Capturing the Glow: Behind the Scenes of Our Beverage Photography with Uncle Nearest
We’ve been following the remarkable story of Uncle Nearest and its visionary founder, Fawn Weaver, since 2017. Uncle Nearest, based in Shelbyville, Tennessee, is more than a distillery—it’s a brand with a powerful legacy. Named after Nathan “Nearest” Green, the formerly enslaved man who helped create Jack Daniel’s legendary Tennessee whiskey, Uncle Nearest is the first distillery owned by a Black person. If you haven’t heard this inspiring story, Fawn’s book “Love and Whiskey” offers a deeper dive into the brand’s incredible journey.
For us, it was a true honor to collaborate with Uncle Nearest to bring their brand story to life through whiskey cocktail lifestyle images that would visually reflect their values.
Conceptualizing the Glow: Bringing a Brand’s Vision to Life
The team at Uncle Nearest had a clear goal: they wanted each bottle of whiskey to glow. And as commercial beverage photographers, it was our job to make that happen.
We worked closely with their creative team, engaging in collaborative discussions to align our vision. The challenge was to maintain Uncle Nearest’s clean, modern brand aesthetic while ensuring the whiskey bottles had a rich, vibrant glow. To help bring this vision to life, we teamed up with prop and cocktail stylist Justine Sylvie. Her minimalist set design and cocktail styling were key to creating the sophisticated look we were after. As creatives, you know how essential it is to find the perfect balance between simplicity and impact, and Justine’s approach made all the difference.
Beverage Photography Essentials: Light, Shadow, and Reflection
In the world of professional beverage photography, light, shadow, and reflection are everything. Mastering these elements is where science meets art. With Uncle Nearest, we wanted to capture the essence of the brand through a glowing effect that highlighted the product’s premium quality and rich history.
The final images, which have since appeared on billboards and across social media, illustrate how effective beverage product photography can help amplify a brand’s story. The unique glow we created for Uncle Nearest became a visual signature for their campaign.
How to Achieve the Signature Whiskey Glow (Without Giving Away All Our Secrets)
We could tell you exactly how to achieve that perfect whiskey glow, but some things are best left to the experts. (Hint: It starts with a well-crafted cocktail and the right lighting techniques.)
When working with beverage brands, we focus on creating visually stunning images that not only showcase the product but also evoke a feeling. The right cocktail photography can make all the difference in how a brand is perceived by its audience.
Ready to Elevate Your Beverage Brand’s Visuals?
At the end of the day, great beverage photography is about more than just a pretty picture. It’s about crafting a visual story that connects with the audience, reflects the brand’s values, and stands out in a crowded market.
If your beverage brand is ready for photos that shine—literally and figuratively—get in touch. We love collaborating with advertising agencies and beverage brands to create images that resonate, inspire, and leave a lasting impression.
