Why Document Your Festival Experience?
Beer festivals are visual feasts – colorful beers, beautiful glassware, happy crowds, and unique atmospheres. Great photos help you remember the experience, share it with friends, and even remember which beers you loved. Here's how to capture it all.
Essential Gear
Your Phone is Enough
Modern smartphones take excellent photos. You don't need a DSLR to get great shots. Benefits of phone photography:
- Always with you
- Quick to use
- Easy to share immediately
- Decent in various lighting conditions
Optional Extras
- Portable battery pack – Photography drains batteries fast
- Lens attachment – Wide-angle or macro for variety
- Small tripod/grip – Steadier shots in low light
- Microfiber cloth – Clean your lens (beer splashes happen)
Beer Photography Basics
Find Good Light
Light makes or breaks beer photos:
- Natural light is best – Position near windows or outside
- Backlight for glow – Light behind the beer makes it glow beautifully
- Avoid direct flash – It creates harsh reflections
- Use tent lighting creatively – Festival tents often have interesting light
The Classic Pour Shot
- Hold your glass at chest height
- Find a clean background (or interesting festival backdrop)
- Tilt glass slightly toward camera
- Focus on the beer, not the background
- Capture the foam head before it fades
Show the Color
Beer color is beautiful – show it off:
- Hold glass up to light source
- Dark beers look great against bright backgrounds
- Hazy beers photograph well with side lighting
- Clear beers need backlight to show their clarity
Get Close for Details
Don't be afraid to get close:
- Capture foam texture and bubble patterns
- Show condensation on the glass
- Focus on tap handles or bottle labels
- Document unique glassware
Beyond the Beer
Capture the Atmosphere
- Wide shots of the festival layout
- Crowd scenes showing the energy
- Vendor booths and decorations
- Food pairings and plates
- Live music or entertainment
People Shots
- Candid moments with friends
- Brewers pouring and explaining their beer
- Festival volunteers and staff
- Other attendees having fun (with permission)
Tell a Story
The best festival documentation tells a story. Capture:
- Your arrival and check-in
- First pour of the day
- Favorite beers throughout
- Food breaks and pairings
- Friends and new acquaintances
- The venue and surroundings
Practical Tips
Keep Your Phone Safe
- Use a wrist strap or secure pocket
- Don't set it down on crowded tables
- Be aware of your surroundings when shooting
- Consider a waterproof case for spill protection
Don't Let Photography Ruin the Experience
- Take quick shots, then enjoy the moment
- Don't obsess over getting the perfect photo
- Put the phone away during conversations
- Experience first, document second
Organize Your Photos
- Create a festival album immediately
- Add brief notes about beers while you remember
- Untappd lets you add photos to check-ins
- Share favorites to social media before you forget
Quick Reference: Shot List
Try to capture:
- ☐ Festival entrance/sign
- ☐ Your tasting glass
- ☐ Venue overview
- ☐ 3-5 best beer pours
- ☐ Interesting tap handles or labels
- ☐ Food you enjoyed
- ☐ Friends or fellow attendees
- ☐ Unique festival moments
- ☐ Your favorite brewery booth
- ☐ End-of-day sunset or atmosphere
Sharing Your Photos
- Instagram – Great for curated festival highlights
- Untappd – Attach to your check-ins for future reference
- Facebook – Full albums for friends and family
- Tag the festival and breweries – They often reshare great photos
The goal is to enhance your memories without sacrificing the experience. A handful of great photos beats a hundred mediocre ones. Now get out there and capture some beautiful beer! 📸🍺