HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH WATCHES: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE
The watch photography genre is quite difficult because the object is small, reflects light, and shooters may encounter numerous difficulties when taking photos. If you want to become a product photographer, read this guide to learn some useful tips for photographing watches.
Photography Tips for the Top 15 Watches
I tried to include the most useful hacks and tips when putting together this little guide. By following them, you can quickly and easily improve your product photography skills.
Study the Watches in Details
Because watches are quite complex, it is recommended that you learn the specifics of each model before taking attractive shots. Consider whether the front elements of the watch are made of Plexiglas, mineral crystal, or sapphire.
Anti-reflective coating on watches produces a blue hue, whereas the absence of coating causes the face of the watch to reflect the surroundings. Other factors to consider are the type of crystal (flat or curved) and the case (brushed, polished, or combined).
Set the Time to 10:10
Many inexperienced photographers believe that the time displayed on a watch is unimportant. In fact, photos with the watch’s hands covering the brand or other elements appear strange and unappealing. Photographers with experience set the timer to around 10:10.
This time divides the space between the hands into equal thirds, making the face of the watch appear more symmetrical. A logo or other inscriptions will also remain visible.
Clean the Watch
Make sure to clean the watch with a microfiber cloth before the photoshoot. Remove dust, grime, and fingerprints before taking close-up or macro photos.
Purchase a dust cleaner and gloves to make this process easier and more enjoyable. You can avoid leaving new fingertips during a photo session this way.
Choose the Background
It is preferable to use a non-reflective surface for a photo session, but the product photography backdrops you choose for implementing your product photography ideas are entirely up to you. Go to your local hardware store and choose an appropriate background for a watch photo, such as Plexiglas, acrylic to glass, mirror, metal, rubber, stone, brick, sand, wood, and so on.
When selecting a background, consider the style of the watch as well as the manufacturer. For example, when photographing pocket watches, use a background with retro ornaments. Women’s models would look great against a backdrop of dainty jewelry.
Outsource Editing to Experts
It’s impossible to remove all of the dust from a watch, no matter how thoroughly you clean it. If you’re having trouble removing residual dust and dirt, you’ll need to use digital enhancement. Colors will be enhanced, reflections will be removed, contrast will be increased, images will be more distinct, and so on.
Because watch photo enhancement involves many details, a beginner retoucher will have a difficult time meeting industry standards. Contacting our service will save you time and effort. We can edit your photos professionally at an affordable price and meet tight deadlines.
Find Appropriate Props
Use more than one timepiece when telling a watch story. It’s also a good idea to use product photography props to highlight the object’s best features. First and foremost, decide on a theme for your photoshoot. Choose a setting with water sports equipment, for example, for dive watch photography.
Create a Balanced Composition
Photographic composition techniques are critical for capturing stunning watch photos. Take care with how you position the object and other elements in the frame. In photography, for example, the rule of thirds states that the object should be placed in the left or right third of the frame.
It is also critical to follow the leading lines of photography guides, which state that props are necessary components of a photo session. Avoid cluttering the frame by using negative space photography techniques. Your mission is to make some empty space. To create a balanced composition, you should learn how to photograph watches.
Eliminate the Amount of Reflection
Any reflective surfaces on the ceiling, such as windows, mirrors, or light sources, should be avoided. Reflections may obscure details or reduce contrast. Reflections on the watch surface may be difficult to remove, so it is best to take care of them during a photo shoot.
A polarizing filter can assist you in eliminating reflections. A black foam core board can also be used to cover the area around the camera lens, the device’s edge, and your hand. Alternatively, any black object, such as a bag, can be used to block the light from your watch.
Decide on a Photography Type
There are three main types of watch photography, so make sure you understand the distinctions between them.
- A wrist shot A photograph of a watch on a model’s wrist. This is an excellent choice for lifestyle product photography and promotional campaigns.
- The hero fired a shot. It necessitates the use of a stage as well as various props or alternative backdrops. Such images can be used on the main page of a website or on billboards.
- Photograph for a catalogue It is one of the most popular types of photos because it allows you to capture minor details against a white or black backdrop. You can take photos that look like they came from a watchmaker’s catalogue this way. This is the most suitable option for Amazon product photography and e-commerce photography.
Choose Between Selective Focus and Focus Stacking
When taking photos at oblique angles, use the focus stacking option, which allows you to focus on different parts of a frame and then combine them to create a single full-focus image.
To capture a sharp and clear image, you can also use focus stacking software. When photographing close-ups and macros, you can use selective focus and a shallow depth of field to highlight important details.
Use Low ISO
The majority of modern cameras have high ISO settings. To take sharp and clear photos, however, you should set a low ISO value and shoot within the limits of that sensitivity. Make sure to choose the best lighting source for your product as well.
Get Extension Tubes
Many photographers mistakenly believe that in order to photograph a watch, they must purchase macro lenses. Many lenses, however, can focus close enough to allow you to take an impressive watch shot. Another practical solution is to add extension tubes to the lens to improve its focusing capabilities.
When it comes to taking close-up photos, this inexpensive accessory is quite effective. Use a macro lens, such as the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L, to capture the finest details of a watch face, bracelet, crown, or other components.
Diffuse Lighting
When photographing watches, use diffused lighting. Softboxes, umbrellas, and other lighting equipment can be used in the studio. A reflector board reflects and diffuses light as well. Most watch shooters believe that using photo lightboxes is preferable even when taking pictures in even or consistent lighting.
Inexperienced photographers who do not have all of the necessary equipment at home should be aware that a window that does not receive direct sunlight can be used as a diffuse lighting source. A photoshoot should also be done on a cloudy day or early in the morning.
You can also use a sheer curtain to close a window. To achieve ideal lighting conditions, some photographers prefer to build a DIY photography reflector or DIY lightbox.
Keep Your Gear Stable with a Tripod
The camera shake will be noticeable if you are close to the product you are going to photograph. Although a tripod is not the most important accessory, it can come in handy when photographing a watch.
Use this equipment as well when taking studio or close-up photos. The Neewer Carbon Fiber is a high-quality, long-lasting model that I highly recommend.
Use Stands for Better Posing
Find a watch stand at your local jewelry store. You can also buy it online. Furthermore, some shooters prefer to use mounting putty to secure the watch.
Note: If you want to make some adjustments to the photo just let me know. I can do it for you at a very low cost. You can hire me to edit your photo.
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