Product Photography and Retouching
I created this self-directed product study to demonstrate my approach to lighting, retouching and consistent presentation across multiple views. Working in a compact home setup with diffused strobes and a macro lens, I used a color reference and the physical objects to guide corrections. Each subject required different decisions about what to preserve, refine or reconstruct.
Pendant – Preserving Character
Figure 1- Raw Capture wide shot with chain
Figure 2 – Raw Capture Detail Shot
The pendant’s fine wirework required manual refinement after automatic background removal. I reduced distracting wear while retaining its aged character, then coordinated the backgrounds and shadows across the wide and detail views.
Figure 1- Finished wide shot, Hanging Pendant with chain
Figure 2- Finished Detail Shot
I retained the pendant’s aged character and used a soft background with muted color accents and a restrained shadow to support the product.
Earrings — Selective reconstruction
Figure 1- RAW Front Shot
Figure 2- RAW Three Quarter Shot. Image 1 of 2 for focus stacking
For this idealized study, I chose to reconstruct a visible defect using the matching earring as a reference, while preserving believable lighting and surface detail. Focus stacking extended sharpness through the side view.
Figure 1- Finished Image
Figure 2- Focus Stacked Finished Image
The earrings’ cat-eye appearance reminded me of the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland. I created a hairlike background texture with Firefly in Photoshop, then subdued it with blending modes to keep attention on the earrings. A two-frame focus stack kept both earrings sharp in the three-quarter view.
Crystal Ornament — Material and edge control
Figure 1 – Raw Front View
Figure 2 – RAW Side View
I used lighting to describe the crystal’s facets and refraction, then made my selection of the ornament manually with a combination of both pen and lasso tools. The finishing decisions focused on preserving its clear appearance while keeping the ribbon and gold tag distinct.
Figure 1 – Finished Holiday Ornament Front Shot
Figure 2 – Finished Holiday Ornament Side View
A pale blue background and blush gift-wrap accents create a winter/holiday setting while keeping attention on the crystal.
Ring — Capture quality before retouching
Figure 1 – RAW Image 1 of 9 of Focus Stacked Top Profile
Figure 2- RAW Image 1 of 7 of Focus Stacked Side Profile
Reviewing the initial focus stacks revealed gaps in sharpness, so I reshot the ring using nine frames for the front view and seven for the side. This provided the detail needed for close inspection before surface cleanup and final presentation.
Figure 1 – Finished Top Profile made up of 9 Focus Stacked Captures
Figure 2 – Finished Side Profile made up of 7 Focus Stacked Captures
I created the background with Firefly in Photoshop, then refined distracting reflections and surface imperfections while preserving highlights that describe the metal’s shape.
Photographed in a compact studio using macro capture, controlled lighting and a color reference. Capture One and Photoshop supported RAW processing, color correction, focus stacking and selective retouching. Each case identifies its capture challenges, finishing decisions and use of generated elements.