Holiday Cocktail and Drink Photography at Pillar Rooftop Bar in Asheville

A smoked whiskey cocktail photo at Pillar Bar, a rooftop bar in Asheville, NC
A close up photo of a holiday cocktail at Pillar Bar, a rooftop spot in Asheville, NC
A holiday cocktail photography shoot at Pillar Bar, a rooftop spot in Asheville, NC
A winter cocktail at Pillar Bar, a rooftop bar in Asheville, NC
Holiday cocktail at Pillar Bar in Asheville, NC
Holiday cocktail at Pillar Bar in Asheville, NC
A festive holiday cocktail in front of a Christmas tree at Pillar Bar, a rooftop bar in Asheville, NC
Butter beer cocktail at Pillar Bar in Asheville, NC
A festive winter drink at Pillar Bar, a rooftop spot in Asheville, NC
A festive winter drink at Pillar Bar, a rooftop spot in Asheville, NC as part of a food photography shoot
A festive winter shot at Pillar Bar, a rooftop spot in Asheville, NC
A close up of a holiday cocktail at Pillar Bar, a rooftop spot in Asheville, NC
A smoked whiskey cocktail photo at Pillar Bar, a rooftop bar in Asheville, NC
A smoked whiskey cocktail photo at Pillar Bar, a rooftop bar in Asheville, NC
A close up photo of a butter beer at Asheville's Pillar Rooftop Bar

The holidays are a magical time, and what better way to celebrate than with a festive cocktail to cheers in the season? As a professional food photographer based in Asheville, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Pillar Rooftop Bar to capture their stunning holiday cocktail menu. From glittering garnishes to seasonal lighting to decorations galore, this shoot was a joy to participate in.  

Perched atop the Hilton Garden Inn, Pillar Rooftop Bar offers cityscape views of downtown Asheville and a spacious setting for group gatherings. For this year’s holiday season, the bar went all out, decking its interior from floor to ceiling with spirited decorations. There was a Christmas tree filled with ornaments, colorfully wrapped presents scattered across the floor, tinseled trinkets on every countertop, and sparkling lights strung throughout the space.

Known for their creative mixology, Pillar’s winter cocktail menu matched the vibe, blending classic flavors with fun, festive flair. These were drinks designed to go beyond just flavor, offering a sensory experience that screamed “holidays”.

The Art of Cocktail Photography

To fully capture the menu’s spirit, here are a few key elements I focused on during the shoot:

  • Pulling in the Seasonal Atmosphere: I captured some of the existing ambient lighting while using flash photography to pull out the pops of colors in props like gold tinsel Christmas trees, red-and-green wrapped presents, and life-sized “ornament” pillows.
  • Vibrant Garnishes: I employed strategic lighting techniques to create a striking contrast between the dark background and the vibrant tones of garnishes, such as fresh cranberries, winter herbs, and whipped cream. Additionally, I used backlighting to highlight the warm, golden hues of spirits like spiced rum, adding radiant pops of gold to make the drinks shine.
  • Textures and Details: Close-up shots highlighted intricate details like sugared rims, frothy layers, and the glint of glassware in the light.
  • Styling: Each shot was carefully styled to make the cocktails look as delicious as they tasted and highlight their unique features. This involved tasks like wiping down fogged glasses, carefully arranging garnishes, and working quickly to capture frothy elements before they deflated.

    • Why Hire a Professional Photographer to Capture Your Food and Drink Menu?

    In a city like Asheville, where food and drink culture is vibrant and competitive, standing out is key. High-quality photography not only showcases the craftsmanship behind a cocktail but also helps venues like Pillar Rooftop Bar connect with target audiences on social media and beyond. Whether it’s catching the glimmer of a sugared rim or showcasing the golden hues of a whiskey barrel-aged spirit, professional images help tell a story and tempt the taste buds in a way that words alone simply cannot.

    Let’s Work Together 

    Are you a chef, mixologist, or restaurant owner in Asheville whipping up creative menus of your own? I’d love to collaborate to bring your talents and creations to life. My skill is combining food styling and lighting techniques to showcase the vibrant colors, intricate textures, and undeniable beauty of one of life’s greatest pleasures—food and drink—all while bringing your unique story to life.

    If you’re ready to elevate your drink and food photography, get in touch. I’d love to hear your vision!

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