Meet Vijey Mohan | Drinks and Beverage Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vijey Mohan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vijey, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Commercial photography is a highly competitive industry, and to stay successful, I treat every project like it’s my first. I show up prepared, do the necessary prep work in advance, and stay open to what the production needs on the shoot day. Creative work, especially photography is unpredictable, and things can change quickly during production. The best results come from staying calm under pressure and collaborating with clients, creatives, producers and stylists while adapting to changes quickly and keeping the end goal in focus. Over time, the combination of being dependable, collaborative and being ready to solve problems while constantly evolving has helped me stand out in an industry where details matter, consistency is required and expectations are high.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Photography is a very broad field, and I’ve set myself apart by focusing primarily on drinks and beverage photography. People often describe my style as crisp and vibrant with a lively personality to every image. I always approach drinks and beverage as something which is alive, not static objects. Condensation builds and slides, bubbles rise and disappear, ice shifts and fractures. I focus on capturing that brief moment when everything feels alive, before the drink settles and falls apart.
In commercial photography, you have to portray the client’s product accurately, whether it’s a bottle, a can, crafted as a cocktail or placed within a lifestyle set with people, drinks, food and props. Precision matters and there is no room for error. It can be challenging, which is why I collaborate with some of the best food and drink stylists in the industry. They ensure every detail is accounted for while I manage the lighting, composition and the technical execution of photography.
What excites me the most is seeing my work out in the world. There’s something deeply satisfying about spotting an image I worked on, whether it’s on a billboard, client’s website, online ads, or while scrolling through social media. It’s the moment when all the meetings, planning, prep and problem solving the whole team worked towards materialize into something people experience. Seeing that final result is what excites and drives me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m definitely taking them to the Getty first. It’s where I go whenever I need inspiration or a fresh perspective on my photography. Looking at art in person forces you to slow down and absorb it in a way that scrolling through a screen never does. Instagram, Behance, and similar platforms are oversaturated with noise, and they’re not always the best source of inspiration for me. The last time I visited the Getty, I spent a long time sitting in front of Spring by Lawrence Alma-Tadema. The Getty has introduced me to many artists and continues to influence me and my work.
As for food, there are a few restaurants I love: Lemon Grove, Lunetta, Petit Trois, Osteria Mamma, Sushi Note, and Quarters.
Some of my go-to hidden gems in the Valley are Grandma’s Thai Kitchen, Garden Café, and The Local Peasant.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are too many people to name, but first, it has to be my parents. I’m the first person in my family to pursue a different career path, and they’ve been incredibly supportive throughout even though they have no idea how my industry works. Two important people I met in LA were my photo instructor, Paul Meyer, and a photographer I used to assist, Bill Cahill. Both of them were tough critics and didn’t believe in compliments, which was perfect for me because I didn’t either. They constantly pushed me to produce better work. The best compliment I ever got from Paul was, “This doesn’t suck”. That would break a lot of photographers, but both of them were constructive and honest, which helped me avoid a lot of mistakes which I could have done early in my career. There are a select few history books and biographies that have shaped how I approach my work. I say you could learn more from reading one or two biographies of people you look up to than every self-help books available.

Website: https://vijeymohan.com

Instagram: @vijey.mohan

Image Credits
Photographer: Vijey Mohan