THE DELIGHTS OF SWEETS
The assignment is for a local Bed and Breakfast. They found you through word of mouth and have no idea how to hire a photographer, but they know they need a great shot and they heard you could do it.
They want to feature their specialty desserts, and hopefully bring locals to their Sunday Dessert Brunches they are having every Sunday this coming summer.
They will get you the desserts, and they have no idea what they want. But they want to show something “homey” and not urban at all. Their B&B is in a historical home in the downtown area, and it is very classical in design.
They are happy to have hands in the shot: Perhaps toasting champagne over a nicely presented plate of desserts? They are also happy with a still-life approach – as long as the shot looks natural and homey and conveys the flavor of their home and their service.
The image will be going on a vertical, three-fold brochure (also known as a ‘rack’ brochure because they are so often found in racks in hotels, restaurants, and other venues. The brochure is also the right size for mailing in a standard envelope.
Your shot will be across two panels on the inside, so a square shot would be best.
They have sent you a folder with some of the images they have cut out of magazines to show you what they like, but they are depending on you to bring in a home run for them.
Remember: You may use hands in your shot although these images do not show them.
They have a budget of about $900 for the shoot and if you have any additional expenses, they can cover up to $50.
If you do, be prepared to discuss them in the meeting.
What additional items do you think you would need?
What could you do to make this assignment work for $900?
Is the budget one you can work with?
If not, why?
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The Baker’s Hand. Capture the hands of the baker sprinkling powdered sugar over a fresh apple pie. Show the love, the craft. It’s a story. It’s emotion.
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Macro Magic. Get in close. Let’s see a macro shot of the glossy chocolate ganache on a cake, where every light reflection, every texture becomes a universe unto itself. Remember, details sell.
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Before the First Bite. Arrange a bite-sized dessert on a fine china spoon, held in anticipation. This moment, the anticipation, it’s a story that resonates.
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Deconstructed Dessert. Separate all the ingredients that go into a classic dessert, beautifully arranged. Your viewers know the dessert, but have they seen it this way?
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Kitchen Chaos. Capture a chaotic baking scene, flour dusting the air, bowls and utensils strewn about. Let the environment speak to the hectic joy of creation. Don’t sanitize the process, embrace it.
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The Perfect Scoop. One flawless scoop of ice cream, gently melting under studio lights. It’s about the ephemeral nature of perfection. It’s fleeting, but oh so sweet.
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The First Slice. The first cut into a pristine cake, the anticipation of the reveal. Tension. Release. Our brains love this cycle. Feed it.
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Pastry in Progress. Catch a pastry mid-preparation, a puff pastry, layers clearly visible, before the bake. It’s about the journey, not just the destination.
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Cupcake Lineup. A row of identical cupcakes, save for one. One is different, unique. It’s a metaphor. It’s powerful. Stand out or don’t bother.
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Dessert Under Glass. A sophisticated dessert, captured under a glass cloche. It’s mystery. It’s elegance. It’s a promise of what’s to come.