The most common beverage consumed in the entire world is tea. Geographer David Grigg’s research shows that “three cups are consumed for each cup of coffee” in the world.
While coffee is popular throughout the west, including the US, it has a very diverse cultural background. It’s also common in Asia and the former Soviet Union as well as many countries in the British Commonwealth. Tea’s diversity makes it a great subject for photography, since you can capture not just the tea, but the culture that surrounds the beverage.
We published an inspiring post about coffee a few months back, but tea has become more popular so it was only fair that we also publish one celebrating tea.
You can use many of the same techniques to photograph both tea and coffee, as they both have a cozy, homey atmosphere, and both are served in cups. Tea has a very different look and culture than coffee. This allows for many different possibilities. Consider these great tips when you photograph your next cup.
Inspirational Tea Photo Ideas
The following images were chosen from the amazing photographers who sent their photos either via Flickr or email. Our newsletter announced a Photography Challenge, asking for tea-related photos. We received a lot of responses! Photographs from professionals and amateurs were selected to demonstrate how these ideas can be used regardless of the gear you use or your level of expertise.
Try bokeh.
Bokeh’s softness matches that of a cup of tea and gives your photo a cohesive look. In addition to this, you can use bokeh as a solution if your background is busy and distracting. This problem often occurs when taking spontaneous shots. Bokeh helps to minimize the distraction and make your background look more serene.
Check out 40 stunning examples of beautiful bokeh photographs for more inspiration.
White is the best background.
It’s not bright enough to compete against other colors. However, many teas do have an orange-red color. This color looks best when placed against a background of white. The strategy works well with elegant teacups, dry loose-leaf, and the beverage. This method works well as long as you have bright, even lighting.
Gregory Pruden
Shooting from Above
The birds-eye view is an excellent composition when taking photos of beverages. If you shoot from the side the cup will cover the drink. When you are shooting multiple subjects, such as a tea cup and a book, it is easier to compose the picture when shooting above. You can place everything in the picture so that it looks even and balanced.
Karen White – elevenses
People are the focus.
Tea is popular in many cultures and countries, as mentioned in the intro. The cultural diversity of tea is not always apparent in still-life photos. When you photograph people enjoying tea, it’s easier to see the cultural diversity. The photos that show people drinking tea provide a more detailed cultural background and tell the full story of what the tea is all about.
Manish (Valmie) Joshi
Select a lovely teapot or set.
Tea is a common drink for all social classes, but it has an upscale reputation in Western countries, possibly because tea was once a luxurious product in Europe. Tea was only popular among upper class Europeans in the 17th Century, when it was introduced. They believed that it provided many health benefits.
After a few centuries, the cost of tea fell and it became a drink that was enjoyed by all classes of society. Tea has maintained its reputation as a refined drink and it is often served with classy teapots or teacups. A unique tea set is beautiful enough for you to take pictures of even if it’s not your cup of tea.
Linus Warn Tea for Two
Create symmetry.
The tea sets make for beautiful photos. Composing your photo with symmetry will make it look more attractive and peaceful. This is because symmetry creates harmony and balance in photos. It doesn’t need to be an exact mirror image. You can do it by placing two cups side-by-side instead of one.
Merijn Supply
Close-up photos are great.
Close-up or macro shots bring out small details you might otherwise miss. Even in the simplest cup of tea, you can find these beautiful details. You can find at least one interesting detail in the tea that you are photographing if you look closely.
Jeff Montgomery
Consider trying something different.
Tea is a great subject for experiments. It’s not necessary to wait or travel to exotic places to take unique pictures of tea. They can be used to experiment with new ideas wherever and whenever you want. A cup of tea is a great way to learn and practice all types of photography techniques.
Amber Serenity by Joanna Kovalcsik