Lessons from a Smoothie Photo Shoot in the Snow
Participating in the weekly 52Frames photography challenge has become a creative outlet that pushes me to try new things and, more importantly, to pick up my camera regularly. This week’s theme, "What I Eat," inspired a fun and spontaneous project with my two boys that taught me a couple of valuable lessons along the way.
The Setup
Early that morning, my sons were eager to try out the new blender we got for Christmas and asked if we could make smoothies. I thought it was the perfect opportunity to create a fun shoot for the challenge. After a quick trip to the grocery store for fresh fruit, we spent the afternoon experimenting with different smoothie recipes. It was chaotic but enjoyable—the boys took turns blending, tasting, and coming up with their own creations. I’m glad I took the time to involve them because it turned out to be a special memory.
For the photo, I decided to take one of our smoothies outside to photograph it in the freshly fallen snow. The glass cup, nestled into the snow on the bar of our deck, looked picturesque surrounded by cut fruit slices. At first glance, it seemed like a simple setup—but this shoot quickly turned into a great learning experience.
Lessons Learned
Even though the shoot was a small project, it highlighted two key areas where I can improve:
Think Through Camera Settings Before Starting
I initially took a few test shots indoors, but when I moved outside, I didn’t adjust my settings for the brighter conditions. The first half-dozen shots were completely overexposed and unusable, costing me precious time in the freezing cold. Adjusting my settings mid-shoot while battling frosty fingers was not ideal. Next time, I’ll pause and evaluate the lighting conditions before diving in.
Plan the Details Ahead of Time
I was excited to include whipped cream as the finishing touch on the smoothie. However, in the chaos of making smoothies with the boys, I forgot to add it before my initial outdoor shots. After reviewing the photos, I realized the whipped cream was missing, so I had to redo the setup and head back outside. This served as a reminder that even for casual, creative projects, taking a moment to plan can save time and effort—especially in situations where you only have a short window to get the shot right.
The Final Photo
Despite the hiccups, the shoot was a success. I combined two of my favorite shots in Photoshop—one where the smoothie was topped with whipped cream and another where the fruit was arranged just right. A few adjustments later, I had an image I was proud to upload to the 52Frames challenge.
I also captured a candid photo of one of my sons enjoying his smoothie in a little orange cup by the window. That image wasn’t part of the challenge, but it’s one I’ll cherish because it perfectly captures the joy of that day.
Reflections
This shoot reinforced the importance of staying creative and continuing to learn. I’m reminded how much I enjoy including my kids in the process—their excitement and curiosity add a layer of fun to any project. It also underscored the value of picking up my camera often, even for small, impromptu shoots like this one. Each time I shoot, I learn something new, and that’s how growth happens.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s a big project or a simple photo of a smoothie in the snow, photography always has lessons to teach. This week, those lessons were about preparation and attention to detail, but they also came with the reminder to enjoy the process—especially when it involves the people who matter most.
I’ll be looking forward to next week’s 52Frames challenge, ready to learn and create again. Until then, I’m going to savor the memory of making smoothies with my boys and the satisfaction of turning a chaotic kitchen moment into a piece of art.
