Tag Archive for: beverage photography

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.

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.

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?

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.
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.

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.

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.
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.

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.

How Is Drink Photography Different from Food Photography

Drink photography is growing in popularity on social media platforms, and many beverage brands require outstanding drink photos, which is where your beverage photography skills help immensely.

This post explores the nuances of beverage photography, including the unique challenges, creative techniques, and essential equipment required to master this craft and create stunning visual masterpieces.

Drink photography is growing in popularity on social media platforms, and many beverage brands require outstanding drink photos, which is where your beverage photography skills help immensely.

Drink photography is an area of photography that often goes hand in hand with food photography, but at the same time, these two types of photography have unique differences that set them apart.

One of the most significant differences between drink photography and food photography is the lighting. Drinks are typically transparent or translucent, so the lighting must be just right to capture the drink’s texture and color in the most flattering way. Food photography, on the other hand, mostly doesn’t have translucent or transparent texture, but will feature other textures that you may not find in drinks.

Another difference between drink photography and food photography is the styling. Drinks are often served in glasses or bottles, which means you must consider the glass’s shape, size, and color when setting up the shot. With food photography, styling can be done in many different ways. You generally have many more possibilities for presentations and props.

Essential Equipment for Drink Photography

As a professional photographer, I know that having the right equipment is key to creating outstanding photos. Here are some of the essential equipment you will need for drink photography.

Lighting Differences

Unlike food photography, drink photography requires a different approach to lighting. A good place to start is with a simple lighting setup that includes simply a window or a softbox or umbrella, a reflector, and a backdrop.

The key is to understand how to place the light (or multiple lights) and modifiers so they will work for the drink, specifically.

More advanced commercial drink photos often require more than just one light. This means that working with natural light is almost impossible and you need to understand how to work with multiple flash or light units together.

Drink photography is growing in popularity on social media platforms, and many beverage brands require outstanding drink photos, which is where your beverage photography skills help immensely.
Drink photography is growing in popularity on social media platforms, and many beverage brands require outstanding drink photos, which is where your beverage photography skills help immensely.

Lens Selection

The lens you use for drink photography is arguably even more important than the camera itself. A good lens will help you capture the details of your drinks, such as the bubbles, garnishes, and condensation. A macro lens is a great choice for capturing those intricate details. It allows you to get up close and personal with your subject, which is essential for capturing the details that make your drinks unique. And in comparison with a lot of food subjects, drinks are tall subjects. This means that using a lens like a 100mm lens would remove distortion significantly.

Props and Accessories

Props and accessories add a lot of visual interest to your drink photography. Some essential props for drink photography include cocktail glasses, straws, garnishes, and ice cubes. You can also use backdrops, napkins, and other accessories to add texture and color to your shots. Just be careful not to overdo it. The main character is still the drink. Too many props can be distracting and take away from the beauty of the drinks.

Styling Techniques For Drink Photography

When it comes to drink photography, styling is crucial to make the drink look appealing and refreshing. Here are some of the styling techniques that I use to capture stunning drink photographs.

Glassware

Like with food photography, the vessel where the drink is served is very important. But in contrast to food photography, in drink photography, the vessel is usually a highly reflective glass.

Choosing the right glassware is essential to creating an aesthetic appeal in drink photography. I usually prefer to use transparent glasses with a unique shape or texture to add visual interest to the photo. But it is also important to understand how the cocktail is created so you can use appropriate props and make the important things shine. For example, a martini glass would be perfect for a cocktail, whereas a mason jar would work great for lemonade or iced tea.

Beverage photography is growing in popularity on social media platforms, and many beverage brands require outstanding drink photos, which is where your beverage photography skills help immensely.

Liquid Clarity

The clarity of the liquid is another crucial aspect of drink photography. Different drinks have different clarities. As photographers, we need to make sure they are correct. While using plain colored water for drink photos is super helpful (and I do it all the time for personal projects), making a real cocktail in the way it is done by professionals is crucial to make it look exactly as it needs to look.

Additionally, it is important to learn how ice works together with the liquids so that the drink keeps its intended color and texture.

Drink photography is growing in popularity on social media platforms, and many beverage brands require outstanding drink photos, which is where your beverage photography skills help immensely.
Drink photography is growing in popularity on social media platforms, and many beverage brands require outstanding drink photos, which is where your beverage photography skills help immensely.
Drink photography is growing in popularity on social media platforms, and many beverage brands require outstanding drink photos, which is where your beverage photography skills help immensely.

Ice and Condensation

In drink photography, we often use ice and want to portray the look of a chilled drink with condensation. This is something that we don’t have in the majority of food subjects.

Ice and condensation add a refreshing touch to your beverage photography. However, using them wisely is important, as too much condensation can make the glass look messy.

Any drink photographer must know and understand how and when to work with natural and artificial ice.

