Women Leading the Future of Spirits: Networking at the Sirens Spirits Group Happy Hour in New Orleans
- Dawn Gilmore
- Jul 22
- 3 min read
Published: July 2026
Building Relationships Beyond the Camera
One of my favorite parts of being a commercial product photographer isn't just creating beautiful bottle imagery—it's getting to meet the incredible people behind the brands.
This week I had the opportunity to attend the Sirens Happy Hour hosted by The Sirens Spirits Group at Fives Bar in New Orleans. The afternoon brought together women from across the craft spirits industry for cocktails, conversation, and collaboration while showcasing an impressive portfolio of independently owned distilleries.
As someone whose commercial photography work has become heavily focused on the spirits industry, events like these are invaluable. They provide an opportunity to connect with founders, distillers, brand ambassadors, marketers, and fellow creatives who are all passionate about building exceptional brands.
Reconnecting with Familiar Faces
One of the highlights of the afternoon was spending time with Sailor Guevara, someone I've been fortunate enough to know for more than ten years.
Sailor has always been incredibly supportive of the spirits community, and thanks to her introduction I had the pleasure of meeting Caley Shoemaker, founder of As Above, So Below Distillery.
Earlier this year I photographed their stunning Elvira Gin and Elvira Vodka, creating dramatic commercial imagery that highlighted the distinctive personality of each bottle. It was wonderful finally meeting Caley in person after working with the brand.
I also enjoyed meeting:
Megan of Montanya Rum
Amy Brown of Doc Brown Spirits
Callie Brevelle of CB Creative & Co.
These conversations are one of the reasons I love working in this industry. Every bottle has a story, and every brand has passionate people behind it.
A Portfolio of Outstanding Spirits
The Sirens Spirits Group showcased an impressive collection of women-led brands throughout the event, including:
Each featured brand brought its own personality, flavors, and craftsmanship to the tasting experience.
Cocktails That Celebrated the Brands
The custom cocktail menu highlighted spirits from across the Sirens portfolio.
Favorites included:
Mistress of the Dark Negroni
Featuring As Above, So Below's Elvira Gin alongside Aradia Apertivo, Ixchel Curaçao, and absinthe.
Violet Signal Spritz
This cocktail was especially exciting for me because it featured Fast Penny Spirits Amaricano Viola—a bottle I recently photographed for the distillery. Seeing professional photography become part of a brand's larger marketing story is always incredibly rewarding.
Northern Enchantress
A refreshing cocktail featuring Up North Distillery's Barrel-Aged Apple Brandy paired with Amaricano Bianca and citrus.
Siren's Call Daiquiri
Built around Montanya Rum with Simple Goodness Sisters Orange Vanilla Syrup and fresh lime.
Why Events Like This Matter
Commercial product photography is about much more than creating attractive images.
Great bottle photography begins by understanding the people, craftsmanship, and passion behind every brand.
Meeting founders face-to-face helps me better understand their story, their personality, and ultimately how they want their products represented visually.
Whether I'm photographing a luxury whiskey, an artisan gin, a craft rum, or a beautifully designed liqueur bottle, my goal is always the same:
To create imagery that helps consumers stop scrolling, pick up the bottle, and remember the brand.
Thank You
A huge thank you to The Sirens Spirits Group for organizing such a wonderful afternoon and to everyone who took the time to introduce themselves.
Special thanks also goes to my dear friend Desha, who happily served as my networking wingwoman. Like many creatives, networking doesn't always come naturally to me, and having a familiar face beside me made the experience that much more enjoyable.
I left New Orleans inspired—not only by the incredible spirits, but by the talented women who continue to shape the future of this industry.
I can't wait to see where these new connections lead.
Looking for Spirits Photography?
If you're launching a new whiskey, gin, vodka, tequila, rum, canned cocktail, or other premium beverage, I'd love to help create imagery that showcases your brand at its best.
Based on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, I work with distilleries and beverage brands nationwide through my convenient ship-to-my-studio service, producing luxury commercial photography for websites, advertising, social media, and marketing campaigns.
Ready to elevate your brand? I'd love to hear your story.