{"id":1957,"date":"2021-06-23T05:54:59","date_gmt":"2021-06-23T05:54:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/?p=1957"},"modified":"2021-11-02T02:56:10","modified_gmt":"2021-11-02T02:56:10","slug":"photographing-wine-bottles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/photographing-wine-bottles\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Photograph Wine Bottles (on a White Background)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Photographing bottles is challenging.&nbsp; It\u2019s tricky to make them look good because you get all kinds of reflections on the glass. It\u2019s these reflections that make red wine bottles even more difficult to photograph than white wine bottles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"366\" src=\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Youtube-Thumbnail-How-to-Photograph-Wine-Bottles.jpg\" alt=\"How to Photograph Wine Bottles\" class=\"wp-image-1966\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Youtube-Thumbnail-How-to-Photograph-Wine-Bottles.jpg 650w, https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Youtube-Thumbnail-How-to-Photograph-Wine-Bottles-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article I\u2019m going to show you how to photograph wine bottles on a white background \u2013 like a pro!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019re going to learn to use the exact techniques I use every day, as a professional product photographer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s what you\u2019ll learn:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>The best equipment to use when photography wine bottles<\/li><li>How to set up the lighting for bottle photography<\/li><li>How to control the light<\/li><li>How to set up your camera for bottle and product photography<\/li><li>Other professional wine bottle photography tips &amp; tricks<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you follow these instructions, you too will be taking wine bottle photos that look awesome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Equipment for Photographing Wine Bottles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>1 x Stripbox softbox (like <a class=\"thirstylink\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Godox Strip Box Softbox\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3gHUFKY\" data-linkid=\"1992\" data-shortcode=\"true\">this one &#8211; 30x120cm \/ 12&#8243;x 47&#8243;<\/a>) <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1 x Small softbox (like<a class=\"thirstylink\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Small Softbox\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2SOjFbH\" data-linkid=\"1994\" data-shortcode=\"true\"> this one 16&#8243;x16&#8243;\/40x40cm<\/a>)&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1 x 7\u201d reflector with grid (you could use <a class=\"thirstylink\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Reflector\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3gRAsCv\" data-linkid=\"1995\" data-shortcode=\"true\">this one<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1 x DIY picture frame diffuser (using translum as diffusion material)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lee filters diffusion paper (I used their 216 paper)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3 x studio strobes or speed lights&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1 x Acrylic riser (like <a class=\"thirstylink\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Acrylic Riser\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2TRNUid\" data-linkid=\"1997\" data-shortcode=\"true\">these ones here<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Transparent table (or similar \u2013 see notes in article below)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"thirstylink\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Microfibre cloth\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3gF9KhH\" data-linkid=\"1998\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Microfibre cloth<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"thirstylink\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"White cotton gloves\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3gSwsBM\" data-linkid=\"1999\" data-shortcode=\"true\">White cotton gloves<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Flash Triggers (you can use <a class=\"thirstylink\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Flash Triggers\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3zJr5xl\" data-linkid=\"2000\" data-shortcode=\"true\">flash triggers like these<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tripod<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"thirstylink\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Canon 100mm F2.8L Macro lens\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2YwJLPD\" data-linkid=\"1762\" data-shortcode=\"true\">100mm macro lens<\/a> or similar<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>DSLR camera (I used a <a class=\"thirstylink\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Canon EOS 6D Mark II Digital SLR Camera Body\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3b3sHbi\" data-linkid=\"1828\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Canon 6D Mark II<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Note: If using speedlights, you\u2019ll need an adapter so you can use the softbox, stripbox and 7\u201d reflector. I use a <a class=\"thirstylink\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Bowens mount speedlight\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3vOtlQS\" data-linkid=\"2001\" data-shortcode=\"true\">bowens mount speedlight adapter like this one<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Prepare a Wine Bottle for Photographing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Choose the Best Bottle to Photograph (and save retouching)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The first thing you should do is choose the best looking product to photograph.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The bottle you are photographing should be in good condition.&nbsp; The label should be firmly affixed without anything peeling up. Check that the printing on the label is good with no misprints.&nbsp; The lid should be free from dents and scratches.