Tips on shooting beer bottles for micro brewery
Aug 4, 2012 07:45:12 #
I'm taking on a new project which is photographing not on the products for a micro brewery but general shots from the brewery itself such as the brewing process etc.
I'm looking for any tips on photographing beer bottles, 6 packs of beer, glasses with beer just poured into them, etc.
I've heard there are solutions one can spray the bottles with to make them shine. Ever heard of this and what are those products?
Also if you've done this type of project before, any staging and lighting tips would be greatly appreciated. Final images will be used on Facebook, internet ads, and some for posters and print ads.
Jeff
I'm looking for any tips on photographing beer bottles, 6 packs of beer, glasses with beer just poured into them, etc.
I've heard there are solutions one can spray the bottles with to make them shine. Ever heard of this and what are those products?
Also if you've done this type of project before, any staging and lighting tips would be greatly appreciated. Final images will be used on Facebook, internet ads, and some for posters and print ads.
Jeff
Aug 4, 2012 09:30:41 #
Use gold poster board cut to size as reflectors to shine behind the bottles. Makes the beer have that special glow.
Aug 4, 2012 10:59:47 #
Do you mean cut to fit the bottle so you can't see it from the front or placed outside the photo used as a reflector?
Aug 4, 2012 13:24:00 #
jwegge11 wrote:
Do you mean cut to fit the bottle so you can't see it from the front or placed outside the photo used as a reflector?
Behind the bottle, and reflect light through it... Otherwise the contents look flat and lifeless. I have an example but it's at work. Not the way I've done it but: http://strobist.blogspot.com/2008/03/diy-light-beer.html
Aug 4, 2012 13:54:27 #
Aug 4, 2012 14:47:06 #
jwegge11 wrote:
Thank You!!
Search the Strobist website, probably more tips in there.
Aug 4, 2012 14:52:16 #
GoofyNewfie wrote:
I have an example but it's at work.
I used to try to sneak "an example" in to work with me, but beer was a no-no.
Aug 4, 2012 16:08:08 #
here is a site that gives some good tips: http://hullcha.wordpress.com/2010/11/11/learning-to-light-and-photograph-beer/
Talks about using a mix of glycerine & water spray for the wet bottle look and using gold card stock for lighting behind.
Talks about using a mix of glycerine & water spray for the wet bottle look and using gold card stock for lighting behind.
Aug 4, 2012 18:22:10 #
Gold reflector will make the beer look better than real life.
You can spray the bottle with hairspray and chill. This will help prolong the time moisture takes to run off when it comes back into room temp. Consider getting in real close either side with black or white reflectors to add definition and seperation to the bottle or glass sides depending on what BG colour you go for.
I had to shoot an empty glass bottle and wooden cork to show off old glass (See attached image 1). I used black reflector to the RHS to bring shading to the lettering and white on the LHS for a catchlight. This is a trial shot I tried and not the end result. I also positioned the bottle high and got down low with perspective to show the bottle was tall and important in the frame. I included a low horizon and blue/white sky adding to outdoors look and making the bottle look larger.
Outdoor shots will win hands down. People associate outdoor drinking with fun times, BBQ's, good weather, holidays and parties.
You can spray the bottle with hairspray and chill. This will help prolong the time moisture takes to run off when it comes back into room temp. Consider getting in real close either side with black or white reflectors to add definition and seperation to the bottle or glass sides depending on what BG colour you go for.
I had to shoot an empty glass bottle and wooden cork to show off old glass (See attached image 1). I used black reflector to the RHS to bring shading to the lettering and white on the LHS for a catchlight. This is a trial shot I tried and not the end result. I also positioned the bottle high and got down low with perspective to show the bottle was tall and important in the frame. I included a low horizon and blue/white sky adding to outdoors look and making the bottle look larger.
Outdoor shots will win hands down. People associate outdoor drinking with fun times, BBQ's, good weather, holidays and parties.
Trial set when planning a bottle shoot.
Aug 5, 2012 08:19:20 #
jerryc41 wrote:
I used to try to sneak "an example" in to work with me, but beer was a no-no.
GoofyNewfie wrote:
I have an example but it's at work.
I used to try to sneak "an example" in to work with me, but beer was a no-no.
Indeed, he needs to have the bartender pour two pints of each kind of beer. Take a few exposures while it is being poured into the second glass. Drink the first while thinking about all the help offered here at UHH
Aug 5, 2012 08:52:35 #
As with any glass object, be aware of the angle of your light source hitting the bottle relative to your camera. Using a polariser oppositly oriented on your light source and lens can substantially remove glare at the cost of approximately 4 f-stops, (if memory serves me.)
Spectra's article in the post below appears to offer some excellent choices.
Spectra's article in the post below appears to offer some excellent choices.
Aug 5, 2012 09:00:47 #
http://www.mac-on-campus.com/LearningCenter/ArticlesandBookExcerpts/15748.aspx is a pretty good article on black and white line lighting. I use this technique for glass a lot.
Aug 5, 2012 10:46:41 #
jwegge11 wrote:
I'm taking on a new project which is photographing... (show quote)
Empty them first, preferrabley in the usual custom.
Aug 5, 2012 11:28:31 #
Keithmphoto
Loc: Seattle area
Use that 70-200 you have, wide open to throw the background out of focus. Fill the frame with the product. I typically search the web for " drink photos" to get some inspiration for the shoot. Don't copy anything, but sometimes a bit of visual imagery goes a long way. Gives you ideas for 2nd versions of shots you need to take, but would like do better. Consider all assignments a chance to shoot for your website.
Aug 5, 2012 11:48:12 #
get a piece of clear plexiglass and set it up on 2 sawhorses like a table.
put a flash directly unde r the plexiglass aimed directly up at the bottle. use another flash with a diffuser (umbrella, softbox, etc...) above the bottle aimed down at 45 degrees.
not only will you get a great shot of the bottle, but depending on how you position your lights...you will also get a great reflection.
i shoot bottles quite often. if you need any additional info, send me a PM
put a flash directly unde r the plexiglass aimed directly up at the bottle. use another flash with a diffuser (umbrella, softbox, etc...) above the bottle aimed down at 45 degrees.
not only will you get a great shot of the bottle, but depending on how you position your lights...you will also get a great reflection.
i shoot bottles quite often. if you need any additional info, send me a PM
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