You know what my problem is? I make absolutely no sense sometimes. Seriously, it’s becoming problematic—or maybe it has been and I’ve been unaware. Just what am I talking about?
Take a look at the pictures. I finally start to become proficient with shooting food and I decide to throw body parts in the mix. Incorporating people into shots isn’t as easy as it seems. Well at least not for me, there are so many things to wrestle with outside of the usual factors like: keeping food the focus, keeping people from looking too posed and/or paused. Then there’s editing—maybe it’s my crappy skills, but getting skin tone right isn’t as easy as it seems.
But everyone has to start somewhere. Lucky for me, Matt was patient enough to sit for this set. Let’s just ignore that I juiced him with a few of the featured drinks, so he really had no choice but to stay seated for a while. (Note to reader: these can be deceptively stronger than they taste. On that note, don’t skip the grilling the jalapeño–it makes the drinks.)
Before we part for the day, and since you aren’t asking (because that’s how I roll), I’ll tell you what I don’t like about the photos with the body parts: they are a little underexposed and the glass is too small for his hands, his skin tone is a bit red. What I do like: the challenge of shooting with people—even it takes me twice as long to shoot and edit. Guess what that means? More practice (heads up, Babe).
Spicy Margarita with Grilled Jalapeños
Ingredients
Grapefruit and Strawberry Margarita
- 4 oz. limeade
- 10 oz. grapefruit, juiced
- 5 oz. strawberries, pureed
- 4 oz. silver tequila
- 2 oz. triple sec
- 2 oz. simple syrup
- juice of 1/2 a lime
- 4 jalapeño slices, (whole jalapeño grilled first)
Grapefruit and Cantaloupe Margarita
- 4 oz. limeade
- 10 oz. grapefruit, juiced
- 5 oz. cantaloupe, pureed
- 4 oz. silver tequila
- 2 oz. Cointreau
- 2 oz. simple syrup
- juice of 1/2 a lime
- 4 jalapeño slices, (whole jalapeño grilled first)
- *Optional: Chile powder and salt rimming
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon of coarse salt
- juice of 1/2 a lime
Instructions
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Mix chili powder and coarse salt in a small bowl. Transfer mixture to a small plate. Dip rim of glass in lime juice. Fill glass with ice. Set aside.
- Place limeade, grapefruit, strawberries (or cantaloupe) in a cocktail shaker and stir to combine. Mix in tequila, triple sec, lime juice and stir to combine. Add sliced jalapeños and place cocktail shaker lid on top and vigorously shake. Pour over ice and serve.
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Now that’s a margarita I want to try! Love the grilled jalapenos and your chili-salt rim.
Jultchik says
it looks great! Great idea with grilled jalapenos!
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
I remember seeing that pic on your Instagram feed. So happy you went with it – I love it! Gorgeous shot and gorgeous drink!
Sam says
I think you are being too hard on yourself, and I don’t think they are underexposed. Shooting red and tomatoes is always tricky, then throw skin colour in. I think you did a great job and they make for a new approach in food styling.
Sam
Tahnycooks says
me oh my….this is a must try!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
I like the pictures! And these margs. My, oh my, they look fab!
Belinda @themoonblushbaker says
Oh the new styling is fantastic! I can not wait for your new work
Tieghan says
Such a pretty drink and I LOVE the grilled jalopenos!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
As if a margarita wasn’t tempting enough by itself, seeing it held by a guy with the sexy arm vein thing going on puts it over the edge 😉 (I swear I’m not hitting on your husband in this comment, just sayin’)
Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch says
Pretty drink and your pictures are great!!! Bet those grilled jalapenos are amazing!!!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
I love love love your shots with Matt. So much more emotion. Just gorgeous!
Sommer @ ASpicyPerspective says
Gorgeous drink!
Ash- foodfashionparty says
Such a patient model with this fun drink. I cannot agree more on taking hand pics, just tried with my boy and he shook so much, I gave up.
Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen says
Gorgeous lead photo, Naomi! Love my Margaritas nearly every way…but, especially with some kick! Thanks for sharing!
Helene D'souza says
Very inspiring picture and your margarita sounds like the perfect beach drink for goa 2013 =)
Mr. & Mrs. P says
Seriously you have the best photos out there!! We look up to you!! =) They are better than magazine photos!!!
Love the deep red color of this drink and how cute is that red rim!! Great post!! Looks forward to your next one!
Julie @ Table for Two says
perfect drink!! i love the spicy kick in it!!
Jenny Flake says
Looks amazing Naomi! Great pics 🙂 xoxo
Maria says
Love these photos!
Aimee @ Simple Bites says
Look like you nailed these. =) Cheers!
Eileen says
Spicy margaritas sound like the best possible plan for the next hot weekend! These look so great. 🙂
jamie @lifelovelemons says
nothing beats a spicy marg!
Gaby says
Girl – lets make these together soon!
Nessa says
Amazing pictures!
Heather Christo says
these pictures are so cool Naomi and the drink looks great!
David says
Spicy Margaritas are the perfect compliment to a warm summer day. I’m going to whip some up and enjoy them right now
Brandon @ Kitchen Konfidence says
Spicy margaritas are one of my favs! I love to infuse the tequila with roasted jalapeño 🙂
Melina (sugary & buttery) says
you did great with the pictures, I love them!
Andrea says
LOVE this! And those photos are great, seriously. Question: is that 10 oz of grapefruit juice, or a 10 oz grapefruit juiced (which would make less than 10 oz of juice, right?)?
Naomi Robinson says
Andrea- Thank you! To answer your question, that’s a 10oz grapefruit, juiced not 10oz. of grapefruit juice
Maria@pinkpatisserie says
Gorgeous recipe and even more gorgeous photos. Never had a spicy marg but will now!
Denise says
Love these flavor combinations; but, have not thought about adding jalapenos. Must give it a whirl.
Marian (Sweetopia) says
Sounds so good!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
Grilled jalapenos in a spicy margarita? Holy yum!!
Heidi @foodiecrush says
Skin tones are the death of me. But look at those arms. I’m all about the male hand model 🙂 gorgeous pics every which way and I will def remember to grill the jalapeno. yum & pinned.
marla says
A fun photo shift…love the colors, light and personality! Lovely cocktails as well 🙂
TidyMom says
oh I LOVE these Naomi!! – the photos and the drink!
Kristen says
I think these are perfection – love the drink too!
Shaina says
Isn’t it possible the underlying tone of Matt’s skin is red, which is why you see that in the photo? Mine is green. Ole’s is red. Just a thought.
Regardless, I want a spicy margarita.
Becky says
Nice to find your blog! Found you from the google plus hangout. Thanks for all of the great photography tips! Especially liked that you said to look at different types of photography.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I loved your comments on G+ today about shooting photos that you like and doing it in .jpg if you’re busy. You shoot real food that real people eat.
I love these photos and I can’t wait to peruse all your photos now.
Tracy | Peanut Butter and Onion says
I love summer cocktails!!