Behind Mate Libre’s Visual Story

•3 min•

Version en français, ci-dessous

Recently, I embarked on a personal photo session capturing the essence of Mate Libre photography, a delightful discovery made at the “Expo Manger Santé et Vivre Vert” Intrigued by its taste and values, I immersed myself in learning more about this unique company. While browsing their Instagram, I noticed something that caught my attention, something I’ve also observed in other local brands: the frequent presence of images that don’t seem to have a professional approach. It’s as if they avoid studio sessions.

In the case of Mate Libre, they opted to combine some studio images with outdoor shots. In this case, I found it quite fitting because what they’re truly selling isn’t just a beverage. They’re selling energy, positive vibes, healthy attitudes, and consumption. All those things that engulf you when you’re also in touch with nature and among friends.

Mate Libre has a clear understanding of who their target audience is, and it turns out I’m part of that group. I’ve been drawn to that adventurous and sporty side of life, which has given me many great experiences. But let’s not dwell on me for now.

After all that reflection, I decided that Mate Libre definitely needed to be part of my portfolio. I chose some flavors and began my creative process. Yes, I had to think about what kind of images I wanted to create, and they needed to be different from what I saw on their social media. Contrary to popular belief, food and product photography goes beyond just pointing and shooting. It’s a delicate dance between creativity, technical skills, and meticulous planning.

Mate Passion

Through lighting, composition, and visual storytelling, I tried to make each photo tell its own story. To begin with, I couldn’t think of beverages without imagining a delicious splash. So, I opted for a very dynamic image with powerful liquid shots to convey the energy of Mate Libre Passion’s flavor. I went for a diagonal bicolor yellow and white background to add an even more dynamic visual dimension.

Mate Ginger Zero

Mate Ginger Zero has a beautiful golden sand color, so I decided to take a risk with a less conventional setting. I created a white and geometric space similar to a white cube. The tilt of the can on one of the cube walls creates a shadow that adds even more geometry and depth to the image, but all these lines are balanced with the shadows of the mate plant leaves, adding an organic touch.

Mate Rose & Hibiscus

Mate Rose & Hibiscus stands out with sinuous curves on each side, creating a mysterious and exotic scene where the beautiful color of the container is revealed with lateral lighting, worthy of the delicious flavor experienced with this version of mate.

When I start a photo session, no matter how much I plan it, I always find it hard to stop creating. That’s why there’s a second image of Mate Passion, highlighting the angle of the shot and the protagonist’s lighting (wich is the first image). This is how I carried out this personal project and how Mate Libre ended up being part of my portfolio.

L’histoire visuelle de Mate Libre

Récemment, je me suis lancée dans une séance photo personnelle avec Mate Libre, une boisson que j’ai découverte lors de “l’Expo Manger Santé et Vivre Vert“. Je l’ai essayée, adorée, et j’ai cherché plus d’informations pour en apprendre davantage sur cette entreprise. En parcourant leur compte Instagram, j’ai remarqué quelque chose qui a attiré mon attention, quelque chose que j’ai également observé chez d’autres marques locales : la présence fréquente d’images qui ne semblent pas avoir une approche professionnelle. On dirait qu’ils évitent les séances en studio.

Dans le cas de Mate Libre, ils ont choisi de combiner certaines images en studio avec des prises de vue en extérieur. Dans ce cas, j’ai trouvé cela tout à fait approprié car ce qu’ils vendent vraiment n’est pas seulement une boisson. Ils vendent de l’énergie, des ondes positives, des attitudes saines et une consommation. Toutes ces choses qui vous enveloppent lorsque vous êtes également en contact avec la nature et entre amis.

Mate Libre a une compréhension claire de qui est son public cible, et il se trouve que j’en fais partie. J’ai été attirée par ce côté aventureux et sportif de la vie, qui m’a procuré de nombreuses expériences formidables. Mais ne parlons pas de moi pour l’instant.

Après toute cette réflexion, j’ai décidé que Mate Libre devait absolument faire partie de mon portfolio. J’ai choisi quelques saveurs et j’ai commencé mon processus créatif. Oui, j’ai dû réfléchir au type d’images que je voulais créer, et elles devaient être différentes de ce que j’ai vu sur leurs réseaux sociaux. Contrairement à ce que l’on pense, la photographie alimentaire et de produits va au-delà de simplement pointer et cliquer. C’est une danse délicate entre la créativité, les compétences techniques et une planification méticuleuse.

Mate Passion

À travers l’éclairage, la composition et la narration visuelle, j’ai essayé de faire en sorte que chaque photo raconte sa propre histoire. Pour commencer, je ne pouvais pas penser aux boissons sans imaginer une éclaboussure délicieuse. J’ai donc opté pour une image très dynamique avec de puissants jets de liquide pour transmettre l’énergie de la saveur Passion de Mate Libre. J’ai donc opté pour une image très dynamique avec de puissants jets de liquide pour transmettre l’énergie de la saveur Passion de Mate Libre. J’ai opté pour un fond bicolore jaune et blanc en diagonale pour ajouter une dimension visuelle encore plus dynamique.

Mate Ginger Zero

Mate Ginger Zero a une belle couleur sable doré, alors j’ai décidé de prendre un risque avec un décor moins conventionnel. J’ai créé un espace blanc et géométrique similaire à un cube blanc. L’inclinaison de la canette sur l’une des parois du cube crée une ombre qui ajoute encore plus de géométrie et de profondeur à l’image, mais toutes ces lignes sont équilibrées avec les ombres des feuilles de la plante de mate, ajoutant une touche organique.

