Mojito, studio photography with one flash light, easier to photograph than you may think. Preparing the fresh mint leaves and cutting the lime slices is a delightful way to start prepping the ingredients and props for the photoshoot. Cleaning the glass with a lint free cloth to avoid any unwanted dust speckles or lint marks. Make sure you have plenty of ice-cubes, and yes I using real ice to let the cubes melt on the hard surface.
The surface is a deep dark black/brown tile from the tile shop. Sizeable about 30cm x 60cm, placed on a table. The tripod with camera and a 85mm lens is just above 90 degrees to allow the rim of the glass to be visible. Drape a dark fabric cloth behind the glass, leaving enough space to be out of focus.
Place the tripod (black) and the studio flash unit behind the fabric. The light comes directly from behind and is angled out of frame from an angle that allows the light to hit the top off the glass and shine through the glass. A snoot is attached to the studio light. As the light is directed in a narrow beam, colour and tone will disappear on the surface, hence the light reflecting bright on the dark surface. The slight shine off the tile in combination with the melted ice reflects the lime, mint leaves and ice cube.
Preparing the Mojito for the photoshoot is slightly different then preparing for the Mojito cocktail. The lime slices go first in the glass, support them with ice cubes to keep them in place. Then perfectly chosen mint leaves are placed facing the camera. Add the rum, alcohol does have a different look than plain water. I left the sugar syrup out to keep my liquid clear. Then top with more ice cubes placed in a way that allows the light to shine through the lime slices and mint leave. Giving it the texture and tone needed for the photo. Add soda water for sparkle and a mint slice at the top of the glass.
Check if you have the studio light in position to allow the rim of the top mint slice to get the rim light as well as the top rim of the glass.
You can use an aperture of f8 or f11 as the background is far enough to be out of focus and the shutter-speed 1/125 or more to only let the studio light effect the photo. No day light to seep in.
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After preparing and shooting the Mojito you may get thirsty so here is the recipe:
