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Creative Drinks Product Photography: How We Shot Dynamic Imagery for Mai Chai

  • Writer: Future Proof
    Future Proof
  • Feb 16
  • 3 min read

Don’t Be Afraid to Just Go For It

Creating stand out imagery for drinks brad Mai Chai.

Three Mai Chai cans being shot flat lay. The cans are arranged diagonally across the shot with opposite colour backgrounds behind them. The lighting is bright and soft. Shot in Bristol located photography studio Future Proof.
Three cans of Mai Chai are held up against a soft pink background. Two hands are coming in from the left and one is coming in from the right. The lighting is soft highlighting the logo on the can. Shoot at Future Proof Photography studio Bristol.

When Mai Chai approached us for new imagery for their drinks brand, we knew this wasn’t going to be a standard product shoot. From the outset, we were inspired by the vibrant colour palette and playful personality of the drinks themselves. The brief began with classic pack shots — clean, polished, and product-focused — but what unfolded was something far more dynamic.


Four cans of Mai Chai matcha are laid in lots of ice all facing different directions. The cans have water droplets on them showing how cold they are.

Starting with the Foundations


Every strong creative concept needs a solid base. We began with traditional pack shots to ensure the brand and can design were heroed clearly. These images are essential: they communicate the product, maintain brand consistency, and provide versatile assets across platforms.


But once those were secured, we had room to experiment.


Playing with Balance and Illusion


Our photographer, Ben, thrives on pushing visual boundaries. Moving away from standard compositions, he began exploring levels, direction, and balance. Using a clamp rig, he positioned the cans into bold geometric formations that felt almost impossible.

Three Mai Chai cans are balanced on top of each other. They look as if they are going to fall over. The background is bright pink with green and a lighter pink on the surface to reflect the colours of the can. Shoot at Bristol photography studio.
One pink can of mai chai is in the center of the frame. Other can look as if they are floating in the foreground and background. Some are in focus and some are not. This is shot on a pink background.

In post-production, the rig was carefully removed. The final images give the illusion that the cans are suspended mid-air — delicately balanced and on the verge of falling. That subtle tension creates movement within a still image, making it instantly eye-catching while keeping the product front and centre.


It’s a scroll-stopping approach that reflects the brand’s personality: playful, energetic, and a little unexpected.


Embracing the Chaos


We decided to push things even further.


Sometimes the most memorable results come from stepping off the shot list and embracing spontaneity. It can feel risky. It can get messy. But that’s often where the magic happens.


When the Mai Chai team were asked to squeeze the can, we genuinely didn’t know what the outcome would be. What happened next? Chai everywhere.

A pink can is being squeezed in front of a pink background. Pink liquid is spraying into the air.
A cream coloured can is being squeezed with a coffee coloured liquid spraying into the air. Shot against a blue sky background.

After a quick clean-up, we gathered around the monitor — and it was immediately clear that the risk had paid off. The liquid had burst outward in a dramatic arc, frozen mid-air in a way that felt energetic and alive. It showcased the product in a completely different, far more dynamic way.


The Technical Side


Capturing that perfect moment required precision. Timing was everything — both from the person squeezing the can and from the photographer releasing the shutter.

Mai Chai can on a pile of loose tea leaves with tea leaves palling onto the can. On a light pink background. Shot at Future Proof photography studio.
A light purple background with a hand holding up a can that is being squeezed with a coffee colour liquid spraying out the top.


Ben shot with a 70mm lens at 1/200 shutter speed and f/5.6. The fast shutter speed allowed him to capture multiple frames in quick succession, ensuring the peak moment of the squeeze wasn’t missed. When you’re working with liquid in motion, fractions of a second make all the difference.


The Result


What started as a straightforward pack-shot brief evolved into a bold, varied, and playful collection of imagery. The final set captures both the structure and the spontaneity of the

brand — polished where it needs to be, expressive where it counts.


It’s proof that sometimes the best creative decision you can make is to go for it.


Ready to Elevate Your Brand?


If you're looking to create scroll-stopping content that resonates with your audience, get in touch with us at Future Proof Creative. Based in Bristol, we specialise in product photography, video production, UGC and stop motion animation. Our team of commercial photographers and content creators are ready to bring your vision to life. Get in touch today for more information on our services.


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