‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to spread the Christmas cheer than by photographing the delightful array of cookies that adorn our tables during this festive time? Whether you’re a seasoned photographer, a baker or just a casual snapper, capturing the essence of Christmas cookies can be a joyous and rewarding experience. Here’s a sweet guide to help you create mouthwatering and visually appealing cookie photos that will leave everyone craving a taste of the holidays.

Use a Phottix Capsule to diffuse and soften the light

Set the scene

Create a cozy and festive backdrop for your cookie photos. Consider using holiday-themed props like twinkling lights, ornaments, or a rustic wood table to evoke the warm and inviting spirit of Christmas. Experiment with different backgrounds to find the one that complements your cookies and enhances the holiday vibe. Keep it soft or go bright. Use traditional Christmas colors, or go for neutral tones and soft textures. I used a black V-flat for my backdrop and a printed photoboard from Adaptalux.

Light is key

Take advantage of natural light to capture the true colors and textures of your cookies if possible. Position your setup near a window and use diffusers or sheer curtains to soften harsh sunlight. However, if shooting at night, or the light is minimal opt for warm, ambient lighting to maintain the cozy Christmas atmosphere. Warm tones and a large octobox can really make a difference. I used the Phottix 85cm G-Capsule and my Godox AD400 (on 1/128 power) to softly light my scene.

The Phottix Capsule is a fabulous light modifier that is so easy to set up and take down with an amazing one-push button system that makes it remarkably easy to use. It also comes with many different diffusions, and beauty dish inserts, as well as grids and gels. It truly is a fabulous softbox for the studio.

Arrange with care

Place your cookies thoughtfully on a decorative plate or tray. Experiment with different compositions, shapes, and arrangements to find the most visually appealing setup. Consider incorporating festive elements like sprigs of holly, cinnamon sticks, or a dusting of powdered sugar (or icing sugar) for an extra touch of holiday magic.

Play with depth of field

Create a dreamy and festive atmosphere by playing with the depth of field. Use a wide aperture (low f-stop) to blur the background and draw attention to the star of the show – your delicious Christmas cookies. Experiment with different focal points to find the perfect balance between the cookies and their surroundings. I used my Sony 50mm f/1.4 and shot at f/2.0 for sharp focus on my cookies and soft blur for the rest.

Experiment with angles

Don’t be afraid to try different angles to capture the most enticing shots. Get down to eye level with the cookies for an intimate perspective, or shoot from above to showcase the entire spread. Experimenting with angles can add variety and visual interest to your cookie photography.

Tell a story

Create a narrative with your photos by capturing the process of baking or decorating the cookies. Show the raw ingredients, the mixing bowl, and the finished product. This storytelling approach adds a personal touch and enhances the overall festive experience. Even just a few simple accessories like I used are more than enough, a coffee mug, a jug, some napkins and timber board for my cookies. Don’t forget the icing sugar and a few ornaments can really set the mood.

Edit with a light touch

After capturing your cookie masterpieces, use photo editing tools to enhance the colors, contrast, and sharpness. Remember to keep it subtle – the goal is to showcase the natural beauty of your cookies without overwhelming the viewer.

Photographing Christmas cookies is not just about capturing their visual appeal but also about conveying the warmth and joy of the holiday season. With a thoughtful setup, attention to detail, and a sprinkle of creativity, you can create photos that not only look delicious but also radiate the festive spirit of Christmas. So, grab your camera, get in the holiday spirit, get baking and start capturing the magic of Christmas through the lens of your sweet creations!

Capturing Christmas magic by photographing festive cookies