Behind the Shoot: Crafting the Perfect Mocktail Kit Product Photos in Philadelphia

There’s something especially satisfying about photographing products that people actually want to reach out and grab. That was exactly the case on a recent shoot I did for a local mocktail and cocktail kit brand here in the Philadelphia area.

This project was a great reminder of why I love Philadelphia product photography — the chance to blend creativity, storytelling, and local craftsmanship into a single frame. This particular session was all about capturing what makes their kits so unique — fresh, all-natural ingredients grown locally, and the kind of handcrafted feel that immediately says “made with care.”

Setting up the scene was half the fun. I spent a good amount of time arranging the kit components — bottles, herbs, and garnish — into a layout that felt balanced but still natural. It’s a delicate dance between structure and spontaneity: you want everything to look intentional without looking staged.

Then came the colors. I played around with several backdrop combinations to get the tones just right. The goal was to highlight the vibrancy of the ingredients without overpowering the product itself. A few test shots later (okay, maybe more than a few), the lighting, color balance, and composition finally clicked — and that’s when the magic happened.

The end result? A series of crisp, lively images that captured not just the look of the kit, but the feeling of enjoying one — that cozy, social, early-evening energy that makes a drink (mocktail or cocktail) more than just a beverage.

If there’s one thing I took away from this shoot, it’s that product photography isn’t just about showing what something looks like — it’s about translating the experience it offers. Whether it’s the fizz of a mule or the pop of fresh herbs, those little sensory cues make all the difference.

I’m proud of how this one came together — and even prouder that it highlights a local Philly brand doing things the right way. Shoots like this remind me why being a Philly commercial photographer never gets old.

Looking to book your own product photography session in Philadelphia? Whether you’re a local maker, small business, or established brand, I’d love to help you create visuals that bring your products to life. Just go to my contact page!