A Day Full of Fun, Stroopwafels, and Laughter
Why did we need a photoshoot?
We knew 2026 was a big year for Dutch Waffle Company, we had two new products launching, limited options of our current products, so we wanted to be sure we have solid, crisp photos going into the rest of 2026.
Our main goal was to capture more lifestyle photos—images we could use across emails, social media, and everything in between.
The truth is, photos like this don’t just happen. There’s a lot more planning that goes into them than most people realize. We thought it would be fun to share a little behind the scenes of this shoot, along with a few things we learned along the way. It ended up being a great team experience, and something we wanted to share with our DWC family.
The first product we felt needed more lifestyle photos for was our No-Bake Stroopwafel Pie Crust. This is one of our best sellers. Everyone loves our pie crust. We wanted to convey just how much this pie crust is the ‘main character’ of any recipe. Of course we chose the classic apple pie with a crumble topping. So yummy, fresh and yes very Dutch.
We created several stations for our talented photographer to move from station to station. We had a sports/workout station, a mirror with the ingredients and stroopwafel station, a real feeling kitchen area (shown in photo above), an easter setting station, and an area filled with tons of individual DWC Stroopwafel packages stations. This helped the photography process to move really quickly. Having everything set up prior was so helpful time wise. Something we learned was if we want to narrow our focus to have one spot and bring in what we want in each scene. However, the stations worked really well for the amount of content we needed.
Planning Ahead (And Why It Matters)
Weeks prior our team came together and we made sure to list out everything we needed. From wanting more simple cheesecake photos, to needing new Easter content with the holiday approaching so quickly. That meant thinking through props, backdrops, ingredients, and the actual desserts we wanted to feature.
Without a plan, it’s really easy to end up scrambling the day of. We always recommend giving yourself extra time to order decor and props, things don’t always arrive when you expect them to. We gave ourselves about two weeks, and even then, we had a few items show up late (including a whisk that arrived after the shoot was already over).
Because of that, we built in a backup plan. The day of the shoot, we did a quick store run to grab anything that hadn’t arrived yet. It gave us peace of mind and kept things moving without stress.
It also gave us time to step back, look at everything together, and fill in any last gaps before we started shooting.
Less is More
We definitely overprepared for this shoot, and one of the biggest things we learned is that you don’t need nearly as much as you think you do.
It’s easy to feel like you need a lot of decor to make something look “photo-worthy,” but in reality, less almost always looks better. The more we stripped things back, the more our product actually stood out.
We also found that using items we already had in the kitchen made the photos feel more natural and relatable. Everyday plates, simple mugs, a well-used baking dish. While there are many items needed, having a touch of almost something borrowed just gives that extra ‘homey’ feeling.
While something like a gold whisk is beautiful, it’s not what makes the photo. In most cases, you can do just as much (if not more) with a simple tablecloth or even a neutral sheet, good lighting, and a dessert you’re proud of.
If anything, too many props can take away from the moment. Keeping it simple not only made the setup easier, it made the final photos feel more real like something you could recreate in your own kitchen without overthinking it.
Make It Fun (It Shows in the Photos)
This might sound simple, but it made a big difference—have fun with it.
We were so grateful to have our photographer, social media manager, and even our hand model all working together that day. It really felt like a team effort, and that energy carried through the whole shoot.
One thing we learned the hard way? Start the music sooner.
At first, we were a little too focused on getting everything “just right.” But once we turned on music, everything shifted. People relaxed, we started laughing more, and before long we were singing and dancing between shots.
And honestly…you can see the difference in the photos.
When the environment feels stiff, the photos can feel that way too. But when people are comfortable and enjoying the process, it shows up in the little details. The way hands move, the way things are styled, even the overall feel of the image.
So if you’re planning your own shoot, don’t treat it like something stressful or overly serious. Give yourself time, play some music, and let it be a fun experience.
Because at the end of the day, the best photos don’t just look good—they feel good too.
Loved getting a peek behind the scenes? Get even more behind-the-scenes stories, product photos, and DWC news by joining our email list! Just tap the light brown box in the bottom right corner. Plus, you’ll get 10% off your first order!
