If you’re looking to get into the business of food and drink photography, one of the best options is to become a cocktail photographer. It’s a very versatile field, and the skills you develop aren’t just limited to capturing delicious drinks and the background setting surrounding them.
It’s also a fantastic way to tell a story and capture your customers’ imagination, whether that be by creating moody interiors inspired by speakeasy life or bright, colorful images showcasing your new product.
You’ll need to first decide what sort of story you want to tell with your photographs and then set your camera up accordingly. This will also help you avoid wasting time taking photos that don’t fit the brief.
As with any photoshoot, it’s always a good idea to get your model and/or staff involved in the photography process. This can add to your photographs’ overall look and feel and give you a more genuine, authentic feeling.
Another key element in the success of a great cocktail photoshoot is getting the lighting right. This can be challenging as cocktails have very low lighting, so you must get the right light to create a stunning image.
During the shoot, it’s a good idea to use a few different lights to experiment with different lighting styles and effects to create a truly unique shot.
This can be a challenge for anyone who’s not a professional, but with the right lighting and some practice, you’ll soon be able to get great results without spending too much time on it!
The second thing you’ll need to consider is your props. This can include everything from shakers to ice buckets to bar spoons, glasses, bottles, garnishes, etc.
When choosing props, think about the type of drink you’re shooting and what style of glassware it will need to be in. This will help you style the shoot correctly and create a consistent look across your shots.
In addition, it’s a good idea to take the time to source the right styling props for each cocktail recipe that you’re shooting. This is especially important if you’re using garnishes, as these are often very delicate and must be presented precisely.
A cocktail pick is one of the essential props for any cocktail shoot and will help to skewer and present garnishes in a clean and organized manner. It’s a great addition to any bartender or food stylist’s kit and can be found in various materials, including metal, wood, bamboo, and glass.
You should consider this if you’re a bartender or food stylist, as it will help make your drinks look more vibrant and enticing in photos.
It can be a really exciting and challenging role to be a cocktail photographer, as it’s a very specific genre of photography that requires a lot of skill, patience, and experience. But with the right preparation and equipment, you can easily start to build your portfolio and earn the respect of some of the world’s leading brands!