Mudshark Loc: Illinois

I have some limited experience in this area. I know a man who does nothing else but photograph beer for a major player. I can tell you, you are stepping off a very steep cliff into a black vortex. There are an enormous number of tricks of the trade, some of which are not "public."
I did recently see a short video on the subject that was actually pretty well done by someone who knew what he was doing...I'll see if I can find it and post it later...

pounder35 Loc: "Southeast of Disorder"

First, consume all the free beer you can. Second, put the camera on AF since after step one you won't be able to focus. :lol: There is something called glycerin that when mixed with water and sprayed on a product will cause the water to bead up like wax on a car and has a great effect for something like you're describing. Also works great on macro shots on plants and doesn't harm the plant. :thumbup:

Mudshark Loc: Illinois

I have not been able to locate the video...so here are a few leads. First you will need to look at a large number of beer bottles and/or get some new bottles without the labels and some new labels from the brewer. Examine these items intensely for perfect photo models. Apply a perfect label to a perfect bottle so the bottle seam is not a problem...you don't want it on the side where you are going to create special effects and you don't want it running through the label...tricky.
You will next want to take the empty, new perfect, labeled bottle and use glycerin and artificial frost, etc. to make it appear to be super chilled and have beads of water running down it...do your homework on line...call a large photo place for advice on materials...
you will need to use special shaped reflectors (I like gold foil) behind both the bottle and the glass. You will need to study techniques for making bubbles and lasting foam...and this is only the beginning...did I mention lighting...............?
I will continue to search for the video...this kind of info is hard to come by and some of it is kept fairly secret by people who do it for a living.......

pounder35 Loc: "Southeast of Disorder"

Mudshark, you have a great idea as far as the "frost". I've already addressed the use of glycerin. As far as the artificial frost a can of "dust off" or whatever, inverted will have that effect but you have to set up and be ready to shoot since it will evaporate quickly. :thumbup:

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

You might also want to shoot with a clear table or glass so assorted colors/light can shine from underneath. Great for some product shots.

Jer Loc: Mesa, Arizona

Be sure and check for unwanted reflections. You might want to tether the camera to a monitor so you can see a bigger image.

Mudshark Loc: Illinois

There is a company, as memory serves, from Chicago (The People's Republic) who specializes in photo prop materials. They make a spray on "frost" that will stand up to hot lights, etc., and many other products for table top "illusions." I used to do a great deal of table top work but very little these days. You are much better off getting a set built that will not cause you to be in a hurry to shoot.....haste make waste.....and cost bucks....
also Jer (see above) mentioned shooting teathered....I would suggest it is the ONLY WAY to do table top...essential...in the old days (the days of yore) we shot polaroids from an polaroid back on the view camera or I also used a Bronica GS1 6X7. I would often for various reasons shoot with four backs...first a polaroid "proof" shot to check lighting, etc. (many etc.) then we would insert three different backs one B&W, one C41 and one with tranny film. That way we had an absolute identical original in all three films. Good Lord...I do love digital!!!!!!!!! :) :) :)

Bret Loc: Dayton Ohio

Oh I agree....get all the free samples you can....and ask for a "to-go" 12 pack...LOL

pounder35 Loc: "Southeast of Disorder"

You're making me thirsty and we don't have Sunday sales in Podunkville. :roll:

spinkick Loc: Watseka IL

What is the name of the microbrewery? PErhaps something could be done in the background to play up the name. How about the different flavors. Some wheat and an orange next to a bottle of citrus for example. A tiny piece of alkaseltzer strategically dropped in the bottom will make pur-ty bubbles. Could also make some beer jello partially filling the glass with it then shake the crap our of another bottle and fill the glass-the solid jello will hold up under the foam. Agree with the outdoor bbq lawn mowing etc associations. What about sports and country music as well. Ask the owner what market he wants to play to and 'decorate' accordingly

Jer Loc: Mesa, Arizona

Amen

Dun1 Loc: Atlanta, GA

The info submitted by Goofy Newbie is an excellent way to give bottles a water drops effect.
Here is a link to another path to photographing glasses that might help
http://strobist.blogspot.com/2007/03/on-assignment-flavored-vodkas.html

John. B Loc: Essex, United Kingdom

My other pastime is Woodturning and some of the things I make are pens and to give them impact when photographing them, I find black glass gives a nice reflection beneath the object in my case front lit with two photoflood bulbs at around 45 degrees and matt black background.
In your case for a glass full of beer I would have a similar setup but add a white reflector hidden behind the glass to refract through the beer.
Beer losses its head after a short while so to replace that head just add some table salt and it will magically foam up again.

John. B
http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp350/Traincaptain/Pens/Comppentopublish2-1.jpg