SHOOTING STEPS
1
POSITION THE CAMERA
Since we’re shooting the product on a small surface with minimal surrounding space, lower the camera until it’s at the level of the product. This will also ensure that the perspective on the watch and environment will align in the final image, after compositing.
2TAKE
SET FOCUS AND EXPOSURE
a meter reading from the product using Spot Metering to avoid confusion with the black background. Switch to Manual mode and lock these settings in to avoid unexpected changes. Focus on the subject and switch to Manual for fine-tuning and to prevent refocusing between shots.
3
LIGHT THE PRODUCT
Position the speedlight on one side of the product and take a test shot. Then move the light to try various different lighting effects, which can be blended later if necessary. Here one light was used to light both sides and above the product.
4
ALTER FLASH POWER
Start low and progressively increase flash output until it overpowers the ambient light in the room. Move the flash as close to the subject as possible for wrap-around light, and feather by placing the light so that it only grazes the product, to better control contrast.
5
VARY LIGHT STRUCTURE
Alter light hardness by changing the distance between the flash and the subject and by shooting with and without the diffuser. This can produce various shadow and highlight shapes on different areas of the product, which can be combined during processing.
6
CHECK DOF
With product photography, critical sharpness is of paramount importance. To ensure that the watch fits with its environment in the final shot, it needs front-to-back sharpness. Stop down to at least f/11, zoom in to 100 per cent, and perform a qualitycontrol check.