Whenever I take a photograph I'm always very aware of the background, of the angle, the shadows cast by me. I don't always get it right, but I do try. It's only in the last six months that I've really become aware of different aspects of lighting; natural light versus a flash, slightly dull daylight as opposed to bright sunshine.

And staging.

In the past I've taken a simple photograph of a review product, or of a recipe I've created. Simple and uncluttered. But when I look back at the photographs that I've taken of some of my best culinary creations, I cringe. Poor lighting, no frills, dodgy angle; nothing to show it off. And I had no idea about any of this until I discovered Capture By Lucy who stages her photographs beautifully. Every photograph is so beautiful and like a work of art.

Now I'll admit that I'm not about to buy a bunch of appropriately coloured flowers to make a cake look better, because it's just not me. However, Lucy has made me realise that there are better things to present a quiche on than my standard, grey, Ikea crockery. That there's probably something better than a white plate as well. She has made me think about all the vintage glassware that I have from my nan and great aunt, polish up the silver cake slice and tongs, use the patio table in the golden hour.

Which is why my poor dad had to wait for a slice of his Blackforest birthday cake earlier…

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I'm linking this up with Capture By Lucy's Sunday Prop Shop; a new linky showcasing the way props are used in photographs.