My final idea for my advert was to photograph a high-end vodka bottle and a martini cocktail glass. Originally I had planned to use Absolut vodka as my product to advertise but after researching other vodkas and refining my ideas I decided I wanted something more sophisticated and contemporary.
My final image helps to showcase the existing vodka brand and also helps to re market it as an elegant cocktail party drink. The physical appearance of my advert is simple but modern. I have used a tri colour scheme of black, white and red to imitate the existing branding and give the image a classic look.
I had planned on including a cocktail shaker in my advert however, after experimenting with compositions both in the studio and in Photoshop I decided it looked cluttered and chose not to use it in my final image.
The composition of my advert is very similar to Reyka’s original adverts. The main focal point of the image is in the center of the frame, this helps attract the viewers attention. I have placed a small amount of text directly above the martini glass to also replicate the layout of current adverts.
The bottle is on the right side of the advert at the very bottom, this means if the advert were published in a magazine the viewer would see it for the maximum time possible when turning the page. I also cropped the lower part of the bottle off as this is what the brand currently does in their advertising campaigns. This may be to help direct all attention to the labeling of the bottle or because the base of the bottle is dark and can be difficult to light. A small disclaimer is at the very bottom edge of the image to replicate existing adverts.
There were some reflections in both the glass and the cocktail shaker that were unplanned. During the final shoot I tried photographing the glass without a light underneath. This didn’t work as the bottle has a slight green tint to it meaning without the extra light underneath the bottle was too dark.
Due to the extensive studio workshops I took part in before I started this project I didn’t have many technical difficulties. In the studio I had trouble setting up the skyport as I had only used one once before. However, after reading back through my notes I quickly found a solution. The other main issue I had was with Photoshop, I had to learn how to use tools such as the patch tool and the clone tool. I had some tiny red and green dots behind the glass that I used a combination of these tools to erase.
Overall I am very happy with the final advert I have produced, I have learnt how to setup and use studio flash lighting, control reflections using reflectors and expanded my Photoshop skills and knowledge. If my advert were ever to be published I would expect to see it in luxury food magazines and shops such as Marks & Spencer and Waitrose.