Drink Photography Myths

Drink photography is a captivating area of photography, but it is often surrounded by a variety of myths and misconceptions.

I can say from my personal experiences, that these myths were holding me back in my work as I was discovering photographing drinks. In this article, we’re going to unmask five common myths that might be holding you back as you start exploring beverage photography.

Myth 1: I can only get natural-looking photos with natural light

There is no denying the captivating beauty of natural light. However, it’s not always available or present long enough to take the photo. On the other hand, sometimes using natural artificial light instead of natural light makes it easier for a photographer to recreate certain light situations.

When you start pushing your creative boundaries and experimenting with different light sources and how to use them to your advantage, another world of options will open. By understanding how light works in nature, you’ll start understanding how you can shape artificial light to mimic it.

Looking at the examples below you can see a comparison between two photos – one done with natural light and one with artificial. Can you tell one was not taken with natural light?

Great news: In the next Mix, Snap, Sip Retreat this September, we’ll work with both natural and artificial light. You’re invited to join!

Myth 2: The more complex the setup, the better the results

It’s easy to think that using lots of props and complex backgrounds will improve your setups—and sometimes, they will.

But that’s not a must. Commercial drink photography is often very simple and focuses on tiny details instead of large, complex setups.

A clean, uncluttered backdrop can serve as the perfect stage to showcase the drink in the best light. It helps hold the viewer’s attention, drawing them in with the vibrant colors, delicious textures, and interesting details that would have otherwise been lost in a busy background.

Myth 3: You need a lot of props to create a variety in your drink portfolio

Continuing with the simplicity of drink photos, you don’t actually need a multitude of props or a huge array of backgrounds to create variety in your drink portfolio. The truth is that with just a few props and a bit of creativity, you can produce a very diverse and interesting portfolio.

One of the things I learned throughout the years I’ve been working as a photographer is that having less options opens another creative part of our brain.

Here are a few examples to show you that simple props and focusing on the drink itself does not mean a boring photo.

Myth 4: Ice in the drink should always be perfectly polished in drink photography

Storytime. I used to hate not having the chance to buy beautiful perfect ice in the store (and was too lazy to make my own).

Until I realized that a lot of drinks don’t require a perfectly shaped ice cube.

Sure, there are some drinks and occasions when you’ll need that, and pristine, crystal-clear ice cubes can add a certain touch of elegance to your beverage images. However, when the drink doesn’t require that specifically, you can use imperfect-looking ice, and it will still look amazing.

Myth 5: Editing Should Make Your Drink Look Perfect

The reality is that editing is dependent on what the requirements of the job are. In the commercial world, we often see highly retouched photos, and they have a place in photography, too. However, a lot of jobs you might get are a lot more loose.

That said, knowing what you need to edit and retouch is crucial. It is also helpful to know when overediting will make your drink look artificial, and your photo loses its droll-worthiness.

Editing is a huge part of the photography process and is the cherry on top of any photo. We’ll dive deep into editing and retouching in the Mix, Snap, Sip Retreat. We’re waiting for you to join 🙂

Conclusion

The world of drink photography is full of myths.

But, once you start questioning these myths, you’ll find that drink photography can be simpler and more fun than you first thought. Remember, great photos aren’t just about fancy equipment or complicated setups. They’re about mastering the basics like lighting, framing, thoughtful editing, and a creative approach.