Want to capture stunning cocktail photos that make people feel like they can almost taste the drink? Like food photography, the art of photographing cocktails can be fun, but also challenging. Capturing incredible photos of mouthwatering drinks might seem easy enough, but you’ll need to put some thought into the endeavor to get great shots. The rewards, however, are worth the effort. Whether you’re planning a cocktail photoshoot for clients or to exercise your skillset, you can use the following tips to raise the bar for your cocktail photography.
1. Use The Best Light for the Shot
As is almost always true, regardless of the genre, lighting can make or break your cocktail shots. Depending on your location and the particulars of the scene in which you’re shooting, you’ll need to assess your lighting options and then proceed accordingly.
If natural light is available, it could be your best bet for lighting your cocktail photos. Shooting with natural light typically requires less gear, making it a user-friendly option. Try to set up near a large window, if possible, and consider diffusing the light with sheer curtains or a scrim to give the light a nice, soft glow. Position the drinks so that the light falls on the drink from the side or behind. Otherwise, you may end up with unsightly glare or reflections.
If you’re shooting indoors at night, use a ring light or softbox to mimic daylight. This sort of light works well to bring out the colors and textures of the drink without casting harsh shadows that draw away from the beverage.
Of course, you can always use your light source, whether it be natural light or off-camera flash or constant light, to lean into the shadows and add a bit of mood as well.
2. Keep the Background Simple
Your cocktail is the star of the show, so keep the background simple. A minimalist background helps the drink pop while avoiding distractions. Of course, this doesn’t mean the drink has to remain completely isolated. Don’t be afraid to add elements like a swanky bar cart, fresh ingredients or a fun textured surface to enhance the scene. For more tips and advice, see our article on Food Photography Backdrops.
3. Play Around With Action Shots
You might think of cocktail photography as a form of still life, but we can introduce action to make our cocktail photos more dynamic. A pour shot or an action moment — like shaking a cocktail or squeezing a lemon — provides an easy way to add excitement to the image. Some photographers take this technique to the next level with high speed photos of ice or other ingredients dropping into the drink and creating a splash.
4. Master the Garnish for Extra Flair
Garnishes make the perfect accessory for your drinks, especially when it comes time to photograph them. Whether it’s a slice of citrus, a sprig of mint, a sugar rim or an elaborate edible flow, introduce a garnish to add some visual appeal. Take advantage of color theory as well and choose a garnish that provides a complementary color (opposite side of the color wheel) to your drink to give it an extra bit of pop.
It is imperative that you make sure the garnish is fresh and strategically placed. Otherwise, instead of enhancing the drink’s aesthetic, you’ll flush its potential down the drain. Nobody wants to see a sloppy
5. Mind the Glassware
Glassware gives drinks their shape, and the right glass can take your photos from good to great. Whenever possible, choose glassware that suits the drink but also has some flair. For example, a coupe glass or a highball with an interesting design can make the shot more eye-catching. Additionally, choosing the correct glass for your drink can help to sustain the carbonation — making the photo even more enticing while also buying you more time to capture the shot. And let’s not over look the impact that an elegant, sleek design can have on our shot.
If you’re photographing cocktails for a business like a bar or restaurant, it’s probably a good idea to use the establishment’s actual glassware so as not to create false expectations for how the drink will look when served.
6. Play With Angles to Add Depth
Our first instinct is usually to photograph the drink the way we see it when we take a seat at the bar, which is looking down at the drink at roughly a 45-degree angle. There’s nothing wrong with shooting from this angle, but keep in mind that we do have other options available. Be sure to experiment with other angles to add more dimension. Try shooting from above for a flat-lay look, or get up close at eye level to capture the layers and textures of the drink. Tilting the camera slightly can also create dynamic, playful photos.
7. Tell a Story
Storytelling in photography is always important, regardless of the subject. Props are great for setting a scene, telling a story, and making the images more appealing. Think about what complements the cocktail — colorful straws, a cocktail shaker, fruits or even a menu card. Make sure the props support the drink’s vibe without overpowering the image or seeming out of place.
In addition, be sure to get a variety of angles, including wide shots, medium crops and tight shots as well. Consider placing the images in a collage along with other elements in the scene to paint the entire picture.
8. Shoot in High Resolution
If you want people to feel like they can reach through the screen and take a sip, shoot in high resolution. You should do this anyway if you’re shooting for a client. It’s also recommended that you capture RAW files whenever possible to maximize the editability of the images, which you’re hopefully also capturing with maximum dynamic range.
9. Use Dry Ice
Did we mention that cocktail photography should be fun? For a bit of drama, consider adding dry ice to give your cocktail photos a smoky touch. Dry ice is freezing cold at -109.3 degrees Fahrenheit and looks just like regular ice blocks. It creates a fog effect that works well for moody, darker cocktails like an old-fashioned, a dark ‘n’ stormy or a smoky mezcal drink.
10. Use Subtle Edits
Post-processing can elevate your photos, but don’t overdo it. Keep the colors true to life while enhancing highlights, adjusting shadows and fine-tuning the brightness. You want the final image to look polished, but still natural, so avoid oversaturation.
It’s also important to edit so that the editing style reflects the mood or tone of the image. If you’re photographing cocktails with soft, bright lighting, it makes sense to edit for that style. You wouldn’t necessarily want lean too heavily on contrast and shadows in such a scenario. On the other hand, if you captured dark and moody cocktail photos, then edit the images in that style.
11. Focus on the Details
Closeups give photographers the ultimate control for directing the viewers’ attention to specific elements in a scene. Zoom in on unique elements of the cocktail — like the textured rim of a margarita glass or the frothy head of a mojito. Details like these add interest and can highlight the craftsmanship behind the drink. They also provide viewers with a view of the cocktail that they might not otherwise see with their own eyes.
12. Use a Tripod for Stability
Using a tripod is almost a given when it comes to product, or in this case, cocktail photography. A tripod can help you capture steady shots, especially in low-light settings or when you’re getting action shots like a pour. It also lets you experiment with composition without worrying about shaky hands ruining the photo.
You won’t need a heavy-duty tripod for this adventure, as you’re likely shooting indoors in a stable environment, so you don’t need to break the bank getting a tripod if you don’t already have one. Do make sure that the tripod head can sufficiently support the weight of your camera, however. Unless you’re using an unusually heavy lens for some reason, most tripods should have you covered.
13. Create a Frosted Glass Effect
The wet look of a fresh drink is fleeting, but we have ways to prolong it. One way involves combining water and glycerin for a subtle, icy look. Mix the concoction in equal parts of water and glycerin in a spray bottle. Then, lightly spritz the mixture onto the glass, which will mimic the look of condensation without actually affecting the drink’s temperature. Watch the video below for more details on using this technique.
14. Keep Your Lenses Clean
This may sound like an obvious trick, but so many people neglect this tip. Something like a smudge or fingerprint on your lens can blur or distort the shot. Make sure your lenses are clean before shooting, especially when using a high-resolution camera or shooting close-ups.
15. Play With Reflections and Shadows
Reflections from the glass or bar surface can add an artistic element to your images. Likewise, you can use shadows to create contrast and make the photo seem more dynamic. Be mindful of how these methods play into your composition.
We. hope you found these tips for creating eye-catching cocktail photos helpful. This unique genre of photography combines creativity and a few clever techniques to produce incredible portraits of an otherwise everyday subject. It makes the ordinary extraordinary. With practice and experimentation, you’ll serve up cocktail photos that look professional and are visually irresistible.
