Capturing the Vibe: Photos That Tell a Story
“Storytelling is the essential human activity. The harder the situation, the more essential it is.”
There’s something undeniably magical about a photo that tells a story. It pulls you in, takes you somewhere else, and leaves you feeling something. As a photographer, my mission is to create images that don’t just show a coffee cup or sunset—they share an experience, a mood, and a vibe. Whether it’s the warmth of a cinnamon-spiced cocktail on a crisp fall evening or the cool serenity of a morning espresso by the lake, storytelling through photography is all about creating connection.
1. Begin with the End in Mind
Every story starts with intention. When I approach a photoshoot—whether it’s for a brand collaboration, a blog feature, or a café menu—I ask myself, What do I want people to feel when they look at this photo?
Take, for example, a Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour. Its essence screams cozy autumn vibes, crackling fires, and warm sweaters. So my approach involves earthy tones, soft lighting, and textures that mirror the feeling of fall. A wool blanket in the corner of the frame or scattered cinnamon sticks on a rustic wooden table are not just props—they're mood-setters.
The story I want to tell guides every creative decision I make.
Pro Tip: Create a mood board.
Pinterest and Canva are your best friends here. Gather color palettes, textures, and images that embody the vibe you’re after. It’s a simple but powerful way to solidify your creative direction.
2. Set the Scene
Think of your photo as a stage, and your subject as the star. Everything else—the background, lighting, props, and composition—becomes the supporting cast.
For food and beverage photography, the setting matters as much as the drink or dish itself. Imagine shooting a latte in a stark, white studio versus a bustling café with sunlight streaming through a window. The latter immediately gives a sense of place, energy, and a connection to real life.
When I photographed an Apple Cider Bourbon Smash for a recent blog post, I used textured linen, twinkling fairy lights, and a backdrop of rich oranges and browns. The drink was center stage, but the surrounding elements brought the autumnal vibe to life.
Pro Tip: Use layers.
Add depth to your scene by layering objects like napkins, coasters, or flowers. Play with heights and distances to create a visually interesting composition.
3. Let Light Be Your Narrator
Lighting is everything in photography. It sets the tone, creates drama, and ultimately determines the emotion your image evokes.
Natural light is my go-to because of its versatility and authenticity. For softer, moodier images, I shoot in the golden hour—the hour after sunrise or before sunset. On the other hand, if I want to highlight sharp details (like the condensation on a chilled cocktail glass), I’ll use diffused midday light.
For example, in my Gold Rush cocktail photos, the honey’s golden hue demanded warm, glowing light to bring out its richness. Shooting near a west-facing window in the late afternoon gave the drink a soft, inviting glow that screamed luxury.
Pro Tip: Experiment with shadows.
Shadows can be just as important as light. Play with window blinds, leaves, or textured objects to create interesting patterns and add a sense of mystery to your photos.
4. Focus on the Details
The smallest details can tell the biggest stories. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on a slice of cake, the delicate bubbles in a glass of Prosecco, or the melted ice on a cocktail napkin all add realism and authenticity to your shots.
When I photographed a Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake earlier this year, I captured the crumbles falling off the knife and the faint swirl of steam rising from the coffee in the background. Those little touches made the image feel alive and connected to the viewer.
Pro Tip: Use a macro lens.
A macro lens allows you to get up close and personal, capturing textures and details you might otherwise miss. It’s perfect for food and beverage photography.
5. Composition: Where Stories Come to Life
Composition is the art of arranging your elements to guide the viewer’s eye and evoke emotion. While there are many "rules" of composition (rule of thirds, leading lines, negative space), they’re all tools to help you communicate.
For instance, when shooting coffee, I often use top-down angles to highlight latte art and the symmetry of a beautifully curated coffee table. But for cocktails, I lean toward eye-level or slightly below, giving the viewer a perspective that feels like they’re sitting at the bar, drink in hand.
Pro Tip: Use storytelling props.
Think about the props you use as characters in your story. A vintage spoon, a well-worn notebook, or a pair of sunglasses can add layers of meaning to your photo.
6. Color: A Universal Language
Color is a powerful storytelling tool in photography. It evokes emotion, sets the tone, and even taps into nostalgia.
For coffee and cocktails, the color of the drink itself is often the hero. A bright red Negroni or a golden latte can dictate the entire palette of a photo. But it’s the supporting colors—your backdrops, props, and lighting—that enhance the story.
For example, when shooting an iced matcha latte, I lean into greens and whites to emphasize freshness and health. The key is to stay intentional and avoid cluttering the frame with too many competing colors.
Pro Tip: Play with complementary colors.
Use a color wheel to find hues that work harmoniously. For example, the warm amber of whiskey pairs beautifully with deep blues or forest greens.
7. Capture Movement and Imperfection
Life isn’t perfect, and neither are the best stories. Sometimes, it’s the unplanned moments—a hand reaching for a drink, a drip of espresso rolling down a cup, or a splash of bourbon mid-pour—that make the most compelling images.
Capturing movement adds dynamism to your photos and makes them feel more authentic. I often include human elements in my shots—a hand stirring a cocktail or a cozy blanket draped in the background—to bring the viewer into the scene.
Pro Tip: Use a tripod for movement shots.
A tripod lets you experiment with slower shutter speeds, making it easier to capture movement like pouring liquid or steam rising.
8. Edit with a Storytelling Eye
Editing is where your photo truly comes to life. But remember, editing isn’t about overhauling—it’s about enhancing.
For storytelling, I focus on creating consistency in tone and mood. Warmer photos might get a slight boost in orange and yellow hues, while cooler ones lean into blues and grays. My goal is to amplify the vibe I captured during the shoot, not change it.
Pro Tip: Create presets.
Develop custom presets in Lightroom or your editing software of choice. They save time and ensure your photos maintain a cohesive look, especially for blog posts or Instagram grids.
Final Thoughts: Crafting Connection
At its core, storytelling through photography is about making people feel. Whether you're photographing a latte, a cocktail, or a slice of cake, your image should invite the viewer to step into the scene, taste the flavors, and experience the vibe.
The beauty of this art form is that there are no rules, just tools. Use them to create photos that resonate, inspire, and transport. Because when your photos tell a story, they leave a lasting impression.
So, grab your camera, set the stage, and let your creativity flow. Remember, every frame has the potential to tell a story—and the world is waiting to hear yours.
What stories do you want to tell with your photography? Let me know in the comments below!
