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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.

Did you know that the Confused to Confident Food and Product Photo and Styling Training is now open all the time?

No need to wait for launches and module releases. Join anytime and work at your own pace or choose the modules that you need the most help with.