Mate Rose & Hibiscus

Mate Rose & Hibiscus se distingue par des courbes sinueuses de chaque côté, créant une scène mystérieuse et exotique où la belle couleur du contenant est révélée avec un éclairage latéral, digne de la saveur délicieuse expérimentée avec cette version de mate.

Quand je commence une séance photo, peu importe combien je la planifie, j’ai toujours du mal à arrêter de créer. C’est pourquoi il y a une deuxième image de Mate Passion, mettant en valeur l’angle de la prise de vue et l’éclairage du protagoniste.

C’est ainsi que j’ai mené à bien ce projet personnel et comment Mate Libre a fini par faire partie de mon portfolio.

The magic of cropping in food photography

In the world of food photography, as you can imagine, each dish is a story, and photo cropping is a powerful tool that allows us to tell this story with precision and beauty, especially when it comes to trusting a professional photographer.

Before hiring a professional photographer, see how their work highlights the essential elements of the subject in harmony with the rest of the elements within the image. Here are some elements that can help you better understand the style of the professional you need and choose the person you want to help you bring the image of your products to life.

• When you see the image, you must feel harmony

When you examine the pictures of the professional you are considering hiring,  you should feel harmony, regardless of the style of image you are looking for. A good photographer will make you feel that all the elements fit into the image and framing or cropping is essential.

When we talk about cropping, we immerse ourselves in the dance of composition. It’s like choosing the perfect dance floor for every ingredient, every detail. There are composition rules that guide the work of any photographer, however it is a trained eye that truly elevates the choreography, ensuring a visual harmony that invites you to savor with your eyes.

• Clear path

The main dish must be THE protagonist, regardless of the other elements that the image may have. Good cropping management allows the photographer to eliminate distractions and clear the way for your eyes to take a tour of the undisputed star of the photo.

It is true that props help us convey the essence of the dish, its creator and its cultural context, but a poorly placed object and a rebellious shadow can distract your gaze and is exactly what should be avoided. A photographer’s trained eye knows exactly how to make each image come to life and tell the true story it wants to tell.

• The Magic of Proportions

Many entrepreneurs, chefs and restaurants use social networks and the web to promote their gastronomic works. The photographer must be able to adjust images so that they shine with their own light on any platform. Keep in mind that the aspect ratio and resolution become a compass to adapt each image to its best version. This is where the skill of a professional becomes evident, fine-tuning every detail to ensure that each dish has its own visual story to tell, no matter the format.

• The personal touch

Reframing is a subtle art and it is also a personal expression. When you decide to hire a photographer you will realize that the way he frames the image is his signature and also his way of interpreting and presenting each element. When the photographer experiments with different cuts it is as if he were trying new ingredients in a preparation.

It is the way in which you discover the perfect combination between all the elements of the image in a unique and authentic way. That is why it is important that you feel identified with that touch. It is what will ultimately allow you to choose who you want to work with.

So, dear foodies, remember that cropping goes beyond adjusting edges. It is a tool that allows to tell vibrant stories, showcase the freshness of ingredients and highlight the passion behind each culinary creation, and when in the hands of a professional photographer, each cut becomes a masterpiece that whets the appetite and celebrates. the beauty of gastronomy at its finest.

Working with tiny items in food phohography

Working with tiny items in food photography can be a challenging but rewarding task. These small elements can add an extra layer of detail and appeal to your food compositions. Here are some tips to help you effectively capture tiny items in your food photography:

1. Use Macro Lens: Invest in a good quality macro lens for your camera. Macro lenses are specifically designed for close-up photography and will allow you to capture intricate details of small items, such as seeds, herbs, or garnishes.
2. Stabilization: Working with tiny items requires precision and stability. Use a tripod or any stabilizing equipment to avoid camera shake and ensure sharp focus in your images.
3. Proper Lighting: Pay careful attention to lighting as it’s crucial in food photography. Use diffused and soft lighting to minimize harsh shadows. You can use diffusers and reflectors to control and shape the light as needed.
4. Compose Thoughtfully: Plan your composition in advance, considering the placement of tiny items within the frame. Think about how they interact with the main dish and add to the overall story you want to convey through the photograph.
5. Selective Focus: Use a shallow depth of field to create a blurred background, which will draw attention to the tiny item in focus. This technique can make the small elements stand out and look more appealing.
6. Tweezers and Props: Handling tiny items can be tricky. Use tweezers or other small tools to position the items precisely. Additionally, use props like toothpicks, small dishes, or tiny bowls to hold and arrange the items creatively.
7. Natural Look: Keep the tiny elements as natural-looking as possible. Avoid excessive editing or retouching that might make them appear unrealistic or over-enhanced.
8. Color and Texture: Pay attention to the color and texture of the tiny items. They should complement the overall dish and enhance its visual appeal.
9. Tell a Story: Think about the story you want to tell through your food photography. The tiny items should contribute to the narrative and not distract from the main subject.
10. Practice Patience: Working with tiny items may require multiple attempts to get the perfect shot. Be patient and experiment with different angles and setups until you achieve the desired result.
11. Post-Processing: Use post-processing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to fine-tune your images. Adjust brightness, contrast, and sharpness to enhance the details of the tiny items.

Remember that food photography is a creative process, and there are no strict rules. Feel free to experiment and find your own unique style while working with tiny elements in your compositions

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