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The Polka Dotter

Baking a bit of beauty into every day

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FAQ

What camera equipment do you use?
I have recently started using the exceptional Canon R5, although the majority of my food photography has been shot on my older Canon 6D. My camera is usually fitted with my favourite food photography lens, Canon’s 100mm f2.8L macro lens, allowing razor sharp focus for small details, producing brilliant bokeh and capturing light perfectly. I often use my Canon 50mm f1.4 for aerial food photography as it allows a wider angle than can be achieved with a 100mm lens. I shoot both freehand and with my camera mounted from a tripod in low light settings or with self-timer to achieve action shots.

Who eats all your baked goods?
Funnily enough, this is one of my most frequently asked questions! I usually share my sweet treats with my family, friends and colleagues, who happily devour them and provide me with invaluable feedback in recipe development.

Where are your recipes from?
My recipes have lovingly been developed from a variety of old-fashioned favourite childhood cookbooks, popular bakeries, patisseries, trendy food bloggers and celebrity chefs. Each recipe’s inspirations and origins are usually provided in the introduction or credits of each post.

May I order a cake from you?
I love baking cakes for friends and family but unfortunately, it is not feasible for me to bake event cakes regularly on a larger scale. If you are baking a cake for an event using one of my recipes and would like any further advice, please feel free to comment on the recipe post or use my Contact page to get it touch. Alternatively, depending on your location, I may be able to provide recommendations on where you can purchase a delicious cake for your next event.

May I use your images on my website, blog, social media or in any other form?
I appreciate your support and interest in my photography, however the use of any of the images contained in this blog is not permitted without consent. If you wish to use an image, please use my Contact page to request permission and I will be in touch as soon as possible. If you follow me on Instagram and wish to repost an image there, please either contact me directly through social media or use my Contact page to request permission with thanks.

Where do you source your beautiful servingware, ceramics and napery?
Everywhere! I love ceramics, and particularly enjoy supporting local and emerging artisans. The majority of pieces in my collection have been purchased myself for personal use, and happily feature at many an afternoon tea at home with loved ones. Over the course of blogging and social media interaction, I have established relationships and collaborated with many local designers, and as such, there are a few pieces in my collection that have been received as gifts or samples. Any paid sponsored content or affiliate links are clearly identified in each post and all opinions expressed on this website are my own.

I’d love to work with you, what services do you offer and how can I get in touch?
I specialise in sweet food photography and recipe development, and particularly love to create seasonal recipes with Australian ingredients, and work with local artisans. I’ve been delighted to work extensively with Harris Farm Markets, Australian Macadamias and Marimekko, and have collaborated on successful campaigns and workshops with a variety of clients including The Essential Ingredient, Jocelyn’s Provisions, Kim Wallace Ceramics and Maxwell and Williams. If you’d like to work with me, I’d love to hear from you, head to my Contact page to get in touch.

If you have any further queries, please get in touch using my Contact page. I’d love to hear from you.

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Welcome!

Salma Sabdia | Food Photography

Hi, I’m Salma, and I love creating beautiful images and sweet treats. If you’re looking for a little baking inspiration, you’ve come to the right place.

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Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and rememb Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
~ Max Ehrmann

Love this quiet scene at Pappa Sven. It was actually a test shot of the lighting, my first shot of the day. The lovely Libby had handed me a bud vase filled with a casual spray of flowers picked from one of Pappa Sven’s flower pots, and I had set out a few unfrosted coconut cupcakes on a her lovely cake stand, getting them ready to glam up with roasted strawberry icing.

I never usually care too much for my test shots, they are what they are, and I often prefer my last shots of a session, when the cakes are cut, the crumbs are scattered and the drizzles have dripped in their imperfectly perfect ways. And I’ve had a sneaky chance to indulge in whatever dessert I have prepared, all in the name of good photography and recipe testing.

But it’s true what they say, there’s a first time for everything, and this photo may actually be my favourite of the whole shoot, a genuine moment of calm in such a cosy space.

And if I had it my way - I’d share the full un-cropped version with you, that included the beautiful detail of the brick wall across the top of the window, but as Instagram would have it, we are obliged to a 4:5 ratio, so alas today this crop will suffice. 

Also I am absolutely elated and humbled that the tickets to this event are selling so quickly. Thank you to those of you who have already purchased a ticket, it truly means a lot to have you share this event with us 💕

And if you missed the event details - head to my last post or click the link in my profile 😊

#thinkpink #pinkribbon #afternoonteatime #pinkcupcakes #nordiclifestyle #pappasven #fundraiserevent #nbcfaus #foodphotographyandstyling #newcastleevents
Event Announcement! 💕 Join us for an intimate Event Announcement! 💕

Join us for an intimate and heartwarming Pink Ribbon Afternoon Tea, hosted by Salma Sabdia (@thepolkadotter) in the cosy surrounds of Pappa Sven’s Apartment (@pappasvens).

We’re raising funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (@nbcfaus), a cause that’s particularly close to our hearts, and we would love for you to share this special event with us.

