Let’s Style this Espresso Martini!
Recently, I had the pleasure of shooting for Mr. L’s Cocktails – a high-quality premixed cocktail brand. In this post, I’ll take you through the styling decisions I made to create an image that not only showcases the beauty of this delicious Espresso Martini, but also communicates the essence of the brand.
Backdrops & Props
The first decision I made was to use warm brown and gold tones in the backdrop and props. These colors are associated with luxury and sophistication, and perfectly complement the rich, dark tones of the Espresso Martini.
Lighting
To capture the texture of the cocktail’s foam, I decided to use back-lighting. This technique creates depth and interest by highlighting the contours of the drink & the glass. It also adds a warm glow to the image, which enhances the feeling of indulgence and luxury.
Composition – Espresso Martini Styling
I used several compositional techniques to create a sense of balance, harmony and interest in this Espresso Martini image.
Repetition & Shapes are powerful tools in composition. I used circular glasses and a circular tray to add a sense of continuity and flow to the image, while the square coaster breaks the circular pattern. This contrast adds interest & prevents the image from becoming monotonous.
Visual Cues – To communicate the taste of the Espresso Martini, I used coffee beans as a garnish. I also included a shaker in the background to communicate that this is a pre-made, shake & serve cocktail brand.
Layering – By placing the cocktails on a tray, I added a layer of interest to the image. The tray creates a sense of depth and dimension, which adds visual interest, making the image more engaging.
Angle of View -To capture the texture of the Espresso Martini foam, I decided to shoot the image at a 45-degree angle. This angle showcases the rich, velvety texture of the drink.
Placement and Styling – By placing the garnish on opposite sides, I was able to balance the image & prevent it from feeling forced.
Through each of these composition & styling decisions, I was able to create an image that not only showcases the beauty of the Espresso Martini but also communicates the essence and sophistication of the brand – I had so much fun shooting this!
If you want to see more examples of my Drinks Photography have a look at my Drinks Photography Portfolio.
Interested in seeing more Image Breakdowns? Check out my How I Styled Series!
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