In this personally challenging project, Nils Wilbert's aim was to capture the essence of a beer bottle. Using this example, he wanted to illustrate the steps of planning, implementation and his special techniques.
Nils Wilbert: “Photographing beverages has always been an exhilarating challenge for me, requiring a diverse set of skills, particularly when executing without the aid of an experienced stylist. In this endeavor, I embarked on capturing the essence of a beer bottle through meticulous planning and execution, breaking down my approach and sharing the tricks I employed.
My vision was to capture the beer bottle in a hero shot style, with a portion elegantly hanging over the edge, drawing the viewer's gaze upwards. The backdrop, chosen to complement the beer label, featured a dramatic red gradient. Lighting was intended to be crisp and hard, accentuating both the bottle and the water droplets adorning it. Additionally, I aimed to include a glass filled with beer placed slightly behind the bottle to showcase the beverage and its effervescence, adding depth and color to the composition.
Prior to setting up the shot, meticulous preparation was crucial. I removed the label from the back of the bottle to allow it to shine through during photography. Applying a matte clear varnish protected the label from water damage when creating water droplets. For the droplets themselves, I concocted a mixture of 50% water and 50% glycerin, ensuring they held their shape upon application.
Utilizing four lights, I meticulously crafted the desired lighting setup. A Unilite with a P70 reflector and Strip Grid 5:1 Honeycomb served as the main light source, positioned above the product to create a distinctive reflection on the bottle neck label and key light on the bottle. A Pulso G with a 30x120 Softbox provided subtle side lighting, while a Siros 800s with a standard reflector and medium honeycomb illuminated the background, creating a gradient effect. To prevent unwanted light spillage, a flag was strategically placed between the bottle setup and the Siros light. Finally, a Picolite with a projector attachment served as a backlight, allowing precise control over which areas of the bottle were highlighted.
With the setup complete, I meticulously added water droplets to the bottle, experimenting with various spray bottles to achieve the desired look. Once satisfied, I positioned the glass and began pouring the beer, a task that proved more challenging than anticipated but ultimately resulted in the desired aesthetic.”
