Our Top 5 Tips for Standout Drink Photography

This month we interviewed our Lead Photographer, Sarah, about her top tips for standout drink photography.

Make it stand out

Whatever it is, how you tell your story online can make all the difference.

We believe that drinks photography is not just about capturing a beautiful image but also about telling a story and creating a connection with the viewer. We always strive to create photography that aligns with the brand's vision and evokes emotions, whether it's the excitement of a night out, the comfort of a familiar flavour, or the anticipation of a new taste experience.

Set the Stage: Creating the Perfect Backdrop
The first step in creating stunning drinks photography is to set the stage. The backdrop of your photo can greatly impact the overall aesthetic and mood of the image. When photographing cocktails, it's important to choose a background that complements the drink's colours and presentation. Consider using a clean, simple surface such as a marble countertop, a rustic wooden table, or a vibrant coloured backdrop to make the drink stand out.

We often use props like cocktail shakers, glassware, and garnishes to enhance the visual appeal of our drinks photography. These props not only add interest to the photo but also help to tell a story and create a sense of context. For example, placing a shaker or a bottle of alcohol in the frame can give the impression of a bartender crafting a cocktail, adding an element of action to the shot.

Play with Lighting: Setting the Mood
Lighting is a crucial element in photography; it can dramatically impact the mood and tone of your photos. Experimenting with different lighting setups can also help you achieve unique effects. For example, using a spotlight can create a halo effect around the drink, making it appear more enticing and alluring. 

Composition and Styling

Pay attention to the glassware, garnishes, and textures of the liquid to capture the drink's unique characteristics.

When photographing glassware, make sure it's clean and polished to avoid distracting smudges or watermarks.  Consider using different types of glassware to add variety and interest to your shots. For example, a martini glass can convey sophistication, while a mason jar can evoke a rustic, down-to-earth vibe.

Garnishes are not only visually appealing but also add flavour and aroma to cocktails. When photographing cocktails with garnishes, be sure to highlight them in your shots. For instance, you can use a shallow depth of field to blur the background and make the garnish the focal point of the photo.

Textures are also essential in drink photography. Capture the bubbles in a sparkling cocktail, the condensation on a chilled glass, or the silky smoothness of a well-mixed drink. These details can add depth and dimension to your photos, making them more visually appealing.

Be Creative: Experimenting with Composition and Styling

Don't be afraid to get creative with your drinks photography! Experiment with different compositions, angles, and styling to create unique and visually captivating images.

Try different compositions, such as overhead shots that showcase the drink and its surroundings, or macro shots that highlight the drink's details or garnish. Shooting from a low angle will give the drink or scene a sense of superiority, which is a great idea if you're looking for that hero shot. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and try unconventional compositions that can make your drinks photography stand out; you don't know until you try! 

Styling is another important aspect of creating compelling drinks photography. Consider the overall theme or mood you want to convey and choose props, backdrops, and garnishes that align with that theme. For example, if you're going for a tropical vibe, you might use vibrant colours, fresh fruits, and umbrellas as props. If you're aiming for a classic and sophisticated look, you might opt for a clean and minimalistic backdrop with elegant glassware and minimal garnishes.

Edit with Care: Enhancing the Visual Appeal

Post-production is an essential step in creating the best drinks photography. Editing can help you enhance the visual appeal of your images and bring out the drink's colours, textures, and details.

Be careful not to over-edit your photos. Avoid heavy-handed editing that can make the drink look unnatural or unappetising. Keeping the edit subtle will make the final result look realistic and appealing.

So there you go, my top 5 tips on how to create your next standout image, cheers!