As a specialist drink and beverage photographer based in Sydney, Australia, my work often bridges the line between commercial precision and creative exploration. I’ve had the privilege of working with leading global and local brands on commercial photography campaigns—creating bold, meticulously crafted imagery that showcases beverages in their most compelling form. But beyond the client briefs and commercial shoots, I also invest time into conceptual personal projects—where technical skill meets creative freedom.
One such project, created in early 2025, is an abstract fine art interpretation of the classic Manhattan cocktail. Titled “Mr Manhattan”, the image represents a merging of technical execution and raw visual storytelling. It’s an example of how I explore personal expression within the boundaries of beverage photography—and how these creative works often fuel new ideas for commercial campaigns.
Inspired by the Manhattan: A Conceptual Take on a Classic Cocktail
The concept behind Mr Manhattan was born out of a desire to visually interpret the tasting notes of the iconic Manhattan cocktail—a drink known for its bold, warm, and slightly sweet character. Instead of capturing the cocktail in a traditional glass on a bar, I reimagined it through an abstract, deconstructed lens. The goal was to create a photographic experience that invites the viewer to look deeper—both visually and emotionally.
“Looking into the bottom of the glass, the composition reveals a narrative—whether it’s the promise of a night yet to come or a quiet reflection on the night already passed.”
The image unfolds in visual layers. Each element is elevated and suspended to create depth, movement, and intrigue—designed to mimic the lingering complexity of a well-crafted drink.
Behind the Shot: Technical Execution in Beverage Photography
As a technical still life and drink photographer in Australia, I love solving visual problems through experimental lighting and structural setups. For Mr Manhattan, I constructed the scene using layers of suspended Perspex. This allowed overlapping elements—such as the liquid and glass rim—to subtly blur the boundaries and challenge the viewer’s perception of dimension and form. The glass appears to overflow, inviting a second glance and suggesting more than what first meets the eye.
The image is heavily backlit using red lighting gel, giving it a moody, immersive glow. The red backdrop was chosen not only to reflect the drink’s warmth but to visually draw the viewer into the scene—almost as if they’re falling into the glass itself. These subtle details are the result of deliberate choices made during the creative and technical execution of the shot—an approach I bring to both editorial and commercial drink photography projects.
From Personal Project to Industry Recognition
Projects like Mr Manhattan are not just creative exercises—they are opportunities to explore fresh visual language that can influence future client work. They also serve as self-promotion pieces, helping me demonstrate the full range of what’s possible within conceptual beverage photography.
I’m proud to share that Mr Manhattan was shortlisted in the 2025 World Food Photography Awards, gaining international recognition among some of the most creative food and drink visuals worldwide. Being shortlisted is an incredible honour and further validates the importance of stepping outside the brief and pursuing projects that come from a place of personal inspiration.
Why Personal Work Matters for Commercial Clients
For brands looking to elevate their beverage campaigns, investing in a photographer who brings both commercial experience and conceptual depth can make all the difference. Personal projects like Mr Manhattan are more than artistic expressions—they’re a demonstration of vision, innovation, and the kind of storytelling that can elevate a brand’s identity.
Whether I’m capturing the crisp fizz of a sparkling soda, the smooth pour of a whisky, or the abstract soul of a cocktail like the Manhattan, I approach each shoot with the same dedication to detail, lighting, and narrative impact.
If you’re a beverage brand, creative agency, or drinks producer looking for a Sydney-based commercial photographer who brings creativity, technical excellence, and storytelling to the table—I’d love to collaborate.
To view more of my conceptual and commercial beverage photography, get in touch or explore my portfolio.
