Bloody Mary Day: Food Photography Behind the Scenes
Food Photographer Northamptonshire
As a food photographer based in Northamptonshire, I love planning each shoot carefully, from concept to final edit. Every project starts with research and creativity. For Bloody Mary Day, I wanted to capture the essence of this classic cocktail, known as the perfect pick-me-up after a big celebration like New Year’s Eve.
When planning a food or drink photoshoot, I always consider the story behind it. The Bloody Mary has a rich history and a vibrant aesthetic, so my aim was to create an image that feels both refreshing and festivePlan for photo-shoot
Planning the Shoot: Concept and Recipe
The first step in my creative process is research, both visual and culinary. I explore existing images, study colour themes, and think about how to make my own version stand out.
For this project, I used the BBC Good Food Bloody Mary recipe as my base:
👉 Bloody Mary Recipe – BBC Good Food
Once the ingredients were ready, it was time to think about props, backgrounds, and lighting. Three crucial elements of any professional restaurant photography project.
Styled Food Photography: Lighting and Composition
When shooting beverages, especially glassware, lighting is everything.
My first lighting setup involved using a silver umbrella with a flashgun as the key light, complemented by both white and silver reflectors. This helped highlight the glass, straw, and texture of the drink while keeping reflections under control.
However, I wanted to evoke the festive atmosphere of the season, so for my second setup, I included a Christmas tree in the background. The fairy lights added a bokeh effect, creating a warm and inviting look perfect for restaurant or product photography for restaurants.
By experimenting with shutter speed and ambient light, I found that turning off the overhead lighting and adding more fairy lights enhanced the bokeh beautifully.
Final Images: Styled and Edited. After testing multiple angles, front, low, and overhead, I selected the best shots for focus stacking. This technique ensures every detail of the glass, garnish, and bubbles remains sharp and visually appealing.
I then re-edited and cropped the images for social media promotion, brightening the reds and highlighting the glass to make the drink pop.
Restaurant Photography UK – My Approach
As a professional food photographer in Northamptonshire, I approach each shoot with both artistry and precision. My goal is to create imagery that helps businesses stand out, whether for restaurant photography UK, food branding, or product photography for restaurants.
Lighting, styling, and composition all work together to tell a story that connects your food or drink with its audience.
If you’d like to collaborate on your next restaurant, café, or product shoot, I’d love to bring your brand’s story to life through high-quality imagery.
Email: sampeel@wellypictures.com
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