Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
Which photography and videography services do members recommend for product packshots and marketing content?
Members recommend a small set of specialists with proven track records on spirits and drinks products: - **Charlie Burgio** (https://www.charlieburgio.com) — described as "absolute favourite for white background studio shots" and praised for handling "very tricky work with our bottles and products" - **Lime Digital** (https://limedigitalmarketing.co.uk) — recommended for both product packshots and video content; members noted "fantastic cocktail shots at our distillery and an incredible video" - **E-works** — mentioned as delivering "some success" for marketing efforts Members also noted that photography quality is only part of the equation for marketing success: ad spend and positioning are critical factors. One member warned that "traffic doesn't come by simply being there" and highlighted the challenge of "competing against yourself" if other wholesalers or retailers are selling your product on shared channels like Amazon.
What generative AI tools should we use to create product images and marketing visuals for our brand?
Members have experimented with several AI image generation tools for product photography and brand visuals, with mixed results. The technology is improving but has specific strengths and limitations. **Tools members have tried:** - **Adobe Photoshop generative AI** — described as producing mediocre results, particularly for beginners - **ChatGPT 4o (paid Pro version)** — significantly better quality than the free version; useful for idea generation and animation-style images - **ChatGPT standard version** — lower image quality, less suitable for serious marketing use **How members are using AI images in practice:** Members recommend using AI primarily as an ideation tool rather than final output. The typical workflow is: use AI to externalize rough concepts and ideas that are difficult to sketch yourself, then provide these AI outputs to a professional designer as a visual brief to develop further. This approach bridges the gap between creative vision and professional execution. **Key limitations to be aware of:** - AI-generated images are "generally rubbish when it comes to text" — avoid relying on AI if your product shot needs readable typography or labels - Results require substantial iterative feedback to refine - Quality varies significantly between tools and subscription tiers For finished product photography and marketing visuals, members suggest treating AI as a brainstorming partner rather than a replacement for professional photography or design.