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Little blemishes can be touched up in post production but you can save yourself a lot of time starting with a pristine product. In some cases it\u2019s better to ask the client for a product in better condition rather than spend extra time retouching later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Avoid the Seams When Photographing Glass Bottles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In the case of wine bottles, and most glass bottles for that matter, there are two seams along the length of the bottle where it was joined during manufacture.&nbsp; Try to avoid using bottles where the seam will be visible in the image i.e. the seams should be at the side of the bottle otherwise they will show up in your photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Again, this is another problem that can be corrected later in Photoshop but it\u2019s easier to start with a bottle without this issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clean the Wine Bottle Before Photographing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As with all product photography, the first thing you want to do is make sure you clean the wine bottle thoroughly. Clean your hands well to minimize leaving any oil or smudges behind on the product.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use a microfiber cloth to remove any dust and fingerprints. Wearing gloves while cleaning is ideal but, if you don\u2019t have any handy, hold the bottle with a tea towel.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if you are not photographing the whole bottle, clean the entire surface, top, bottom, and all around. With transparent bottles, any marks on the back will show through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Product Set Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best Table for Photographing Wine Bottles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I have been using a DIY transparent table for years. It\u2019s far better than a regular table or seamless background. The reason I do this is to stop light bouncing up off the surface of the table. This is very important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I made my table by buying a fold up table from the hardware store, removing the table top and replacing it with a transparent acrylic sheet (AKA Perspex or Plexiglass).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don\u2019t have or don\u2019t want to make a transparent product photography table, you can cover your table with black cardboard instead \u2013 this will prevent reflections.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Put Your Bottle on an Acrylic Riser<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll need a riser that is similar in size to the diameter of the bottle you are photographing (ideally a little smaller). When photographing on a table, slightly elevating the bottle like this is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don\u2019t do this, the light will not reach the bottom of the bottle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"366\" src=\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/transparent-acrylic-for-bottle-photography.jpg\" alt=\"Acrylic riser used for standing bottle.\" class=\"wp-image-1965\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/transparent-acrylic-for-bottle-photography.jpg 650w, https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/transparent-acrylic-for-bottle-photography-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><figcaption><em>Acrylic risers like this one are great for photographing wine bottles.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"429\" src=\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/stripbox-for-bottle-reflection-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1975\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/stripbox-for-bottle-reflection-1.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/stripbox-for-bottle-reflection-1-300x201.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption><em>When photographing on a table, slightly elevating the bottle like this is essential. If you don\u2019t do this, the light will not reach the bottom of the bottle.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"478\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/reflection-on-wine-bottle-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1976\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/reflection-on-wine-bottle-1.jpg 478w, https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/reflection-on-wine-bottle-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/reflection-on-wine-bottle-1-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 478px) 100vw, 478px\" \/><figcaption><em>As you can see in the image above, the reflection stops short if you don\u2019t elevate the bottle when photographing on a table. The diffuser must extend past the bottom of the bottle.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are using any kind of stand or riser, use clear or frosted to minimize reflections on the product.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Center and Align the Bottle for Photographing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The next step is to make sure that the label is straight and centered when looking through the camera.&nbsp; You can use the edges of the label to help you center the label. Keep the distance at edges of the label the same for both sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"424\" src=\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/centering-label-on-bottle-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1977\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/centering-label-on-bottle-1.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/centering-label-on-bottle-1-300x199.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption><em>Center the label for the camera<\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have a label that wraps all the way around the bottle, use the main text or logo as a guide for the center.&nbsp; Rotate the bottle as needed to make sure that you have it centered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Best Lighting Setup for Wine Bottle Photography<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The set-up I\u2019ve perfected over many years of shooting wine bottles uses three lights along with two softboxes and diffusers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"445\" src=\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/full-lighting-setup-wine-bottles-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1978\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/full-lighting-setup-wine-bottles-1.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/full-lighting-setup-wine-bottles-1-300x209.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption><em>This is my lighting setup for photographing wine bottles.