Miami Nights & Studio Lights: Defining My New Cocktail Aesthetic
- Monica Martini
- Feb 19
- 2 min read
So, I actually followed through.
In my last post (which feels like ages ago, I know), I mentioned that I wanted to create a new style that represents me for potential clients, specifically in the drinks photography space. I questioned whether I'd abandon this blog after one post, but here we are.
I'm back in the studio, and I'm finally sharing the details on that cocktail series I promised to discuss. If you know me, you know I can get lost in the details. But this latest shoot? It felt different. It wasn't just about "taking a picture of a drink."
It was about capturing a very specific feeling.
The Vibe: Miami Penthouse, 1980s
I included the latest shot from the series below. When I was setting this up, I kept repeating this specific description in my head to keep the aesthetic on track:
"POV: you're in your Miami penthouse in the 80s enjoying a sunset drink"
It's amusing how much work goes into making something look "effortlessly retro." To get this look, I had to step away from the clean, minimalist style that dominates so much of commercial photography right now. I wanted chaos, but curated chaos. I wanted that specific, electric energy you get from neon lights and sequins.
Why I'm Obsessed with Creative Drinks Photography
I've been scribbling ideas for this series for weeks. There is something about the textures in high-end luxury drinks. The condensation on the glass, the way light hits the liquid, the distortion through the crystal. It feels therapeutic to capture.
For this shot, I swapped my usual daylight setup for something moodier. I used gels to mimic a sunset that probably only exists in a synth-wave music video. It's a bit of a departure for me, but that's the point. I want to rank as a luxury cocktail photographer not by playing it safe, but by showing that I can build a world around a product.
The Technical "Stuff" (For the SEO Gods)
I know I said in my last post that using AI to generate content defeats the purpose of personal expression. And I stand by that. But I also understand that if I want this work to be seen by the right Art Directors in London and beyond, I have to be smart about how I share it.
So, for those interested in the technical side (and for the search engines):
Lighting: Hard light with color gels (think "sunset orange" vs. "nightclub blue").
Styling: Vintage props (yes, that phone is real) mixed with modern creative drinks styling.
Goal: To create editorial content that stops the scroll.
What's Next?
I am still tweaking my website, trying to find the perfect home for these new images. It's a process. But putting this work out there, instead of just letting it sit on my hard drive, feels like the right move for 2026.
Will I keep up the blogging momentum? I'm trying. But for now, I'm just happy to be shooting things that excite me.
Let me know what you think of the Miami vibes.
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