Whether you've got a small-batch whiskey or a snazzy Italian wine that you're ready to share, the right visuals can make or break a brand’s connection with its audience. In this episode of Frame the Flavor, we're breaking down one of the most common questions I get from brands and photographers alike: Should I use lifestyle photography or still shots for product photography?

Spoiler alert: the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all.

I'm diving into what each style brings to the table—and which one actually performs better depending on your brand goals, audience, and where you’re showing up online. From romantic vineyard scenes that feel like they're straight out of a movie to moody bar moments, polished product close-ups on a clean background, or something with a little more flair, this episode gets into the details on how to use visual storytelling as a strategic tool for brands.

• The primary differences between lifestyle vs. still life product photography

• When to use each photo style based on your audience and brand values

• Why mixing both styles might be the most powerful approach for your brand

• Photography tips for keeping your visuals on-brand and conversion-driven

Whether you’re curating your next photoshoot or building a new website, this episode will help you frame your bottles—and your brand—in a way that sells and tells a story. Which is kind of the whole point, right?

Connect With Me:

www.gretchenreese.com

@gretchen_reese

@frametheflavorpodcast

www.frametheflavor.com

Rosé season is here - and your photos should feel as fresh, crisp, and intentional as the wine itself. Whether you're a photographer, content creator, or creative director styling wine for brand shoots, this episode is packed with actionable tips for capturing rosé the right way.

I’m sharing five of my go-to techniques for photographing rosé that consistently elevate the final image - without needing an over-the-top setup. From getting the lighting just right, to working with the natural color of the vintage, to avoiding common mistakes like rapid temperature shifts or the wrong glassware choice, this episode breaks it all down.

You'll learn: – Why lighting can make or break the mood of a rosé shot – How color accuracy and vintage year affect the final frame – What to do (and not do) with chilled bottles on set – Simple styling ideas that highlight the softness of rosé – And yes—why glassware actually does matter

Perfect for brand photographers, wine marketers, or anyone crafting visual content for wineries, vineyards, or lifestyle shoots with a touch of pizazz.

📌 Resources & links mentioned: FREE GUIDE: iPhone Photography Tips Blog Post: The Italian Rosé Wines You NEED to Know About for 2025

📲 Connect with me: Website: www.gretchenreese.com Instagram: @gretchen_reese

Rosé all day? Don’t mind if I do. In this episode of Frame the Flavor, we’re swirling our way through Italy’s best rosé wines of 2025—from crisp, coastal beauties to bold bottles with a splash of sass. I’m sharing my top five Italian rosés (aka rosati), diving into how they’re made, what gives them that gorgeous pink hue, and exactly what you can expect from their flavor profiles.

Spoiler alert: there’s one that tastes like a Mediterranean sunset.

Whether you're a seasoned sipper or just getting flirty with your first glass, this episode is your passport to the prettiest pours Italy has to offer. Grab a glass, hit play, and let’s uncork the charm of Italian rosé—one sip at a time.

Show notes:

https://gretchenreese.com/my-top-5-rose-wines-for-2025/

Tonic Site Shop

Use code GRETCHENREESE for 15% off sitewide!

Where Else to Find Me:

https://www.gretchenreese.com

@frametheflavorpodcast

@gretchen_reese

***DISCLAIMER - This podcast involves rosé wine recommendations. Please do not follow the recommendations unless you are above the legal drinking age, guys. Don't make it weird.

In this episode of Frame the Flavor, I'm breaking down how listening to a podcast with Vanessa Van Edwards and reading her books completely transformed the way I approach brand photography. We're discussing how her insights into human behavior and body language have influenced how I pose people and photograph products during brand shoots for my clients, and how brands are "speed dating" their potential customers online.

Whether you’re a photographer, a marketer, or simply someone interested in the psychology of nonverbal communication, this episode will offer practical takeaways to improve your craft. Tune in to discover how paying attention to the smallest cues can elevate your work—and ultimately, how shifting your mindset can make all the difference.

Show notes:

https://gretchenreese.com/can-micro-expressions-make-or-break-your-brand-photography

Tonic Site Shop

Use code GRETCHENREESE for 15% off sitewide!

Where Else to Find Me:

https://www.gretchenreese.com

@frametheflavorpodcast

@gretchen_reese

Diary of a CEO Podcast:

Speed Dating Body Language with Vanessa Van Edwards

I truly believe that conflict can be an incredibly healthy aspect of our lives, if we're able to navigate it well.

In this episode, I'm breaking down the types of conflict that I've experienced in my life as a corporate marketer AND in my personal life, as well as a confession on what I will never allow myself to become.

Click PLAY now, I bet it might surprise you!

Passione the Podcast Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/passionethepodcast

Passione Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionethepodcast

Today's Shownotes: www.gretchenreese.com/healthy-conflict

Grab my favourite branding strategies for FREE at: www.gretchenreese.com/branding-checklist

2020 has been a year full of challenges, ups, downs and all things in-between. But despite everything that's come this year, is it possible to take something positive out of it and bring it into 2021? This week on Passione, Gretchen delves into how 2020's toll has taken effect in her life, dealing with mindset and perspective shifts, changes in goals and how she's working through the stress the pandemic. ----- Passione on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram Shownotes: passionethepodcast.com For more editorial content: monochromeminimalistmm.com Get in touch!

Travel can be life-changing. Anyone who's been on a trip - whether by car, train or plane - will likely be able to tell you that. Today, Gretchen and founder of Wild Bum, Mollie Krengel, chat all things travel (pre and during COVID-19), community building and entrepreneurship. Whether or not you find yourself to be as passionate about travel as Mollie, or even if you identify with her entrepreneurial side, I think it’s always important to explore what your passions are and really run with them. Following your passion can be life-changing and help you find your way in this thing we call life. ------------------- Find Passione the Podcast on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Would you like to be interviewed for Passione? Get in touch! More editorial content: www.monochromeminimalistmm.com Shownotes and podcast: www.passionethepodcast.com #passionethepodcast ------------------- Mollie Krengel on LinkedIn and Instagram Learn more about WildBum on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram www.wildbum.com #wildbumming ------------------- AUDIO LICENSES: Italian Morning by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org/

Passione the Podcast is a sometimes interview-style podcast that aims to capture what inspires, motivates and intrigues people around the world by delving into what passion means and exploring it from a variety of angles.

Today, host Gretchen Reese breaks down how Passione the Podcast was created, where the idea came from and why it was the logical next step for the Monochrome Minimalist brand.

New episodes bi-weekly, streaming on all major podcasting platforms.

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Find Passione the Podcast on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Would you like to be interviewed for Passione? Get in touch!


More editorial content: www.monochromeminimalistmm.com

Shownotes and podcast: www.passionethepodcast.com


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AUDIO LICENSES:

Bushwick Tarentella Loop by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1300003

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Passione the Podcast was born from the idea that passion guides our lives in many ways. It looks different for everyone – but that’s what makes it such a magnetic force.

This sometimes-interview-style podcast helps people re-define what passion means in every facet of life. You’ll hear from people pursuing their dreams across many niches, in every phase of life – business, career, hobbies and the like. Listen in to see how a little bit of passion can change your life – and brace yourself for the new opportunities it will bring.

Our writer, host and producer – Gretchen Reese – is not only the voice behind Passione the Podcast, but the blog Monochrome Minimalist as well. Encouraging people to follow their hearts and enjoy what they love, she has curated an online community for those passionate about the everyday.

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https://www.passionethepodcast.com/

Passione the Podcast on: Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn

#passionethepodcast

Gretchen Reese on LinkedIn

Want to request a topic or be an interviewee? Send the Passione team an email!