The Art of Bakery Food Styling: Ham and Cheese Croissant Photoshoot at Bakery X in Wesley Chapel by Tampa Food Photographer Nina Bashaw

Nina Bashaw
Jul 14
3 min read

The Magic of Food Styling for Bakeries

By Tampa Food Photographer Nina Bashaw

This blog post is part two of my Bakery X food photography series. I loved working with this authentic French bakery located at The Krates in Wesley Chapel. Every item they serve is imported directly from France, and you can feel the heart and craft in every bite. I feel so honored that they chose me as their food photographer for this project!

For this food photography session, we focused on one of their best sellers, the ham and cheese croissant. It is savory, flaky, and melts in your mouth. From a food styling perspective, it’s a dream. And when styled with care and intentionality, it becomes more than just a bakery item—it becomes a brand story. As a Tampa food photographer who works with cafes and bakeries, I can tell you that showing off these kinds of details in your marketing makes a huge impact on your customer’s first impression.

Close-up of golden crust and melted cheese from ham and cheese croissant captured by Tampa food photographer Nina Bashaw — Tampa food photographer Nina Bashaw

Rustic table scene with ham and cheese croissant photographed by Tampa food photographer Nina Bashaw in Wesley Chapel — The Art of Bakery Food Styling: Ham and Cheese Croissant Photoshoot at Bakery X in Wesley Chapel by Tampa Food Photographer Nina Bashaw

Capturing the Flavor with Intentional Croissant Styling

Bakery X’s ham and cheese croissant is layered with buttery puff pastry, generous amounts of melted cheese, and premium ham. For the styling portion of this shoot, I wanted to highlight the layers and textures that make this croissant so appealing.

We used simple props to enhance the French feel. A linen napkin, clean white dishes, and soft natural light helped draw attention to the golden crust and gooey interior. I even cut a few croissants in half to show the rich filling inside. These kinds of visual touches are what make bakery marketing photos pop.

When you invest in food styling and professional photography, you are giving your customers a visual preview of the experience. And as someone who has photographed for restaurants and bakeries all across Tampa, I know the difference it makes in engagement and sales.

Ham and cheese croissant cut open to reveal gooey filling styled by Tampa food photographer Nina Bashaw. Bakery X in Wesley Chapel at the Krates — Tampa food photographer Nina Bashaw

Bakery flat lay featuring ham and cheese croissant and espresso by Tampa food photographer Nina Bashaw — The Art of Bakery Food Styling: Ham and Cheese Croissant Photoshoot at Bakery X in Wesley Chapel by Tampa Food Photographer Nina Bashaw

Why Styled Food Photography Matters for Bakeries and Cafes

A great croissant will sell itself in person, but online it needs help. That is where professional photography and styling come in. Whether you are promoting a weekly special or refreshing your website, these images need to work hard for your brand.

As a Tampa food photographer, I style every food photography session with purpose. We take into account color, contrast, textures, and the feeling we want the image to evoke. For Bakery X, it was all about warmth, quality, and authenticity.

Stylish photos are more than just pretty. They give your business a competitive edge and show that you take pride in every detail—from ingredients to branding.

Artisanal croissant layers highlighted with natural light by Tampa food photographer Nina Bashaw for Bakery X at The Krates in Wesley Chapel — Artisanal croissant layers highlighted with natural light by Tampa food photographer Nina Bashaw for Bakery X

Highlighting Bakery Favorites Through Seasonal Food Content

Another important element for cafes and bakeries to consider is how to rotate their photography for seasonal promotions or menu highlights.

With this photoshoot being part two of my Bakery X photography series, we’re working toward building a full library of visual content they can use throughout the year.

As a professional Tampa food photographer, I always encourage my clients to think long term. Having a wide range of styled shots, both wide-angle and close-up, helps you stay consistent and prepared for email marketing, social media, and website updates.

Wrapping Up with Gratitude for Bakery X

Spending the day styling and photographing pastries at Bakery X is always a treat. Their attention to detail and commitment to quality makes my job as a Tampa food photographer a true joy.

If you are a café or bakery here in Tampa and are looking to elevate your menu photos, I would love to work with you. Thoughtfully styled images make your food irresistible and give your customers a visual reason to fall in love with your brand.

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Nina Bashaw is a Tampa food photographer based in Wesley Chapel, Florida. She specializes in editorial and commercial food photography for cafes, bakeries, restaurants, and hospitality brands across Tampa Bay, St. Pete, Sarasota and beyond.