The steak gleams with deliciousness, and the drink sparkles golden in the glass: when two sommeliers – one for meat, the other for beer – join forces for a book project, it’s clear that striking, high-end imagery is a must. That’s how commercial photographer and Hensel user Wolfgang Rottmann became involved in “Neigschmeckt* – 12 Franconian Adjectives of Life.”

This book, created under the motto “Enjoying Franconia with All the Senses,” is not a cookbook in the traditional sense, but rather a heartfelt tribute to regional indulgence and thoughtful food pairing. The accompanying images needed to convey a unique lifestyle and an irresistible appeal that makes viewers want to sit down at the table immediately.

^{*“Neigschmeckt” is a term from the Franconian dialect, which in this context can be loosely translated as “having a taste of something.” Since Hensel-Visit is also based in the southern German region of Franconia, this project was a perfect match for us.}

_{Adjective “Minimalistic”: Skirt Steak rare, salt, pepper, baguette}

The Setup

Wolfgang Rottmann likes to maintain full control over the final image, which is why he usually takes care of both the set decoration and the food styling himself. In addition to all the lighting equipment, the car had to be packed with a wide assortment of plates, cutlery, cutting boards, pans, and a rustic tabletop – it sounded like a very special kind of “picnic” where nothing was left to chance.

To make things easier for the chef, the savory dishes and their matching beers were photographed on location in the kitchen of Auenland Beef in Hofheim, Germany – a space that offered plenty of room for lights and props:

_{A look into the on-location studio} 

The photos all had to be produced using the same basic setting. A fresnel spot, the Hensel Starspot 3000, was used coming from the right side. A smaller 250 Ws spot with a projection attachment provided a lighting accent on the food from the left. Both spots were connected to a Tria 24 SF Generator with 2400 Ws of power.

Two EH Mini flash heads, connected to a 1200 Ws generator and equipped with softboxes and a diffusion panel, served as a general fill light for the shadows and a soft fill light for the beer bottles on the left side.

One Spot – one true love!

There’s one thing that has to be part in almost all of Wolfgang’s food shoots: The Starspot! Not a surprise really, since this compact flash spot brings a brilliant sunlight feeling into every photo, without taking up too much space in the setup. Perfect for jobs on location!
„For me, this is a product that makes Hensel particularly stand out, especially through the grids as accessory”, he describes his favorite flash spot. With grids in different sizes and a 4-wing barn door, the light always hits where it is supposed to.

In general, Wolfgang thinks that the Hensel Spots provide excellent contrasts and highlight textures like no other. That’s why they are his first choice when it comes to emphasizing surfaces during a shoot.

^{Adjective “Traditional”: Beef roulade with red cabbage and potato dumplings}

Hensel works – then as now

Wolfgang Rottmann has been working with our flash devices and light shapers for more than 20 years now.  “I would replace anything, but not my Hensel flashes”, he told us with full conviction. “The brand means to me: I buy something once and it works!”

This is also reflected in the high repeatibility. The consistent color temperature and the overall longevity of the products often save Wolfgang from recreating previous lighting setups with different flash units – because the original flash devices are still in use today!

We love receiving reports like these from our customers’ everyday lives, as they are the driving force behind our daily mission: to develop and make tools that last for decades, make your work easier, and on which you can always rely.

_{Adjective “Tingly”: Prosecco foam soup with parmesan and bacon chips}

About the photographer

Wolfgang Rottmann has been working as a product photographer and author for over 30 years. He has taken on assignments for regional clients as well as for large agencies and global corporations.

During this time, he has photographed nearly every product category imaginable, and new challenges continue to arise. As a coach, he has successfully conducted numerous training sessions and presentations, inspiring many people to develop their passion for photography. He doesn’t just coach beginners; in specialized photography fields, he also works with professional photographers.

Learn more about Wolfgang Rottmann and his work here: www.quadratmedia.de

Photography and food styling: Wolfgang Rottmann (Quadratmedia)
Composition and cooking: Korbinian Koeberle (Auenland Beef)
Beer sommelier: Georg Hiernickel
Meat sommelier: Jonathan “Joni” Eller (Auenland Beef)