I recently had the pleasure of collaborating with EJ McDougall Wines to photograph their new wine range—an elegant series deserving of an equally iconic backdrop. The shoot took place at ARIA Restaurant, perched above Circular Quay and framed by Sydney’s most recognisable landmark—the Harbour Bridge.
This wasn’t just a stock photo session. The project was designed to capture the spirit of the EJ McDougall brand: premium, polished, and deeply rooted in quality. My role was to create compelling visual assets for their website and social media that showcase their wines in a luxurious yet accessible light.
A Premium Setting for a Premium Drop
There are few places in Sydney more emblematic than ARIA, and from a photographic perspective, the light and atmosphere there are a dream. With its sweeping views and architectural elegance, ARIA provided the perfect canvas to frame the sophistication of EJ McDougall’s wines.
We made use of both indoor and outdoor spaces to highlight different moods: elegant table settings, golden natural light, and the energy of the harbour. The food and wine pairings were styled with care—each element chosen to complement the bottles visually and narratively.
Website Home Page (https://ejmcdougall.com/)
Food, Wine & Storytelling
From hero bottle shots to styled flat-lays with food pairings, the brief was to evoke lifestyle moments that resonate with EJ McDougall’s audience. Think long lunches, refined gatherings, and evenings that flow as smoothly as their wine.
Working closely with the team, I helped guide the visual direction to match their brand identity, blending rich textures, natural tones, and sharp detail. Every glass pour, shadow cast, and fold in the napkin was considered for its ability to support the overall story of luxury meets authenticity.
You can view some of the final shots on EJ McDougall’s Instagram post here.
Behind the Scenes: Collaboration in Motion
The behind-the-scenes moments—setting up composition, styling props, adjusting natural light—are where the magic starts. You can take a peek at some candid moments from the shoot here. They offer a glimpse into the creative process and the attention to detail that goes into every frame.
Elevating Brand Identity Through Photography
Photography for wine brands goes beyond documenting a product. It’s about building a visual identity that connects with the audience. Whether it's used on websites, e-commerce platforms, or social channels, consistent and engaging content builds trust—and drives conversion.
This project is a great example of how branded storytelling can elevate the perception of a product and support a wider marketing strategy. I’m proud to have contributed to EJ McDougall’s growing visual presence and look forward to seeing how these images serve their next chapter.