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Adding a Reflection to the Side of the Bottle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I start my lighting setup with a strip box on one side of the bottle.&nbsp; This light modifier is similar to a regular softbox except it is long and narrow.&nbsp; The strip box is lined in silver foil and has two diffusers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The stripbox keeps the light long and narrow and stops it spreading out like a large softbox. Some stripboxes have edges that extend past the diffuser, by a couple of inches. These edges further restrict the light, keep it narrowly focused and stop it spilling out the sides. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"429\" src=\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/stripbox-for-bottle-reflection-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1979\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/stripbox-for-bottle-reflection-2.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/stripbox-for-bottle-reflection-2-300x201.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption><em>Image shows a stripbox and next to it on the right you can see the Lee diffusion paper. It\u2019s this setup that will create the highlight\/reflection on the side of the bottle.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The light from the strip box is going to give a reflection on the side of the bottle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the light from the stripbox is soft, without further diffusion it would leave a reflection with hard edges. I prefer a reflection on the side of the bottle with softer edges. I put a sheet of diffusion paper between the stripbox and the wine bottle to further soften the light and achieve this soft reflection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Use Diffusion Paper to Soften the Light<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I prefer to use a roll of Lee 216 white diffusion paper. It\u2019s a quality product that is easy to work with. Simply set up a C-stand and hang the roll in front of your strip box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" src=\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Lee-216-diffusion-paper.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1980\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Lee-216-diffusion-paper.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Lee-216-diffusion-paper-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption><em>Lee 216 diffusion paper is perfect for creating a pleasing reflection on a wine bottle.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>A sheet of white semi-translucent acrylic (Perspex) will also work too.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pop-up diffusers could be used but they aren\u2019t as good as diffusion paper or acrylic. The reason is that the diffusion paper and acrylic is perfectly smooth and wrinkle free \u2013 popup diffusers are not and the wrinkle lines will show on your bottle as reflections.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The diffusion paper or acrylic should be placed about 2 feet from the wine bottle on the side of it. Position the strip box about 1-2 feet behind the diffusion paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Light Wine Bottle Labels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Like with anything, there are multiple ways to achieve a similar result. The simplest way I\u2019ve found to light the label of a wine bottle is to use a studio strobe with a small softbox.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I position the light slightly in front and high above the bottle. Using a grid on the softbox will stop light from spilling too much onto the diffusion paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You could also use a beauty dish or a bare reflector, but I find the light a bit harsh.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I use a small softbox over a large one because the softbox will leave a reflection on the bottle. I want the reflection to be as small as possible to make it easy to photoshop out later.&nbsp; A large softbox will leave a much larger reflection which takes longer to retouch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"373\" src=\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/softbox-lighting-wine-bottle-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1981\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/softbox-lighting-wine-bottle-1.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/softbox-lighting-wine-bottle-1-300x175.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption><em>I use a small softbox like this to light the label of the wine bottle. You can also add a grid to further restrict the light from spilling onto your background.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>If you do it right, this reflection is easy to retouch because there is not really any texture to work around.&nbsp; You\u2019re just retouching the smooth glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another method to light a wine bottle label is to use a polarizer on your strobe and on your lens. This is called cross polarization. Using this method means there would be no reflection to retouch later. This is a more advanced and expensive way to light the front of your bottle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cross polarization is overkill for most people and you\u2019ll be fine if you use a small softbox.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Setting up the Background for Wine Bottle Photography<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, in relation to lighting, I have a special set up for the background.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I use an old canvas painting frame which I\u2019ve modified. I removed the canvas from it and replaced it with a translum. Translum is a stiff diffusion material. This allows me to shine a light behind the background if I need to light the contents of the bottle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You only need to use a diffuser for the background if you\u2019re photographing white wine bottles or bottles that are not see through. You can use foam core board or white paper for the background if you\u2019re photographing red wine bottles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Either way, you\u2019ll need to add two pieces of black cardboard to either side so you\u2019re left with a 12 inch window showing the white background.