Part of the fun of drinking craft cocktails and beers is posting photos of your interesting beverages onto social media. Here are 10 tips for taking that ‘pitcher perfect’ drink pic for the web, courtesy of pro photographer Michelle Yam:
Tip #1: Play with Distance
An aerial close-up of your garnishes or glassware can often be more striking than a straight-on view.
Tip #2: “Rule of Thirds”
Imagine a tic-tac-toe grid. Aim for the connecting corners to create an exciting composition. On the iPhone, go to the camera settings and turn on the grid overlay to help compose your shot.
Tip #3: Capture the Journey
From pouring the bottle to slicing the garnishes, action shots of the cocktail prep can be just as interesting as the finished product—they add different textures and colors to your shot.
Tip #4: Watch for Shadows
Be mindful of where the shadows cast, position cocktail to create an interestingly shaped shadow.
Tip #5: Show the Setting
Showing off your unique environment gives more context to your photo. Experiment with different shots to incorporate the various colors.
Tip #6: Embrace Color
Experiment with different shots to incorporate the various colors in your environment. Try holding the cocktail in midair to get that stunning shot.
Tip #7: Angle Photos
Move around and take photos from a few different angles to see which one looks the most appealing.
Tip #8: Turn-up Textures
To enhance textures, look for interesting table tops to use as a backdrop for the cocktail. Try increasing the contrast and saturation when editing the photo.
Tip #9: Play with Focus
To play with depths, use the tilt-shift function on the Instagram toolbar to blur out your surroundings with ease and focus on the main object.
Tip #10: Natural Light
Natural light is the key to making any cocktail photos look appealing. Use the window sill or move a table next to the window to set up for a perfect shot.
