How I Create Bright, Warm Café Food Photography with Just One Flash
You don’t always have access to perfect natural light—especially when shooting in cafés with tricky lighting or no windows. But with the right tools and setup, you can create bright, warm, natural-looking food photography using just one flash.
In this post, I’ll walk you through my process for shooting café dishes with a warm, inviting style using a single off-camera flash. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned shooter looking to simplify your setup, these tips can help you elevate your food photography game.
1. Why I Use Flash for Café Food Photography
Many cafés have inconsistent lighting: overhead spotlights, fluorescent color casts, or mixed lighting sources. Using flash gives you:
Consistent light across every plate
Full control over brightness and warmth
Cleaner images without weird color casts
The ability to shoot even in dim or rainy settings
2. The Gear I Use
Here’s my current setup for these café shoots:
Camera: Canon R6 Mark II
Lens: RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM
Flash: Godox AD600 Pro II
Trigger: Godox X3 Flash Trigger for Canon
Reflector: 3 in 1 Photography Reflector (aka my secret weapon 😉)
Bonus: A simple reflector placed opposite the light source bounces light back in and softens harsh shadows—makes a huge difference.
3. My Flash Settings & Setup
I place the flash at a 45° angle to the dish, often back or side-lit, depending on the shape and texture of the food.
My power is usually around 1/32 to 1/16, adjusted depending on ambient light.
I always use manual settings to lock in consistency.
White balance is set manually (around 5200–5600K) for that warm, café glow.
4. Achieving the Bright & Warm Look
Here’s how I get that soft, warm look clients love:
Slightly underexpose the background and let the flash bring the food to life.
I bounce light off the reflector to soften shadows and avoid harsh contrast.
In post, I add a touch of warmth and lower highlights slightly for a cozy feel.
Tip: Choose a clean background or tabletop that reflects warm tones (wood, beige, soft stone). It helps sell the “natural” look.
5. Real-World Café Example
During a recent shoot at Distric Eatery, I used this exact setup. The flash let me highlight key ingredients, create a consistent mood across all dishes, and capture content even in low-light corners of the café.
Result? Happy client, scroll-stopping images, and a full month of content for their social channels.
6. Final Tips for One-Flash Café Shoots
Use a softbox with diffusion for smooth light.
Always bring a reflector or white board.
Keep your angles consistent (45°, overhead, or ¾ work best).
Add props or a hand for storytelling when needed.
Keep edits clean and consistent across the series.
Want My Full Setup Checklist?
Download my free 1-page food photography lighting guide:
👉 [DOWNLOAD HERE]