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These black pieces are important to control light reflections on the sides of the bottle.&nbsp; The black pieces make nice, dark edges and they will help define the sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"383\" src=\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/defined-edges-on-wine-bottle-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1982\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/defined-edges-on-wine-bottle-1.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/defined-edges-on-wine-bottle-1-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption><em>Adding black cardboard gives the wine bottle nice defined edges.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>For white wine bottles, I would use very narrow black cardboard on the sides and also add another strobe. The strobe will light the contents of the bottle and give a nice glow. The thin strips of black cardboard will leave a nice thin black line on the side of the bottle \u2013 wide pieces of cardboard will show on the inside of the bottle (avoid this).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Camera Setup for Photographing Wine Bottles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When using studio strobes or external flashes, you\u2019ll need to shoot in manual. I shoot in raw so I can easily fix the white balance later. It also gives much more flexibility to reduce highlights or recover shadows in post production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/canon-macro-lens.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1983\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/canon-macro-lens.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/canon-macro-lens-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/canon-macro-lens-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><figcaption>The canon 100m f\/2.8L macro lens produces excellent wine bottle photos. It\u2019s also great for other product photography and even headshots and portraits.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best Aperture for Photographing Wine Bottles&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A small aperture like f\/16 with a 100 mm macro lens is ideal.&nbsp; With the distance I am from the bottle (4-5 feet), if I shoot using a shallower depth of field, f\/9 for example, the label will be in focus but the top around the lid will be slightly soft and out of focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have a whole article on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/best-lens-product-photography\/\">best lenses for product photography<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best Shutter Speed for Photographing Wine Bottles&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I set the shutter speed to 1\/125th of a second. Most flash triggers have a synchronization speed limit (around 1\/200<sup>th<\/sup> of a second).&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tweaking Your Wine Bottle Lighting Setup<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Adjusting the location and angle of your lights will really help you control the reflections and put the light exactly where you want it. This is a process of trial and error.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moving the strip box or changing the power will give different reflections across the side of the bottle and will change how bright the spread is and how far it spreads. Positioning the strip box behind the bottle will bring the reflection further around the bottle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moving the product position closer or further away from your background will also change the look of your final photo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is all a matter of playing with your setup.&nbsp; Move the strip box around, move your lights around, tweak the power of the lights, move the diffusing paper closer or further, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep experimenting to get the results you like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the end, taking the perfect wine bottle photo all comes down to a little bit of knowledge and your personal preference and vision as a photographer.&nbsp; There is no right or wrong way to position your equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, unless you want a consistent set up every time, there is no reason to measure distances between the lights or record lighting power.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Start by putting your gear where you think it should go, take some test shots to use as a baseline and move things around until you achieve the results you\u2019ve envisioned. With practice you\u2019ll soon know how to photograph wine bottles like a pro!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to Photograph Wine Bottles (Wine Bottle Photography On White Background)\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/N3m3pND-0iY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Photographing bottles is challenging.&nbsp; It\u2019s tricky to make them look good because you get all kinds of reflections on the glass. It\u2019s these reflections that make red wine bottles even more difficult to photograph than white wine bottles. In this article I\u2019m going to show you how to photograph wine bottles on a white background &#8230; <a title=\"How to Photograph Wine Bottles (on a White Background)\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/photographing-wine-bottles\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about How to Photograph Wine Bottles (on a White Background)\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1966,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Photograph Wine Bottles (on a White Background)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Struggling to photograph wine bottles? This tutorial shows you exactly how to photograph red and white wine bottles on a white background.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/photographing-wine-bottles\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Photograph Wine Bottles (on a White Background)\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Struggling to photograph wine bottles? This tutorial shows you exactly how to photograph red and white wine bottles on a white background.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/photographing-wine-bottles\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Master Product Photography\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-06-23T05:54:59+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2021-11-02T02:56:10+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Youtube-Thumbnail-How-to-Photograph-Wine-Bottles.