Case study
Coca-Cola
Advertising shot
Coca-Cola is a global symbol of refreshment and joy. At Cabo Studio, we took on a personal challenge to capture the essence of this legendary brand through a single, powerful image. With meticulous attention to detail, we sought to convey the chill of an ice-cold can, the sparkle of the pour, and the unmistakable vibrancy of Coca-Cola’s identity.
Concept development
The vision behind the shot
Our vision started with the core question: What makes Coca-Cola instantly recognizable and universally loved?
The answer lay in its iconic elements:
- Vibrant red branding: Synonymous with excitement and energy.
- Condensation and fizz: A sensory promise of cool, crisp refreshment.
- Timeless simplicity: A focus on the product, free from distractions.
We built our concept around these pillars, ensuring the final image would not only look visually stunning but also communicate Coca-Cola’s enduring appeal.
The shooting process
Bringing the vision to life
Camera settings
The camera was set on a tripod (Peak Design) on a lower angle to create a strong pose. It was shot on a Nikon z8 at 48 mp, with a Nikon Z mount 85 1.2 lens, set up at f8, iso 64 and the shutter speed at 1/160.
Lighting
- We had the Godox AD600 pro at around 1/4 power in a small strip box , shot through a thick diffusion.
- The AD400 pro was used to light the background. We used a red gel, shot at a black background. The power used was at 1/2.
- The AD200 pro was used with a grid behind the Coca Cola glass to light the liquid. This one was used at 1/128 power.
- The AD200 was used in a strip box with 1/2 power and shot through another thick diffusion as you can see in the behind the scenes video.
Behind the scenes
Making it all work
To bring this concept to life, every detail had to work in harmony, from lighting to timing.
Key Steps in the shooting process:
- Lighting precision
We used soft, diffused lighting to create a premium look, highlighting the condensation droplets on the can while adding depth to the glass. Reflectors ensured the iconic logo remained the hero of the shot. - The perfect pour
Capturing the fizz in motion required precise timing and multiple takes. The goal was to showcase the effervescent bubbles and golden tones of the beverage as it cascaded into the glass. - Composition and angles
The can and glass were carefully positioned to complement each other, with the Coca-Cola logo front and center, reinforcing brand recognition.
Post production
Enhancing the details
Post-production was where the magic came together. This phase was not about altering reality but enhancing the visual impact of what we captured.
Refinements Made in Post-Production:
- Color Grading
We enhanced the Coca-Cola red to make it bold and vibrant, perfectly aligned with the brand’s identity. - Highlighting the Fizz
Subtle adjustments to brightness and contrast brought out the sparkle of the bubbles, making the drink look as refreshing as it tastes. - Texture and Detail
Every droplet on the can was carefully sharpened to emphasize the chill and texture, evoking a sense of touch.
Editing:
We used Lightroom for small adjustments, Photoshop 2025 to blend the images togheter and all the adjustments necessary and Luminar Neo to use some smart contrast and sharpening.
