Fresh Beverage Photography Ideas You Need to Try
Get ready for some juicy insights from my latest project with Just Ice Tea. About a year ago, I took a leap and invested in a bushel of fruit, colorful props, a talented model, and photography studio time to create a spec project for Just Ice Tea. Fast forward a year, and that leap of faith turned into a paid gig with Just Ice Tea's parent company, Eat the Change!
For those who might not know, the brilliant minds behind Honest Tea also founded Eat the Change. Honest Tea was my favorite iced tea brand, and I was heartbroken when it was discontinued after Coca-Cola acquired it. So, you can imagine my excitement when I discovered Just Ice Tea, a brand with roots I’m quite fond of.
This project was professionally rewarding and allowed me to explore some trendy beverage photography techniques I'd love to share with you. Here are some ideas you need to try.
Staying on Mission
But first, our mission. We aimed to capture evergreen content as a few SKUs underwent a label redesign. It was also their first shoot since launching their canned SKUs, so feeding the content library was a top priority. Moreover, we needed press and media kit photos for wholesale stores like Whole Foods. With these bold, flavor-packed visuals, we accomplished those goals and more.
Best Shots & Trendy Photo Ideas for Beverage Photography
If you're looking to spice up your beverage photography game, here are some trendy ideas inspired by my Just Ice Tea project:
Bold Color Blocking
Using vibrant, contrasting colors can make your product pop and attract attention. Pair the rich hues of the tea with a bold, colorful backdrop. It's a simple yet striking technique. Color blocking is trendy, but this minimalist style is exceptionally clean and versatile, too.
Themed Elements
We incorporated nostalgic gingham picnic blankets and tea towels to evoke a summer backyard feel. Themed props or elements can significantly enhance the mood you want to evoke with your product. Whether it's seasonal decor, holiday-specific items, or nostalgic elements, themed props can add an extra layer of storytelling to your photos.
Lifestyle Images
Lifestyle images can convey the experience of savoring your beverage in relatable, everyday scenarios. We captured shots of our model sipping a cold drink on a hot day, instantly making the product feel more accessible and desirable. Lifestyle images can tell a story and create an emotional connection with your audience.
Featured Ingredients
Isn’t fruit just the most naturally photogenic thing you’ve ever seen? Highlighting the key ingredients of your beverage can make for some mouthwatering shots. We used fresh lemons, hibiscus, and berries to add a burst of fresh color to our images. Close-ups of these ingredients can also emphasize the drink's natural and healthful aspects.
Monochromatic Compositions
Monochromatic compositions using varying shades and tiers help segment components and highlight focal points. For instance, a setup with different shades of green can highlight the refreshing nature of a mint tea. It’s a subtle yet powerful way to create harmony and focus within your shots.
Action Shots
Action shots can bring a dynamic element to your beverage photography. Capture moments like squeezing a lemon, stirring in sugar, adding ice cubes, and those refreshing splashes and fizz. These shots add movement and show the beverage in context.
Shadow and Gradient Play
Simple yet stunning, playing with shadows and gradients can add depth and intrigue to your photos. We used natural light to create soft shadows and gradients, which added an extra layer of sophistication to our images. It’s a minimalist approach that can have a big impact. They're some of my favorites for a reason!
Packaging Shots
Consumers want to know what they’re getting, so don’t shy away from showing off your packaging. If you’ve invested in a great package design, let it shine! We took several shots of the Just Ice Tea cans, ensuring the branding was clear and appealing.
Product on White or White Background Product Shots
White background product photos are the most versatile images and can be used for everything from online stores to promotional materials. They keep the focus solely on the product, which is sometimes all you need.
Your Go-To Consumer Packaged Goods Photographer
In the world of beverage photography, there’s no limit to creativity. Incorporate these trendy photography ideas into your next shoot and watch your beverage photography game soar. Remember, creativity is vital, but don’t forget to have fun with it! After all, the best shots often come when you’re enjoying the process.
Until next time, keep snapping and sipping!
Cheers to creativity!
Jeremy
Project Team
Featuring: Just Ice Tea
Styling: Leslie Randall @The Luxury Shrink
Assistant + BTS: Ali Leigh
Models: Addison Wolfe, Asheline Daniels, Kenny Rodas
Each project comes with new and exciting brand themes and photography styles. I’d love for you to follow along with me as I share tips, tricks, and inspiration. You can find me on Instagram @thisisjeremylee. Don’t forget to check out my Projects page and Blog for new content.
Ready to put our creative minds together on your next project? Let’s connect!
