Wild bramble cake & florals

Late August 2024

Picked up this fern leaf on a dog walk in the morning. Thought it would go well with some rain battered gladioli from the garden, which were holding onto their last breath after a storm ravished them.

This mental image of a cake, surrounded by whatever flowers were left in the garden, started bothering me.

…a few hours later, cake baked, I went for another walk, to pick some fruit from the thorny bushes growing on the cycle path that passes by the house.

This is life with ADHD - one minute I’m going on a walk to escape some tedious admin task, the next one I’ve got the dining room table covered in wild flowers, fruit, cake, plates and vases… loud music on the speaker, camera on the tripod, joy in the heart.

Was this my best photography project of the year?

No.

Was is my most meaningful one?

Yes.

I have loved every single minute of this impromptu photo shoot, with the baking, the quick decorating of the cake before the light was all but gone, the rushed photos, as the gust I was expecting for the afternoon arrived and the whole dining room was a creative mess.

We basked in the glory of this beautiful mess, took more photos, then cleared the debris and sat down to enjoy a few well deserved slices of cake.

Below are some of my favourite captures from that day.

wild berry cake topped with a medley of fresh berries and surrounded by delicate fern leaves and vibrant gladioli petals, set against a rustic wooden table
Close-up of the wild berry cake highlighting the juicy blackberries and raspberries atop, with a backdrop of soft-focus garden flowers and greenery
Side view of the fresh blackberry cake displaying its layered interior filled with berry compote, garnished with freshly picked wildflowers and foliage, capturing the essence of a late summer harvest.
Overhead shot of the cake centerpiece, encircled by scattered petals, fern fronds, and a rustic knife, evoking a sense of an impromptu garden gathering
The wild berry cake placed near a sunlit window, with natural light enhancing the rich colors of the berries and the delicate textures of the accompanying florals
A dreamy, moody shot of the wild berry cake, surrounded by fern leaves and vibrant flowers. The focus is on the rich hues of the berries and the soft contrast of white icing, with natural lighting creating a dramatic effect.
A delicate arrangement of gladioli petals and green foliage encircling a cake knife, styled beside the wild berry cake. The image emphasizes a rustic garden theme, with soft textures and a nostalgic vibe.
An elegant slice of the wild berry cake on a vintage plate, showcasing the vibrant layers of berry compote and cream. The plate rests on a textured wooden surface, with scattered flower petals creating a whimsical, nature-inspired setting.
A minimalistic close-up of the cake's texture, focusing on the fresh raspberries and blueberries against the smooth, creamy frosting. Subtle floral elements in the background enhance the earthy, natural tone.

“A slice of wild berry cake on an elegant, vintage style plate, showcasing the rich, purple and mauve layers of berry compote and cream… the abundance of wild berry fruit in various stages of ripeness, delicate berry blossoms, scattered flower petals and wild flowers create a whimsical, nature-inspired setting that reflects the atmosphere of a late summer evening feast.”

It’s hard to describe these images without tapping into my long-abandoned passion for creative writing. There’s so much poetry in the subtle light, the contrast, the rich colors… I hope these images resonate with you, and inspire you to create.

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