Custom Stock Beverage Photography for High End Coffee Machines

Caramel Macchiato: We emphasized the rich, layered texture of the caramel streaks running through the creamy foam, using a subtle rim light to make the drink look as indulgent as it tastes. 
Cappuccino: This image required a delicate balance of soft lighting to make the frothy milk foam look light and airy, while still allowing the rich coffee below to stand out.

In the world of high-end coffee machines, visuals are everything. When Franke, known for their state-of-the-art super-automatic machines, approached us to create custom stock photography, we knew that every shot had to be as refined as the coffee itself. Our goal was to capture the inviting experience of their coffee creations. The essence of every shot had to convey luxury, quality, and authenticity—a reflection of Franke’s brand. We developed a shot list of four key hero images, each showcasing their machine’s capabilities—from to-go applications to caramel macchiatos and mochas.

Real Machines Real Drinks!

While this shoot didn’t present any unexpected technical challenges, it required delicate handling and a sharp focus on attention to detail, two crucial factors in high-end beverage photography. The devil is in the details, especially when working with drinks that need to look freshly made in every shot.

Timing was essential. Each drink needed to be shot at its peak, whether it was a rich caramel macchiato or a frothy mocha. We worked efficiently to swap in freshly brewed drinks, ensuring that foam remained at its peak and condensation hadn’t yet set in. This required seamless coordination between the team to capture the perfect moment for each beverage. The challenge was not the technology but the precision.

Expert Beverage Styling

Collaboration is key in any high-end shoot, and this project was no exception. For this shoot, we worked closely with expert stylist Callie Blount, whose role was crucial to achieving the right look for each drink. When we work with a stylist, we work hand in hand with many of the creative decisions everything from glassware selection to how an ice cube is positioned. Callie’s expertise ensured that every drink was perfectly styled to match the luxurious, high-end aesthetic of Franke’s brand.

Her attention to fine details, like the exact positioning of the caramel drizzle on a macchiato or the placement of a frothy foam cap on a latte, added that final touch of perfection. The stylist’s understanding of the vision for the shoot was crucial for ensuring consistency and capturing the brand’s essence. Our creative collaboration allowed for the perfect blend of technical execution and artistic flair.

To-Go Coffee: The goal was to highlight the convenience of Franke’s machine, showing how it can effortlessly create a high-quality to-go coffee with the same attention to detail as a sit-down drink.

Minimalist Prop and Background Styling

Each shot was carefully composed to allow room for branding elements, ensuring the photos could be used across multiple platforms—whether in print ads, on social media, or on packaging. Strategic negative space was maintained for text overlays. Versatile compositions ensured seamless integration with various design layouts. Each image was optimized for high-resolution display across digital and print mediums.

Expert Beverage Lighting

We used a combination of Profoto heads, along with Elinchrome modifiers and polarizers to control the lighting and reduce unwanted glare. Controlling reflection on glass and liquids is one of the biggest challenges in beverage photography, but with careful positioning of light and the right modifiers, we achieved the perfect balance of glow and clarity, ensuring that each drink looked as good in the photograph as it did in person.

Understanding how different beverages reflect and refract light is crucial, especially with glassware. The shape of the glass, combined with the liquid inside, requires a precise placement of light to ensure everything looks its best. Every glass behaves differently, and we carefully adjusted our setup for each shot to capture the perfect balance of light and shadow.

Getting our lighting roughed in before the hero drinks make their way to set. Each glass is unique in how it reflects and refracts light. 

Passion for Beverage Photography

For a brand like Franke, which prides itself on quality and craftsmanship, high-end product photography isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. In the competitive world of beverage photography, especially in the high-end coffee sector, creating visually stunning images that reflect the brand’s values is essential for building trust and driving consumer engagement.

We love beverage photography—whether it’s high-end cocktails, craft beers, or, of course, coffee.

For your next beverage photography shoot, don’t hesitate to reach out!