Immerse yourself in our much loved ‘Pappa Sven’s Apartment’ and savour a selection of delectable pink-themed cakes, cookies and more, all specially crafted for this occasion. 

Event details:
Saturday 14th October at 2pm
Pappa Sven Apartment in Cooks Hill, NSW, Australia

Click the link in profile for more details and to book your ticket through the @pappasvens website.

We can’t wait to see you there!

#thinkpink #pinkribbon #afternoonteatime #pinkcupcakes #nordiclifestyle #pappasven #fundraiserevent #nbcfaus #foodphotographyandstyling #newcastleevents
Good spring morning 💕 aren’t these blooms abs Good spring morning 💕 aren’t these blooms absolutely stunning? 

Instagram usually has a strong dislike for my floral photography. I suspect they are too much of a departure from cakes and cookies, and it’s considered they may offend my dessert-loving audience 😂

What do you think? Do you like the occasional flower or two to start your day?

#springvibes #springflorals #ranunculus #ranunculusflower #flowerphotoshoot #bridgetbodenham #handmadeceramics #australianphotographer
SAVE THE DATE! OCTOBER 14 💕 We have a VERY sp SAVE THE DATE!

OCTOBER 14 💕

We have a VERY special event coming soon to one of Newcastle’s favourite spaces.

If a little sweet indulgence in a stylish Nordic setting is your idea of a good time, mark the afternoon of Saturday October 14th in your calendars, because you’ll be sharing it with us 😊 and best of all, you’ll be supporting a very worthy cause 💕

Tickets go on sale this week, and with a very intimate gathering planned, they will be limited. Keep an eye out on our socials do you don’t miss out 😊

#strawberrycupcakes #coconutcupcakes #nordiclifestyle #pappasven #pinkribbon #afternoonteatime #fundraiserevent #nbcfaus #foodphotographyandstyling
If you’re looking for the perfect dessert to get If you’re looking for the perfect dessert to get you through this summer weekend weather (at the start of spring!) this divine layered ice cream of strawberry, macadamias and mango will do just the trick 💕

Created last summer for @ausmacadamias | Recipe link in profile

#strawberryicecream #mangoicecream #macadamiaicecream #icecreamdessert #summerdessert #weekenddessert #foodphotographyandstyling #australianmacadamias #queenslandstrawberries #aussiemangoes
SAVE THE DATE! Hey Newcastle! We have been plann SAVE THE DATE! 

Hey Newcastle! We have been planning a VERY special event for you 💕

If a little sweet indulgence in a stylish Nordic setting is your idea of a good time, mark the afternoon of Saturday October 14th in your calendars, because you’ll be sharing it with us 😊 and best of all, you’ll be supporting a very worthy cause 💕

Stay tuned and keep an eye out on our socials, where we’ll be sharing all the details early next week!

#strawberrycupcakes #pappasven #pinkribbon #newcastleevents
Blood orange season has arrived, gently floating i Blood orange season has arrived, gently floating in with the soft spring breezes. It’s always one of my favourite times of the year.

Last year’s signature blood orange cake was this delicately striped Blood Orange + Earl Grey Bundt Cake, a crowd favourite that you can find on the blog.

(Along with the other twelve blood orange recipes. Yes, I just checked and would you believe there are no less than specifically THIRTEEN blood orange recipes. And I still think there’s room for number fourteen 😂). 

What’s your favourite flavour to pair with blood oranges? And are there any blood orange recipes you’d like to see this year?

#bloodorange #bloodorangecake #earlgreycake #bundtcake #teacake #springbaking #weekendbaking #foodphotographyandstyling #harrisfarm #redbellycitrus
The days are saying Spring has arrived. The sunshi The days are saying Spring has arrived. The sunshine is glorious and warms you all the way to the tips of your toes and deep inside your heart and mind.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
And the beautiful shades of magnolia pink and wattle yellow are already starting to retreat, giving way to tiny green shoots. 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
But the nights seem to remind us that Winter will linger a little longer, and to enjoy the indulgence of cosy beverages paired with cosy knits while we still can 💕
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
What’s the weather like in your little corner of the world?

#changeofseasons #cosynights #cosyvibes #bridgetbodenham #marimekko #unikko #teaculture
The magnolias are in full bloom again. It’s alw The magnolias are in full bloom again.

It’s always such a glorious sight to witness. Last year I shared the special story behind our magnolia tree, and I can’t help but share it again after I’ve spent the better part of the last week admiring her brilliant beauty.

The first time she flowered a few years ago, we were completely in awe. We had moved into our home in the middle of a scorching summer drought, and always wondered about this sickly tree that commanded prime position in the front yard.

So imagine our surprise when nine months after living in our home, this bare thin tired tree gave rise to the most stunning, enormous magenta magnolias. 

Every year that has followed we eagerly await the first week of August to indulge in her beauty. Her fuzzy winter coats are shed and give way to the most brilliant shade of deep pink splashed against the fresh greenery of the garden.

Such a special way to welcome in the warmer weather 💕

#magnolias #magnoliaflowers #springblooms #springbaking #flowerphotoshoot
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