A Professional Guide to Capturing Stunning Product Photos Using Lightroom and Photoshop

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Introduction

In this guide, I will walk you through how to make your product stand out on a crisp white background using a combination of Lightroom and Photoshop. While there are numerous advanced techniques available for product photography, this method is one of the most cost-effective and time-efficient. Whether you’re a small business owner or an e-commerce marketer, these tips can help elevate the quality of your product images for online platforms.

Let’s dive into the details of preparing for your product photoshoot and editing your images to perfection.

Preparation

To start, aside from having Photoshop and Lightroom installed on your computer, you’ll need the following equipment:

• A DSLR camera (I’m using the Nikon D800 Digital SLR for this guide)
• A macro lens (I recommend the Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED)
• A camera-mounted flash (Nikon SB-910 AF Speedlight i-TTL)
• A tripod
• A white sheet of paper for the background

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Setting Up and Capturing the Shot

Step 1: Simplified Setup

One of the reasons I favor this method is the simplicity and minimal setup time it requires. Instead of spending hours or investing in complex setups, you can use just a DSLR camera, macro lens, tripod, flash, and a sheet of white paper to achieve professional results. This is ideal for those who don’t have a dedicated studio space.

For example, I’m shooting a handmade bracelet. Place the product on a white sheet of paper in an area with ample natural light. The more natural light, the better. To minimize shadows and soften the light, bounce your flash off the ceiling rather than pointing it directly at the product.

Step 2: Camera Settings

Once your product is positioned, adjust the camera settings accordingly. To ensure the best image quality, I recommend shooting in RAW format. While JPEG is also an option, RAW gives you more flexibility in post-processing using Lightroom and Photoshop.

For natural daylight, my settings are:

• Shutter speed: 1/50
• Aperture: F8
• ISO: 100

You might need to experiment with a few test shots to fine-tune the lighting and angles.

2. Editing the Image in Lightroom

Step 1: Importing the Image

Open Lightroom and insert your memory card into your computer. Lightroom will prompt you to import your photos. You can also go to File > Import Photos and Video to manually select your image for editing.

Step 2: Initial Adjustments

While the photo might already look decent, the colors may not pop, and the background may not be as pure white as desired. To address this, some quick adjustments in Lightroom will help before moving to Photoshop.

Step 3: Use Auto Settings

Click on the Develop tab in Lightroom. Although you can manually adjust the settings, I suggest using the Auto feature to speed up the process. Lightroom will automatically enhance brightness and contrast, making your background appear whiter and cleaner, though it might still need some fine-tuning in Photoshop.

Step 4: Export to Photoshop

Once you’ve adjusted the image in Lightroom, right-click the image and choose Edit in Adobe Photoshop CC. Now, we’ll move to more detailed editing.

3. Editing the Product Image in Photoshop

For product photos, it’s essential to isolate the subject from the background without altering the entire image. Here’s how to achieve this using layer masks in Photoshop:

Step 1: Create a Duplicate Layer

First, create a duplicate of the background layer by dragging it to the New Layer icon in the Layers panel.

Step 2: Group the Layers

Select both layers and press Ctrl + G to group them. This will keep your layers organized for further editing.

Step 3: Add a New Pure White Layer

Create a new layer and fill it with a pure white color. Drag this layer below the duplicated image layer.

Step 4: Select the Background

With your grouped layers selected, go to Select > Color Range. Use the eyedropper tool to select the white background and increase the fuzziness to its maximum setting.

Step 5: Create a Layer Mask

Now, create a layer mask by clicking the Add Layer Mask icon in the Layers panel. This will allow you to manipulate the background independently from the product.

Step 6: Invert the Selection

Press Ctrl + I to invert the selection. This will isolate the product, leaving the background pure white.

Step 7: Refine the Edges

If the product’s edges are not sharp enough, hold Alt and click on the black-and-white mask icon in the Layers panel to highlight the edges. This allows for further refinement.

Step 8: Adjust Levels

With the layer mask selected, go to Image > Adjustments > Levels and slide the controls to bring out the product’s details.

Step 9: Clean the Mask

Use the Brush Tool with a soft edge to clean up any remaining imperfections around the product. Be meticulous with this step to ensure a professional finish.

Step 10: Apply Feathering

For softer product outlines, open the Properties Panel and adjust the feathering slider to your liking, depending on your image resolution.

Step 11: Save and Update in Lightroom

Save your edited Photoshop file, and it will automatically update in Lightroom for any final touches or export.

Conclusion

By following this guide, you can create high-quality, professional product images with minimal setup and cost. This method leverages the combined power of Lightroom and Photoshop, allowing you to create clean, crisp product photos that are perfect for online platforms.

With a little practice, this approach will help you consistently produce professional-level product photography, helping your online store stand out from the competition