Pre-Production: Setting the Stage
Every successful shoot starts with meticulous planning. For this shoot, we wanted images that conveyed each brand’s identity: distinct, bold, and enjoyed by all. We began with a brainstorming session to discuss the style, mood, and key elements that would best represent these themes.
Mood Boards: I curated a selection of images that matched the desired vibe—rich, warm tones with an emphasis on authenticity and craftsmanship.
Props and Styling: To enhance the story, I gathered items like pint glasses and refrigerators. I also included elements like ice and water splash effects to tie everything back to the quenching experience of drinking a crisp cold beer.
The Day of the Shoot
On the day of the shoot, the studio was buzzing with energy. The team, consisting of a model, myself (photographer), assistant, and stylist, were ready to bring the brand’s story to life.
Lighting: To achieve the warm, vibrant atmosphere, I used a combination of natural light and strategically placed soft boxes. This helped to highlight the rich amber tones of the beer while creating an upbeat ambiance. I also used coloured lights to create artistic shots of the beers as well as white lights to give that straight out of the fridge look.
Composition: I focused on capturing the products in a way that felt organic and fun. Close-up shots of beer that has been poured, shots of the individual bottles set up with organic elements like ice, water and lemon, and lifestyle shots of people taking the beer out of a fridge were all part of the mix.
Post-Production: Bringing All That Beer Together
After the shoot, the real magic happens in post-production. Here’s how I enhanced the images:
Colour Grading: I applied a warm colour grade to accentuate the rich tones in the beer. This helped to create a cohesive look across all images.
Retouching: Minor retouches were made to ensure that the focus remained on the key elements of each shot. This included removing any distracting elements, refining the lighting, and enhancing the details in the beer and props.
Final Selection: After reviewing hundreds of shots, I narrowed it down to a curated selection that best represented the brand’s identity. Each image was chosen for its ability to tell a part of the story.
Conclusion
This branding photo shoot was a perfect blend of creativity, collaboration, and technical skill. I was able to create images that truly reflect the heart and soul of our favourite beers. Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes insights and tips on how to create impactful branding photography. Cheers!
