Picture this you arrive at your location for the day and you run your foot over with your grip cart. You think no big deal and roll into the restaurant. As you introduce yourself to the bar manager you realize that this is going to be a long ride because your shoe is filling with blood... For the May issue of Nashville Lifestyles Magazine, I was asked to photograph mocktails at some of Nashville's hottest bars. The magazine featured mocktails from Union Common, Husk, and Henley. The assignment was to capture vertical and horizontal images from each of the three restaurants. When photographing editorial content at bars I like to try and feature some of the unique attributes of the locations.

Husk

This cocktail from Husk was fabulous. It is a play on a gin and tonic. The cucumber and mint combo is excellent. While learning more about Husk I found out that one of the founders of Husk is a straight edge so the bartender has been making awesome mocktails since he started. I loved the dark granite bar top at Husk. 

Henley

The Travelers Tonic (above) at Henley was amazing. Not to mention this amazing glass and surface that I was able to photograph it on. The dried lemon garnish and the rosemary really pull this cocktail together. I really was digging this awesome wood topped bar at Henley the texture on it was amazing.

Check out a quick behind the scenes video from Henley below!

Union Common

The Injury!!!

As I was saying in the introduction I ran my heel over with my grip cart while rolling into the restaurant. It was not until I introduced myself to the bar manager that I realized my shoe was quickly filling with blood. Adrenaline and good conversation kept this shoot going without a hitch though. It would not be until the next week when I was walking around NYC that the injury really took a toll. 

The Uncommon Cider at Union Common was also amazing. Any drink with fresh blueberries and ginger is on my to drink list. Union Common has an amazing bar and I thought it would be excellent to feature it in the background.

Check out a quick behind the scenes video from Union Common Below! 

Lets See It In Print

Wrapping it Up!

It is really awesome that Nashville is beginning to embrace everyone that is coming to music city. There is now a wide away of drinks for people who choose to indulge in alcoholic beverages and those who choose to abstain. I'm glad to see Nashville welcoming everyone. I love working with local bars and restaurants to create engaging editorial content. It is always a fun time when I get to work alongside a fun bartender to create awesome images. I get to play off of the bartender's creativity as well as my own. It is so fun getting to be part of the Nashville bar and restaurant scene.

Nick Bumgardner is a beverage photographer based outside of Nashville, TN. 

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