as the background. 2. Place the decorated cake on the left side of your setup, approximately 6 inches away from the back. 3. Drape a soft, lightweight fabric from the back of the cake around to the front in a flowy manner by gently placing the fabric to create height and motion. Play around with it until you are satisfied. Make sure to have sufficient material to go around. Do not use a kitchen towel. They are too heavy and do not flow nicely.
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4. Use a flower arrangement that’s slightly smaller than the cake. Stay away from a tall flower arrangement because it will outshine the cake. Place the flower arrangement to the right, approximately 1 inch away from the back. 5. Place the gift box between the cake and the flower arrangement. When selecting the gift box, keep the proportion of your cake and flowers in mind. You want something small enough to pop but not too big that it will take over. I used a 2-inch-by-2-inch-by-4-inch gift box in this setup. ACD

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Tip: CROP YOUR PHOTOS TO PRODUCE ALTERNATIVE LOOKS. Want more prop advice?

Check out Irenea’s free step-by-step guide that will go over everything you need to start your prop buying collection with purpose, even if you’re just getting started! Find more information at floridabakersclub.com/props.