Chasing Hard Shadows in 103-Degree Heat: Shooting Woodchuck Cider at High Noon

Why I picked the harshest light of the day 

Most of my work lives in soft shadow. Moody, dark, a little brooding, that’s my jam. That’s my vibe. But I’m never one to limit myself with rules. I like to experiment and try new things. This shoot was exactly that. An experiment. 

Lately, I’ve been OB-SESSED, I mean OBSESSSSSED with midday sun. I’ve also been obsessed with using my tiny Godox strobe in said midday sun. I’ve got to say the hard light, hard shadows look soooo cool. It’s hard to describe, but it feels striking, and unlike anything I’ve seen. And texture loves it. I got so much of that in this shoot: the weave in the wicker basket, the nap of the blanket, a slight glare kicking off the can that no softbox would ever give me.

Why Woodchuck fit that experiment 

I’ve photographed just about every spirit there is. Vodka, tequila, whiskey, mezcal, you name it, I’ve shot a fair number of wine brands too. But cider? Never touched it. Cider in a can, specifically? Also never touched it. New territory, and I love new territory. 

I picked Woodchuck’s because I am obsessed with their colors. That deep warm red that looks exactly like a gala apple. Ahaaa, I see what you did there Woodchuck folks! I also picked it because I bought this picnic basket for a shoot years ago and I hardly ever get opportunities to photograph it. I thought this gorgeous can would look stunning in the wicker basket, plus the green napkins in the back.

I will say, this shoot was oh-so-fun, but lawd almighty, it was hot. 103 degrees. I was sweating within three minutes of stepping outside, and by the time I wrapped, I looked like someone had dumped a bucket of water directly on my head. 

Like Rihanna sings, “Shine bright like a diamond.” That was me. 

If your shoot needs real sun, let’s talk 

If you’ve got a project that actually lives in midday light instead of a controlled studio, let’s connect.