The art of advertising product photography is all about creating visuals that speak to the soul of a product, evoking emotions, and setting the stage for a unique story. When Berry Brothers and Rudd commissioned a photography project to showcase their exquisite Glenrothes Whisky, we embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. In this blog, we'll delve into the creative process of still life product photography, focusing on the artistic endeavor of photographing a Glenrothes whisky bottle in a set composed of old whisky barrels.
The Commission: A Glimpse into the Project
Berry Brothers and Rudd, one of the world's most renowned fine wine and spirits merchants, entrusted us with the task of capturing the essence of their Glenrothes Whisky. With a rich history dating back to 1698, the Glenrothes brand embodies tradition, elegance, and unparalleled craftsmanship. Our goal was to tell its story through evocative still life product photography.
The Setting: Creating an Atmosphere with Whisky Barrels
Old Whisky Barrels: The first step was acquiring authentic, old whisky barrels that could transport us to the heart of a Scottish distillery. Each barrel told a tale of time and craftsmanship, the perfect backdrop for Glenrothes' rich history.
Composition: Careful arrangement of the barrels created a dynamic yet harmonious setting, adding depth and dimension to our photographs.
Lighting: We used natural light combined with softbox lighting to replicate the warm, ambient glow of a traditional whisky distillery. The play of light and shadows added drama and depth to the scene.
Preparation: The Elegance of Glenrothes
The Bottle: The Glenrothes whisky bottle was meticulously cleaned, ensuring it was spotless and radiant. The label, embossed with the brand's emblem, was a work of art in itself.
Positioning: Careful consideration was given to the placement of the bottle. It had to take center stage, with the whisky barrels serving as a grand, supportive backdrop.
Camera and Lens Selection: Crafting the Narrative
Camera: We used a high-resolution medium format digital back on a technical camera with manual settings to give us full control over exposure, aperture, and shutter speed. The full-frame sensor delivered exceptional detail and clarity.
Lenses: A versatile prime lens with a wide aperture allowed us to achieve a dreamy, blurred background when needed. A macro lens captured the intricate details of the bottle label.
The Photoshoot: A Visual Symphony
Controlled Environment: Shooting in a controlled environment ensured that external elements didn't interfere with the precision of our shots.
Composition: Framing and composition were crucial. We wanted to encapsulate the essence of the Glenrothes whisky bottle, highlighting its shape, label, and golden hues.
Lighting: Precision lighting ensured that the Glenrothes bottle glowed with an almost ethereal radiance, while the whisky barrels were kissed by the soft, warm light.
Depth of Field: Manipulating the depth of field allowed us to direct the viewer's focus. For close-ups, a wide aperture created a beautifully blurred backdrop of barrels.
Post-Processing: Bringing the Vision to Life
Color Grading: To enhance the rich amber tones of Glenrothes, we fine-tuned the color grading in post-processing, ensuring the whisky appeared as inviting as it tasted.
Retouching: Imperfections and reflections were carefully removed, leaving the bottle immaculate and the setting unblemished.
Cropping and Framing: The composition was fine-tuned in post-processing to ensure that the product remained the star of the visual narrative.
Conclusion
Advertising product photography is a collaborative process that marries artistry and craftsmanship to create striking visuals. Commissioned by Berry Brothers and Rudd, we embarked on a journey to capture the timeless elegance of Glenrothes whisky, surrounded by the history and tradition of old whisky barrels.
This project exemplifies the power of storytelling through imagery, invoking emotions and encapsulating the essence of a product. With attention to detail, a strong vision, and an understanding of the brand's legacy, we achieved a visual narrative that reverberates with the spirit and sophistication of Glenrothes whisky.
So, raise your glass to the art of product photography and the timeless beauty of Glenrothes Whisky, set amidst the rustic elegance of old whisky barrels.
