THE COFFEE SHOP EXPERIENCE

There is no doubt that coffee culture is definitely on the rise. There is something so astonishing, attractive even, about coffee culture and how it is making an impact on society. The modern coffee shop is growing and changing in the way coffee is made and enjoyed. However, the modern coffee shop is far more than a place to just drink coffee. It is a place where people work, fellowship, and reflection. That is the picture I wanted to paint through this shoot so let's jump into it!

The first thing I thought about for this shoot is the location. Methodical Coffee is a highly well known coffee shop in Greenville, SC. Not only are they locally known across the upstate of South Carolina but they are known all over the country as well. And not only is their coffee phenomenal but everything from the baristas to the atmosphere fully embody the coffee shop experience.

The next thing to think of was who my subject would be and the outfit details. I chose my dear friend Hannah for this shoot because she is an avid coffee shop goer.

The look I wanted for the subject was modern with a touch of boho. For this shoot we paired a white with a simple white tank with block pattern jeans and woven leather slip ons to add elements of boho to the look. I wanted this detail of the shot to embody the typical coffee shop look.

Lastly, I wanted the overall vibe of the shoot to be moody, yet warm so this is where editing came into play.

After deciding the location, subject, and the outfit details, I wanted to focus on the coffee itself. The reason for this is because coffee is the gateway to many good ideas, thoughts, and conversations. Some of the best conversations I have had with people are over a good cup of coffee. It sets to tone for whatever situation I'm about to encounter next and it stimulates both my physical and mental energy. It blows my mind to think all of this is found in one simple little drink. That's why I wanted to make sure I included shots that focused on the drink itself.

Another element I wanted to touch on with this shoot was the element of reflection that often occurs in coffee shops. Anyone who goes to coffee shops will easily pick up that a coffee shop is only in part about the coffee; it is about the experience. This "experience" varies between people and their personal preferences but for me and many other people coffee shops are a place to read, write, think, and reflect.

My subject Hannah said, "Coffee shops have become my safe haven. I love how I can be free to have good conversation with the people there. It's a place where I can re-energize but also a place where I can invest in people and myself too." I wanted to embody that element of writing and reflection in this shoot so we included Hannah's journal and pen to hone in on those details.