If you’ve ever felt inspired to photograph your favorite summer beverage, Offset artist Adrian Mueller has a few tips to help you craft the perfect cocktail image. Photographing drinks isn’t as difficult as it sounds, as long as you’re willing to think about precision and experiment in the process.
We invited Mueller to lead a workshop outlining 7 easy steps for getting the perfect cocktail shot. Watch his video below for inspiration, then follow the step-by-step tutorial to create your own beautiful cocktail photos.
Step 1: Select the Perfect Surface
Look for any dust, scratches, or blemishes that might show up in the final shot.
Getting it right within your camera is key — you don’t want to spend all your time in the digital darkroom!
This is one easy way to be your own stylist and create a clean look. Simply boil water and freeze it in tupperware, then break the ice blocks into chunks.
If you’ve ever felt inspired to photograph your favorite summer beverage, Offset artist Adrian Mueller has a few tips to help you craft the perfect cocktail image. Photographing drinks isn’t as difficult as it sounds, as long as you’re willing to think about precision and experiment in the process.
We invited Mueller to lead a workshop outlining 7 easy steps for getting the perfect cocktail shot. Watch his video below for inspiration, then follow the step-by-step tutorial to create your own beautiful cocktail photos.
Step 1: Select the Perfect Surface
Look for any dust, scratches, or blemishes that might show up in the final shot.
Getting it right within your camera is key — you don’t want to spend all your time in the digital darkroom!
Step 2: Set a Light Source or Window Directly Behind the Drink
This will help illuminate the glass’s contents. Just don’t line the camera up directly in line with the light source.
Step 3: Put a Second Light Source to One Side of the Glass
You can also stage the shoot in a corner with windows on two sides. This eliminates unwanted shadows and defines the edge of the glass.
Step 4: Make Your Own Clear Ice
This is one easy way to be your own stylist and create a clean look. Simply boil water and freeze it in tupperware, then break the ice blocks into chunks.
Step 5: Pour in the Liquid
Use a funnel to avoid spilling, or pour along the back of the glass to hide splatter.
Step 6: Light the Drink from the Front with a Bounce Card
This will add a subtle fill light to the image. You can also use a mirror to accent the sides.
Step 7: Use a Spray Bottle to Create Your Own Condensation
This is just another to be your own stylist and create professional-looking photos.