Behind the Scenes: Photographing Cocktails

This is my first Behind the Scenes post and it’s on cocktails. I’ve set out to improve my skills photographing these popular libations. I’m not much of a drinker, but I do love the aesthetics associated with the cocktail.

Today, I did a deep dive into the research, using this shoot by Carolyn Fong for Punch Drink as inspiration. I read a few articles, looked at online magazines and consulted some videos on YouTube. I found this video by Khandie Photography a great starting off point. I liked that it was an on location shoot with minimal equipment. Then for a more professional lesson I consulted The Bite Shot. There were a few other videos watched in there, but these were the most helpful.

What started as a fun experiment ended in a head-scratching, technical conundrum. I was able to collect a fair amount of data which I will show below, but as experimentation often does, it left me with more questions than answers.

So, what DID I figure out? HIGHTLIGHTS! Hightlight placement is very important when it comes to cocktail photography. Check out the photos I took below and pay special attention to where the highlights fall.

Winter Citrus

Nothing brightens a winter day like citrus. Fruit packed with the nutrients required to get you through the cold and gloomy winter season. Pair that citrus with a creamy avocado and you are set. Here is a visual ode to winter citrus and avocado!

Our First Thanksgiving

This year, Brian and I hosted our first Thanksgiving. A momentous occasion for newlyweds, ours was very laid back. I snapped a portrait of each guest with their dinner contributions. Take a look at our very first, very laid back Thanksgiving.

Food Photography: The Mighty Protein Pancake

Food is quickly becoming one of my favorite subjects to photograph. Lately, I can’t get enough. I’ve been photographing almost everything I cook, even simple endeavours like pancakes.

These particular pancakes are some of my favorite to make because they are quick, flour free and super good for you. Take a look, jot down the recipe and enjoy!

These pancakes are packed with protein.

Made with nutrient dense ingredients like flax meal, hemp protein powder & chia seeds.

Flavor comes from ingredients like a ripe banana, cinnamon and vanilla.

Recipe below….

The Mighty Protein Pancake

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana

• 2 eggs (1 whole egg + 1 egg white)

• 1 T. Bob’s Redmill Hemp Protien Powder

• 2 tsp. flax meal

• 2 tsp. chia seeds

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

• 1/4 tsp. cinnamon

• 1 tsp. coconut oil (to grease your skillet)

• salt (optional)

Directions:

1. Mash ripe banana in mixing bowl. I do this with a fork, since the banana is ripe it should be quick and easy. It’s okay to leave some lumps.

2. Add the eggs to your mixing bowl. I like to use 1 full egg + 1 egg white. You can easily do 2 full eggs, 2 egg whites or even just 1 egg.

3. Add the remaining ingredients- hemp powder, flax meal, chia seed, cinnamon, vanilla. Mix until combined.

4. Grease your skillet with coconut oil and put it on a low heat.

5. Add your mix to your greased skillet. You can add all of your batter to make a giant pancake or spoon it out to make silver dollar sized pancakes. I like to make mine in a small omelette sized skillet- resulting in a giant pancake.

6. Cover your skillet for about 3-5 minutes as the pancake cooks. Flip half way through and continue cooking for another minute.

7. Remove pancake from skillet and top any way you like! I top mine with berries as a healthier alternative to syrup.

8. ENJOY!

Did you make these pancakes? Let me know in the comments section below!