Food and Beverage Photography

Food and beverage photography is not just about taking appetizing pictures — it’s about telling your product’s brand story, evoking emotions in the viewer, and influencing their purchase decisions. With a professional approach, proper lighting, and creative composition, the visual impact of your products can increase dramatically.

1. Platform-specific visual requirements

Platform	Photo Requirements	Recommendation
Instagram	Creative, lifestyle shots, close-up details	Use props that tell a story
Facebook Ads	High-contrast, attention-grabbing backgrounds	Add short text highlighting the main feature
E-commerce websites	White background, high-resolution image	Use a diffuser for shadow-free, glare-free shots
Menu & catalog	High-quality, accurate color reproduction	Adjust light balance so food looks natural

Sushi roll held with chopsticks on black background, topped with sesame seeds and sauce

Breakfast composition with strawberries, milk, and oats – milk splash in a pink cup

Herb and cheese omelette with two eggs, served with assorted bread in a basket.

Open sandwich with grilled vegetables, fish, and sauce, served with a bottle of Coca-Cola.

Traditional piti soup with meat, chickpeas, and saffron broth, served with onions, garlic, and dried fruits.

Salad with corn, lettuce, and dried meat served in a Şirinpay branded paper bowl.

RosKo Iveriya halal sausage product in green packaging, with fresh vegetables and sauces on a rustic wooden background

Black coffee in a mug with croissant and the book "The Power of Your Subconscious Mind" on a wooden table.

Breakfast platter with cheese, sausages, fresh vegetables, olives, and sauces, served with scrambled eggs and eggs in tomato sauce.

Simurq chilled chicken parts with green leaves and red onion slices on wooden background

Healthy salad with salmon, orange, tomatoes, and vegetables

Creative floating food photo with milk, strawberries, and cornflakes

Winter-themed photo of chocolate cookies and hot tea with bokeh lights in the background

Black caviar in golden tin, served with blinis, pickles, and seashell-themed table setting

2. Lighting techniques

Natural light + reflector — Ideal for preserving the natural color of food.
Softbox — Highlights textures with soft, even lighting.
Backlight — Enhances transparency and shine in glass drinks.
Spotlight — Perfect for focusing on cakes, desserts, and beverages.

In food photography, the play of light and shadow is essential for achieving a natural look.

3. Background selection and props

Style	Props	Background suggestion
Minimalist	Simple plates, knife, fork	White or light tones
Rustic	Wooden board, linen fabric, natural herbs	Brown, earthy tones
Premium	Crystal glassware, marble surface, gold accents	Black, marble, dark tones
Surreal/Lifestyle	Hands, movement, pouring drinks or smoke effects	Creative scenes

4. Composition rules

Rule of thirds to guide the viewer’s eye.
Macro close-ups — Show texture and freshness.
Flatlay (top-down) — Perfect for menus and social media.
Action shots — Pouring sauce, swirling coffee, squeezing lemon.

5. Alcoholic beverage photography

Alcoholic drinks (wine, beer, cocktails, whiskey, etc.) require specific lighting and atmosphere:

Backlighting — Highlights color and clarity of the liquid.
Ice and condensation effect — Creates a refreshing feel.
Premium accessories — Crystal glasses, whiskey stones, bartender tools.
Bokeh background — Ideal for creating an evening vibe.

In alcoholic beverage photography, a “luxury” and “quality” feel should be the priority.

Jameson whiskey bottle and glass on vintage books with rope in the background — warm lighting and nostalgic atmosphere

Two whiskey glasses and Jameson bottle on white table with window blind shadows — minimalist composition

Khan 1860 vodka with black caviar in golden tins on ice, served with lemon slices, butter curls, cucumber appetizers, and blinis in a luxury table setting

Red wine bottle and decorative goblet with grape bunch on wooden table against dark red background

“Ceyran” premium Azerbaijani wine with black and gold label surrounded by grape seeds — luxury packaging design

Chivas Regal 18-year-old whisky with orange garnish cocktail — premium drink and cocktail photography.

Jameson bottle with floating half lemon and cocktail glass on blue background — conceptual and minimal design

Chivas Regal 12-year-old whisky with glass cups — light and shadow play in visual presentation.

Chivas Regal 12-year-old whisky with glasses of ice — luxury beverage photography.

Red and white wine bottles on wooden shelves — premium wine collection and storage.

7. The role of video content

Short videos significantly enhance the presentation of food and drinks:

Slow motion — Pouring a drink, breaking a dessert.
Time-lapse — Preparation process.
360° product video — Ideal for bottles and packaging.

Conclusion

Food and beverage photography is a powerful tool to spark the sense of taste in the customer’s mind, strengthen your brand image, and boost sales. By paying attention to lighting, background, props, and composition, each visual can leave a lasting impression on your audience.