Help with cupcakes

[golemite]

Hi guys, helping out with taking some pictures for my friend's bakery's upcoming website. Pretty much just test shooting on their kitchen counter (with some white sheets of paper) and the kitchen lighting. The pictures will probably be somewhat smaller on the actual site. Any suggestions and comments, especially how to better light the subjects, would be appreciated!

http://production.raidgroup.net/photography/sugarfix/images/IMG_1239.jpg
http://production.raidgroup.net/photography/sugarfix/images/IMG_1287.jpg
http://production.raidgroup.net/photography/sugarfix/images/IMG_1304.jpg
http://production.raidgroup.net/photography/sugarfix/images/IMG_1346.jpg
http://production.raidgroup.net/photography/sugarfix/images/IMG_1340.jpg

(Using my XSi w/ 17-55 2.8 )

[potn_momma2]

I really really like the second one the best

[Jamie Holladay]

Maybe a little bump in contrast.

[hawkeye60]

Now I'm hungry...#3

[MMD]

I think # 3 would be the best for a website.

[LBaldwin]

Get the Digital Food photography book from Lou Manna, it is worh every cent.
http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Food-Photography-Lou-Manna/dp/1592008208

Next back lite the products and use reflectors to fill...

[golemite]

Thanks for all the feedback! I'll definitely check out that book! Photographing food does make for hungry work :D

[slivr]

LBaldwin's right, Golemite. A majority of delicious, inviting food photography is lit from above and behind the subject (with a gobo to block the light from hitting your camera lens) then use 1 or 2 reflectors in front of the food to punch up the shadows to desired levels. Generally you don't want flat, even lighting on foods.

I happen to like #4 the best (with a bit different lighting as described) and #3 next in order. Good work though. Hope it's fun shooting for you!

[golemite]

Thanks slivr!

[Walczak Photo]

Personally, for a bakery website, I like the first and the last shots. I do think any/all of the shots could use a boost to contrast and saturation and I might check the levels too...the shots seem just a tad darker then they should. Considering the lighting you said you shot these under, I think over-all it looks pretty even...no complaints at all there.

Looking at these a second time, I think I would also take a closer look at your white balance too. At first I thought it was just the color of the cupcakes playing tricks on my eyes, but looking at the background in the second and third shots, there is an inconsistency there. If you have access to it, I would recommend using the "White Neutralizer" in Nik Color Efex Pro.

Just my $.02 worth,
Jim

[PhotosGuy]

A majority of delicious, inviting food photography is lit from above and behind the subject (with a gobo to block the light from hitting your camera lens) then use 1 or 2 reflectors in front of the food to punch up the shadows to desired levels. Generally you don't want flat, even lighting on foods. I agree, they're pretty flat looking. A little hot (direct) light from the side would add some life to the images. Try both ways & see what your client likes best.

[golemite]

thanks for the feedback guys, definitely going to work on the lighting!

[kasper27f]

i like # 4 the best