black forest cake

I'm back with another try, this time my friend made some "cake design" and I tried to follow your suggestions about lighting. I've used a flash (in an homemade lightbox) on the left and reflectors on the right. Here are the results:

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/lucasano/125885​30885/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/lucasano/125889​72554/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/lucasano/125886​48543/

I like the 2nd set better. Lots of links, including some with one light: Food links...

Yes, it's way better. But only the first picture is usable. On the details shots the light is too harsh on the left and there's underexposure on the right. I'd try moving the light source closer to make the light softer. Also, the 'seamless' background has folds and wrinkles on the upper right corner of the frame: but these should be easy to take care of.

In general, I find the light still too hard. Methinks your home-made softbox is rather small and it doesn't have an internal diffuser. Hard light has its uses, though: it can bring out texture better. In any case I'd just move the light more towards the back, at a 10 o'clock position, and then use silver reflectors on the front.

I think the first is best, but needs more contrast to bring out more definition. Also the doley needs to lay flat.