Behind the Lens: Madre Mezcal

A Smoky, Earthy, and Totally Authentic Photoshoot

Ever had one of those moments where something just clicks? Like, really clicks? That’s how I felt the first time I tasted mezcal. It was about five years ago, and my husband’s coworker brought us a special bottle of Madre Mezcal from his hometown in Guadalajara, Mexico. One sip, and I was hooked!

Fast forward to today, and I’m obsessed with photographing mezcal and tequila brands. Maybe it’s my Mexican roots, but something about those bottles just screams classy, rustic, and oh-so-smooth.

So, I decided to do a fun little test shoot with Madre Mezcal. It was the perfect chance to play with textures, warm tones, and that smoky, earthy vibe that I just adore.

Falling in Love with Madre’s Story

Before we dive into the photoshoot, let’s talk about Madre. These guys are the real deal – artisanal agave spirits handcrafted by five families in the hills of Oaxaca and Jalisco, Mexico. They’ve been doing this for centuries, using traditional methods passed down through generations. Talk about authentic!

Madre started with a simple idea: share the spirit of mezcal with the world. And they did it in the coolest way possible – by literally bringing plastic bottles filled with their smooth and complex mezcal across the border! Bartenders in Brooklyn fell in love, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Today, Madre is all about premium quality and honoring their heritage. They work closely with those five families, making sure they produce only what they’re comfortable with. It’s a beautiful thing to see!

Finding the Perfect Props

Since mezcal is traditionally enjoyed neat, I wanted to keep the props to a minimum and let the beauty of the Madre Mezcal bottle shine through. But I also wanted to subtly hint at the flavor profile of the mezcal itself. Madre’s mezcal is known for its complex flavor that balances smoky and earthy notes with hints of citrus and herbal tones.

To reflect this, I used a variety of textures and colors in my props. The rustic fabric table provided a warm base, while the wooden chopping board added a touch of earthy authenticity. I also incorporated a green plant in the background, a nod to the agave plant that is the source of all mezcal. Finally, I sliced a lime and placed a few wedges around the shot glasses. The vibrant green color not only added a pop of color but also subtly hinted at the citrusy notes present in Madre’s mezcal.

Playing with Light and Shadow

Madre Mezcal has this rich, deep, and spicy flavor, and I wanted to capture that in my lighting. To achieve this, I played around with dramatic shadows and stark contrasts between light and dark. Imagine a scene straight out of a film noir – moody and mysterious, with the bottle as the only source of light. I also used a technique called side lighting, which bathes one side of the object in light while leaving the other side in shadow. This creates a sense of dimension and texture, highlighting the intricate details of the bottle and the agave leaves. By using light and shadow in this way, I was able to create a visually interesting image that also hinted at the complex flavor profile of Madre’s mezcal.

The Grand Reveal!

This shoot was pure joy. I loved finding ways to showcase Madre’s elegant mezcal in a modern way while still staying true to its roots.

When I work with brands like Madre, I always ask myself: “How can I transport the viewer into this world?” I think I nailed it with this shoot. The warm tones, the moody lighting, the handcrafted feel – it all comes together to tell a story.

Ready to Create Magic Together?

If you’re looking for a photographer who can capture the essence of your brand with passion and creativity, I’m your girl! Let’s chat about your next project. You can reach me at mica@micamccook.com.

Can’t wait to hear from you!