How I got the photo: Cinnamon scrolls

I was recently sent a Hobolite Avant Max to play with, and I really wanted to try them out in the studio. The cinnamon scrolls were store-bought, but looked good enough for home-made! Here’s how I set the scene.

Setting the scene

I used a Godox foldable backdrop in Antique Blue and a Concrete look backboard. For props, I used some pretty napkins, a vintage fork, an enamel jug and roses. I placed the cinnamon scrolls on a chippy look wooden stand.

• The Hobolite Avant Max and Quick Release Softbox (60 x 90cm) I was using the USB power bypass at 40% (max on bypass power, but can be used on the battery as well), on 6400K rather than my normal 5600K.

For the lighting, I used the Avant Max LED constant light. I positioned my light a little to the right and angled at 45 degrees from the subject, up high, and angled down. The bottom of the softbox was roughly level with the top of the table (my standard go-yo setup).

Camera gear and settings

• Camera: Sony a7R III
• Lens: Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Macro lens & Tamron 28-75mm lens
• Camera settings: ISO640, f/2.8, 1/320secs (handheld)
• Hobolite Avant Max and Hobolite Quick Release Softbox

I simply adore how the cinnamon scrolls POP against the backdrop and simple props. I worked my way around the shot, getting in semi-close-up detail with the 90mm macro and then pulling back with the 28mm. The green leaves, apricot of the flowers and crispy edges of the scrolls is in contrast of the vintage texture blue background. Giving a subtle 3-colour contrast and evened out with the soft neutrals of the backboard, jug and napkin.

What colors do you like to work with?

• Posted on November 7, 2024