Creating visually interesting images is the nature of the beast for photographers. However, in some cases, it is more difficult than others. San Francisco-based photographer Colin Price took on the challenge when he shot images for a cocktail recipe book, called 3-Ingredient Cocktails: An Opinionated Guide to the Most Enduring Drinks in the Cocktail Canon.
After reaching out to Betsy Stromberg, the Senior Art Director at Ten Speed Press, they granted Collin the job to shoot images for a new recipe book by cocktail extraordinaire Robert Simonson. Robert is an experienced writer who contributes to many popular publications. The book highlights 75 different cocktails from the modern. Additionally, it includes some fun narratives about the drinks and the process of making each one. Since the whole concept of the book focuses on the use of only three ingredient recipes, it was Colin’s responsibility to create images that emphasized the simplicity of the drinks. However, he still had to create visually appealing photos for each cocktail. A lot of the drinks were similar in color and featured in similar glassware. Thus, it was difficult to create visual diversity amongst all 75 cocktails.
With the help of food stylist, Emily Caneer, and prop stylist, Glenn Jenkins the team was well-assembled and eager to complete the job. These two stylistic gurus worked closely together with Colin to test their creativity and map out unique ways to showcase the cocktails and ingredients in each picture. Glenn also helped to create visual diversity as he utilized his hands in images during the cocktail crafting process, including imagery of him pouring drinks or breaking ice.
The team had a small time frame to shoot the images, making the shoot itself fast-paced. Each day allowed for two different scenes and about twelve shots, in total, per day.
We were moving so fast that we didn’t have time to stop and taste any of the drinks til the final day when we all indulged margaritas.
All around, this was a positive experience for everyone involved. The images came out great, and the feedback on the final book has been favorable. This project has also been an excellent opportunity for Colin as he enjoyed collaborating with Betsy at Ten Speed. Since then, Colin and Betsy have continued to build a professional relationship which has led to other collaborations.
Colin plans on continuing to shoot more fun projects like this that test his creative ability with minimal objects to shoot and hopes to work with Robert Simonson again.
I think Robert writes about cocktails in a charming fashion, and it was a pleasure to be able to provide images to his text.
Visit Amazon to snag a copy for yourself.
See more of Colin’s photography on his website.
Further Reading
Read more articles about Colin Price.
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