Beverage photography is growing in popularity on social media platforms, and many beverage brands require outstanding drink photos, which is where your beverage photography skills help immensely.
Drink photography is growing in popularity on social media platforms, and many beverage brands require outstanding drink photos, which is where your beverage photography skills help immensely.

Post-Production

After capturing the perfect shot, it’s time to take the image to the next level with post-production techniques. In drink photography, post-production is crucial to enhance the visual appeal of the drink. Here are some common post-production techniques used in beverage photography.

Color Correction

Color correction is an essential part of post-production for any type of photography. This technique involves adjusting the colors of the image to make them look more vibrant, appealing, and, most importantly, true to life. In drink photography, color correction enhances the color of the drink, making it look more appetizing.

Retouching Splashes and Bubbles

Retouching is an area of post-production that is done for any type of photography. However, it differs when it comes to retouching foods and drinks.

When it comes to drinks, we are often retouching smooth glass and liquids. This require different techniques than retouching something with more texture, such as food.

Retouching splashes and bubbles is another important post-production technique used in drink photography. This technique involves removing any unwanted splashes or bubbles in the image and enhancing the ones that are present.

Beverage photography is growing in popularity on social media platforms, and many beverage brands require outstanding drink photos, which is where your beverage photography skills help immensely.

Conclusion

While drink photography and food photography share many similarities, they also have unique differences that set them apart. From lighting to props, lens selection to post-production, mastering the art of drink photography requires a deep understanding of these differences and the ability to use them to your advantage. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just starting out, understanding these differences can help you take your drink photography to the next level.

5 Composition Tips For Better Drink Photography

Discover 5 unexpected methods to create better drink photography. From adding movement to embracing messiness, these tips will revolutionize your photography game. Ready for your photos to capture the eye? Dive in now!

Discover 5 unexpected methods to create better drink photography. From adding movement to embracing messiness, these tips will revolutionize your photography game. Ready for your photos to capture the eye? Dive in now!

Have you ever taken a photo of a beverage and felt like something was missing? Often, I see the students I work with struggle with creating a composition in their drink photos that would make their drink shine.

I am here to show 5 ways you can improve your drink photography today.

Composition Secrets For Better Drink Photography Overview

  1. Add some movement
  2. Use variety in garnish
  3. Use different glassware
  4. Don’t be afraid of being messy
  5. Let things overlap

Tip #1: Add some movement

Adding some movement to your drink photos will inhale life into an otherwise static photo. Consider adding a pour, a stir, or a splash to create a dynamic and engaging composition.

And you don’t need to stop with the ‘real’ action. If it makes sense for the drink you are photographing, you can make sure it has bubbles, giving it that lived-in, action feeling.

Discover 5 unexpected methods to create better drink photography. From adding movement to embracing messiness, these tips will revolutionize your photography game. Ready for your photos to capture the eye? Dive in now!
Discover 5 unexpected methods to create better drink photography. From adding movement to embracing messiness, these tips will revolutionize your photography game. Ready for your photos to capture the eye? Dive in now!

Tip #2: Use variety in garnish

In drink photos, we often have not just one subject but multiple subjects. It is easy to get caught in styling them all the same way.

Garnishing them slightly differently will give more interest to your drink photography. Maybe you add something extra to the drink that’s in focus, or you turn the garnishes in different ways. Always keep variety at the back of your mind.

Discover 5 unexpected methods to create better drink photography. From adding movement to embracing messiness, these tips will revolutionize your photography game. Ready for your photos to capture the eye? Dive in now!

Tip #3: Use different glassware

Similarly to the previous tip, you can consider using different glasses for the same drink inside your frame.

Not only can you add interest this way, but you can also add variety in heights, textures, sizes, and colors.

Discover 5 unexpected methods to create better drink photography. From adding movement to embracing messiness, these tips will revolutionize your photography game. Ready for your photos to capture the eye? Dive in now!

Tip #4: Don’t be afraid of being messy

Being messy is often that step at the end of your composition-building process that makes the photo look natural and simply more interesting to look at. And at the end of the day, it makes the photo more drool-worthy.

So, don’t be afraid to add some of the garnishes or ingredients of the drink around the frame.

Discover 5 unexpected methods to create better drink photography. From adding movement to embracing messiness, these tips will revolutionize your photography game. Ready for your photos to capture the eye? Dive in now!

Tip #5: Let things overlap

This is one of my favorite composition techniques that adds dimension and a sense of space to any photo.

Positioning the elements inside the frame in a way where some of the elements visually overlap, crates connection withing the frame and makes it look more natural (less staged).

Discover 5 unexpected methods to create better drink photography. From adding movement to embracing messiness, these tips will revolutionize your photography game. Ready for your photos to capture the eye? Dive in now!

Interested in creating better drink photography?

Check out this instant access Drink Photography workshop.