WINE PHOTOGRAPHY

Isn't wine photography difficult?!   For us wine bloggers it is rather a necessity but you need to take care or, as I have proved, the photos can be detracting.  Having looked at both my published and unpublished attempts I think I am beginning to learn through my own mistakes.  So what have I learned so far - 
Avoid Flash, except in very poor lighting, natural sunlight is best. Lighting can give problems with colour and unwanted reflections, so take care. A light box can help diffuse the light and also help with the next tip.
Be careful with the background as it can be distracting, use a plain background where possible.
Composition is important otherwise the picture will be boring. Consider an unusual angle or some foreground interest. Make sure there is a focal point of interest.
Dirty or damaged bottles or glasses are to be avoided, as the photo will emphasize these faults.
Elevate your picture to something special by trying to tell a story rather than just documenting a bottle, human interest is important.
Focus carefully. Use a Macro setting for close-ups. Use the focus to remove the distracting background.

Champagne at restaurant La Garenne, old Reims circuit France


Get to the right level when taking the photograph, otherwise the image may be distorted or look wrong.

Hurrying is a mistake. Take your time if you want a great picture and plan it in advance.

In-close shots often work well as they fill the whole frame with the subject.

Judder can cause a blur in low lighting conditions, so consider using a tripod.

Keep on trying. With digital cameras there is no extra expense from taking more shots, so try a few different angles, exposures, focuses etc.

Learn how to fix your shots after you have taken them by cropping them etc.

Hopefully you willl notice some improved photos over the next month and also you find these tips useful.   All photos taken on this blog have been taken with a compact Panasonic Lumix.  If any other Tongham Tasters want to have a go and send me in their wine photos - feel free and we wil publish them and give you credit.