Styling and Photographing Ice Cream Alone

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The unique challenges of styling and photographing as a one-person show, in your home studio space or shop, are never more prominent than they are when working with…

Ice Cream. 

It’s a different kind of screaming that might take place when your scoops begin to melt while you scramble to capture the shot you envision. 

After taking on a 5-recipe development project with styling and shooting for an ice cream mix start-up out of L.A. a few years back, and with the ice cream projects that have followed, I’ve learned a few things about capturing the look you are going for. 

Whether it's a firm, just scooped ball in a bowl or a slight melt over a warm dessert. 

Take a few of these back to your own set and take away some of the frustration. 

For scoops:

• Pre-scoop ice cream and freeze on a baking sheet covered in parchment. Make more than you need. 

• Work, freeze, work, freeze. Keep any unused ice cream in the freezer until the moment you need it. 

For serving:

• Consider your subject in real life. If you created an alternative, non-dairy, or vegan ice cream and it doesn’t freeze to rock hard. Don’t feel the pressure to photograph it that way. Highlight its best qualities. 

• Shoot scoops from the freezing container, focus on close-ups and garnishes. 

• Chill everything you are working with - bowls, cups, spoons, supporting surfaces.

• All ice cream doesn’t need to be served in a cone or a fluted dessert bowl. Cocktail glasses, mugs, wooden bowls, shallow plates, and jars are all options. 

• Keep shooting even when you think it’s past its prime. Real-life shots with a bit of melt have their place and you may end up liking them better than you thought.

Eye on the air:
Of course, it is best to shoot in a cooler environment, but make sure there is no moving air, cold or otherwise. Turn off fans, block vents, keep drafts from opening and closing doors to a minimum. 

A combination of these practices will keep your ice cream holding steady so you can shoot longer and help you get some shots with creative character that reflect you and your work.

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Better Understand Your Food Photography Style in 6 Minutes

“I can help you get anything you want, but first you have to tell me what that is.”

That statement is from Marie Forleo in her book, Everything is Figureoutable. I started reading the book last year and got about halfway through before work and the holidays took command of my free reading time.

I picked it back up last night and within the first few pages, my eyes came across that statement. It’s what she tells people she is coaching and she relates it back to us knowing what we want. Choosing a goal, one goal to start with.

(Before I go on, I feel like I should say that given her reaction among her fans and followers in response to the very important Black Lives Matter movement, I almost rewrote this post. But after some reflection, I still think that quote leads to some food for thought. So I’ve left this post unedited.)

It resonated with me because often what people tell me is that they don’t know what they like about a photo that catches their attention. A driving force in creating images that reflect your brand in a way that saves you time and frustration is knowing your style.

But people tell me they don’t know how to figure out their photography style. They don’t know what it is that they want. They don’t know where to start.

Have 6 minutes to spare? I’ll show you exactly how to start in this video. We’ll break down a couple photos to help you get a better handle on your likes and dislikes so you can move forward.

Confused to Confident: Food & Product Photography Training. Join us for this 8-week, 12-module online training with personalized support every step of the way!

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6 Types of Linens to Diversify Your Prop Collection

I have a couple Etsy affiliate links in this post. This means that if you check them out and decide to purchase, I earn a very small commission. Thank you!

Do you find yourself using the same linen over and over again in your photos because you know it works?

I hear you. I get stuck in a linen rut, too. 

And let me explain here. When I say linen, I’m speaking of the napkin, towel, tablecloth or other similar prop used to enhance a food or product photograph. 

It’s so easy to default to what we know will work. We tend to stop challenging ourselves to work with new props to save time or create a cohesive look in our work. 

But there are ways to diversify your linen napkin collection so that you have a handful of options that are fail-proof for your shots. 

Additional touches in design and multiple colors can help add a twist to your photos while keeping them in line with your photography style. 

You might choose two or three go-to styles. Or use a different one in each shot. 

I’m sharing 6 types of linens in my collection that are solid options for me time and time again. 

Real linen 
I talk about this all the time. Real linen in gray or oatmeal are the core of my collection. 

Rough edge
Fray, tassels, tears. Any hint of creativity along the edge of a linen will add character to your scene. 

Flour sacks
Simple, affordable, and perfect for food photos. You can buy them in white and dye them with t-shirt dye in whatever color you desire. I’ve also found them in the kitchen section of stores in light to medium gray and with prints.

Handkerchiefs
I discovered all these wonderful options at my local craft store. This is often how I add prints to my photos, giving them a unique look that many people are afraid to experiment with. But it works! And they’ll set you back about $1 each. 

Cheesecloth
Beautiful in photos of all kinds. Use it straight from the package for a clean, crisp look. Wash and air dry it for a relaxed feel. I have it in natural, white, and black. 

Waffle
A waffle texture is a safe place to start if you aren’t ready to jump into prints because it adds a different look without multiple colors. Many traditional dish towels and washcloths have this look, but there are also plenty of cloth napkins with waffle texture, especially in the fall and winter design releases.

If you are looking for some new linens, these are a couple of my very favorite makers:

Lakeshore Linens

112 James Street

I also find good options when I occasionally swing by these stores:

CB2
Crate & Barrel Outlet
H&M Home

Everything else I’ve found by exploring random stores while traveling both in the U.S. and abroad. A new linen is one of the easiest souvenirs to fly home with.