Photography has always been closely tied to the appreciation of food and drinks – think about those mouthwatering burger photos that pop up on social media. The same goes for beer. A beer photographer is someone who captures the essence of a beer and tells its story in one photograph – the way it looks, smells, and tastes. Capturing the perfect shot is a skill that takes years to hone, and we spoke with a beer photographer to learn more about the life of a professional beverage photographer.
“I started my career in photography after dabbling in painting and graphic design. I realized that photography was an exciting and challenging medium, and I was drawn to it, ” explains our beer photographer, who wishes to remain anonymous. “I’ve been working in the field for over 30 years now, and I specialize in beverage photography. That means taking pictures of drinks, including beers, cocktails, and wine.”
When we asked about the challenges of taking photographs of beer, our photographer says, “The biggest challenge is making it look refreshing and enticing. The texture is crucial, and so is the color and the level of carbonation. I also try to capture the personality of each beer, whether it’s a hoppy IPA or a smooth lager. And, of course, the glassware is essential – it can make or break the shot.”
Beer photographers work in various settings, including photo studios, breweries, bars, and restaurants. Travel is also a significant part of the job, whether it’s a road trip to a local brewery or a plane ride to a beer festival. Despite the glamour involved, our photographer explains that it’s essential to have a strong work ethic and be flexible.
“A lot of people think that being a beer photographer is all about drinking beer and snapping pictures, but it’s far from that. It’s a demanding career, both physically and mentally. For example, I have to get up at the crack of dawn to take advantage of the morning light, and some days I work long hours, shooting back-to-back assignments. I also have to be flexible with my schedule – sometimes, I get a call from a client asking me to shoot a beer event with a day’s notice.”
The role of a beer photographer is not only limited to taking photographs; it also includes editing and post-processing. After a shoot, the photographer goes through the images with the client, selecting the best shots and editing them to perfection. Post-processing includes adjusting the colors, sharpening the image, and removing any blemishes or unwanted elements – all while maintaining the authenticity of the picture.
When asked about how she handles client demands, our beer photographer says, “Communication is key. Before every shoot, I sit down with the client and go over their expectations – what they want to highlight, how they want the beer to look, and what the overall mood should be. And even after all that, sometimes there are last-minute changes. But that’s where my experience comes in handy – I know how to make adjustments on the fly.”
Beyond the technical aspects of the job, beer photography has a creative side too. The photographer has to come up with new and imaginative ways to showcase a beer, whether it’s experimenting with different backgrounds or using props to add a bit of whimsy to the photo.
“I like to go into a shoot with an open mind, and I’m always experimenting with new techniques and approaches, whether it’s capturing the bubbles in a beer or playing around with different reflection angles. That’s what makes beer photography so exciting – every shoot is different, and there’s always something new to learn.”
Being a beer photographer is a challenging, demanding, and rewarding career path. It requires a combination of technical skill, artistic creativity, and a passion for beverages. The next time you’re scrolling through Instagram and come across a picture of a frosty beer, think about the beer photographer behind the lens who spent hours perfecting that shot – it’s truly a work of art.