Hello everyone! Today, let’s talk about something a bit tricky—taking photos of drinks. You might think it’s easy, but it’s actually quite challenging and requires some real know-how.
For example, if you want to take a picture of a refreshing, crystal-clear iced lemon tea, just pulling out your camera and snapping away in a restaurant isn’t going to cut it.
Have you thought about the background, lighting, glass, ice, and lemon? If not, your chance of getting a great shot is about as likely as winning second prize in the lottery.
So, what should you do to take a great drink photo?
First, you need to decide how you’ll use the photo. Do you want a drink photo with a background, or are you planning to cut out the background and incorporate it into other designs?
These choices drastically affect your approach.
If you’re shooting with a background, it’s similar to other food photography. Set up your camera and lighting as usual. However, if you’re using tall glass, it’s better to take vertical shots.
Horizontal shots might cut off part of the glass or make the drink look small and less impactful.
More preparation is needed when it comes to incorporating photos into designs
For instance, if you’re using clear glass, a plain white background is essential to avoid unwanted reflections. Transparent glasses can reveal everything behind them, which might not be noticeable during the shoot but can cause issues when editing.
Lighting is also crucial. To highlight the transparency, you should have enough space to place a light source behind the glass, shining towards the camera. This backlighting technique creates a beautiful effect, making the drink look fresh and vibrant.
For cold drinks, having real ice is important
Some people use acrylic fake ice, but it’s heavier and sinks, unlike real ice which floats. Using real ice ensures your drink looks authentic.
Another common question is whether to use a straw. Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend it. Plastic straws tend to float and look awkward. Paper straws, on the other hand, can absorb water and swell over time, ruining the shot. They might even require reshooting if they get too soaked.
To sum up, getting a perfect drink shot involves paying attention to many details and being well-prepared. You can become a pro at drink photography with enough effort and the right techniques. Good luck!