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"650\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"366\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Adrian Harrison\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Adrian Harrison\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"13 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/photographing-wine-bottles\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/photographing-wine-bottles\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Adrian Harrison\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/#\/schema\/person\/99a1cba1c281260ff470f2751914e12c\"},\"headline\":\"How to Photograph Wine Bottles (on a White Background)\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-06-23T05:54:59+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2021-11-02T02:56:10+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/photographing-wine-bottles\/\"},\"wordCount\":2332,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/#organization\"},\"articleSection\":[\"Tutorials\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/photographing-wine-bottles\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/photographing-wine-bottles\/\",\"name\":\"How to Photograph Wine Bottles (on a White Background)\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2021-06-23T05:54:59+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2021-11-02T02:56:10+00:00\",\"description\":\"Struggling to photograph wine bottles? This tutorial shows you exactly how to photograph red and white wine bottles on a white background.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/photographing-wine-bottles\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/photographing-wine-bottles\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/photographing-wine-bottles\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"How to Photograph Wine Bottles (on a White Background)\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/\",\"name\":\"Master Product Photography\",\"description\":\"Learn how to take your own amazing product photography.\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Master Product Photography\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Master-Product-Photography-Logo.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Master-Product-Photography-Logo.png\",\"width\":350,\"height\":70,\"caption\":\"Master Product Photography\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/#\/schema\/person\/99a1cba1c281260ff470f2751914e12c\",\"name\":\"Adrian Harrison\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/author\/adrian\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How to Photograph Wine Bottles (on a White Background)","description":"Struggling to photograph wine bottles? This tutorial shows you exactly how to photograph red and white wine bottles on a white background.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/photographing-wine-bottles\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How to Photograph Wine Bottles (on a White Background)","og_description":"Struggling to photograph wine bottles? This tutorial shows you exactly how to photograph red and white wine bottles on a white background.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/photographing-wine-bottles\/","og_site_name":"Master Product Photography","article_published_time":"2021-06-23T05:54:59+00:00","article_modified_time":"2021-11-02T02:56:10+00:00","og_image":[{"width":650,"height":366,"url":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Youtube-Thumbnail-How-to-Photograph-Wine-Bottles.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Adrian Harrison","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Adrian Harrison","Est. reading time":"13 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/photographing-wine-bottles\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/photographing-wine-bottles\/"},"author":{"name":"Adrian Harrison","@id":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/#\/schema\/person\/99a1cba1c281260ff470f2751914e12c"},"headline":"How to Photograph Wine Bottles (on a White Background)","datePublished":"2021-06-23T05:54:59+00:00","dateModified":"2021-11-02T02:56:10+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/photographing-wine-bottles\/"},"wordCount":2332,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/#organization"},"articleSection":["Tutorials"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/photographing-wine-bottles\/","url":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/photographing-wine-bottles\/","name":"How to Photograph Wine Bottles (on a White Background)","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/#website"},"datePublished":"2021-06-23T05:54:59+00:00","dateModified":"2021-11-02T02:56:10+00:00","description":"Struggling to photograph wine bottles? This tutorial shows you exactly how to photograph red and white wine bottles on a white background.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/photographing-wine-bottles\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/photographing-wine-bottles\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/photographing-wine-bottles\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How to Photograph Wine Bottles (on a White Background)"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/","name":"Master Product Photography","description":"Learn how to take your own amazing product photography.","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/#organization","name":"Master Product Photography","url":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Master-Product-Photography-Logo.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Master-Product-Photography-Logo.png","width":350,"height":70,"caption":"Master Product Photography"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/#\/schema\/person\/99a1cba1c281260ff470f2751914e12c","name":"Adrian Harrison","url":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/author\/adrian\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1957"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1957"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1957\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1966"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1957"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1957"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.masterproductphotography.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1957"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}