Behind the Scenes of a Watch Photography Shoot with Alexandre

13 May 2025 | 13 May 2025 | 3 min |

Welcome behind the scenes of an extraordinary watch photoshoot, where we had the privilege of capturing an icon of Japanese watchmaking: the Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000. Under the expert eye of Alexandre, our watch photography specialist, discover how this session managed to capture the essence of a watch renowned for its precision, elegance, and exceptional quality.

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Artistic Prelude and Preparation

The Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 photoshoot is no ordinary exercise. Every aspect, from preparation to post-production, is carefully designed to highlight the harmony and perfection that define this watch. Alexandre begins by defining his artistic vision, drawing inspiration from Seiko’s philosophy of blending tradition with innovation. The goal is to showcase not only the watch’s aesthetic beauty but also its unparalleled mechanical performance.

The Setting: Simplicity and Elegance

For Alexandre, the choice of setting plays a crucial role in visual storytelling. Opting for a minimalist approach, he selects neutral backgrounds that enhance the fine design of the Grand Seiko. Textured surfaces in soft, natural tones complement the watch’s subtle brilliance, allowing its details to stand out without distraction.

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Technical Mastery in Action

The photoshoot is a ballet of precision. Alexandre employs a tailored technical arsenal, favoring macro lenses capable of capturing even the slightest details of the dial and case. The camera settings are finely tuned to capture the light reflecting on the hands and indices, highlighting the high frequency of the Hi-Beat 36000 movement.

The tethering technique enables dynamic interaction between the photographer and his work. Each shot is instantly displayed on a screen, allowing real-time adjustments to achieve the desired visual perfection.

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Lighting: Revealing the Quintessence

The lighting is designed to subtly reveal the aesthetic signature of the Grand Seiko. Alexandre uses directional light sources to create a play of shadows and highlights, emphasizing the texture and finishes of the dial and case. This delicate balance between light and shadow enhances the watch’s elegance and presence while maintaining visual authenticity.

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Post-Production: The Art of Finishing

After the photoshoot, a crucial post-production phase begins. Alexandre and his team meticulously refine each image, adjusting colors, contrast, and brightness to ensure that every photograph is a true reflection of the watch. This step enhances the beauty of the Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000, making it ready to captivate watch enthusiasts around the world.

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Conclusion

This photoshoot with Alexandre offers a glimpse into the world of the Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000, a watch that embodies Seiko’s commitment to supreme quality and excellence. Through the captured images, the passion, craftsmanship, and innovation are celebrated, reminding us that behind every timepiece lies a story of dedication and perfection. This shoot is not just a photography session; it is a journey into what makes the Grand Seiko a legend in the world of watchmaking. Contact us to discuss it or to book us!

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Jérémy Carlo is the editorial director at Rétines, where he ensures the consistency and clarity of all content produced by the studio. His role goes beyond writing—he shapes the tone, structures the messages, and upholds a precise, demanding editorial line that stays true to the identity of Rétines. With a background in visual communication and solid experience in content strategy, he bridges the technical world of photography with clear, no-frills writing.

Jérémy works closely with photographers, art directors, and the commercial team to make sure every word published serves the image, the message, and the brand. From blog articles and client presentations to social media posts and internal documents—everything is filtered through his attentive eye. His strength lies in making complex ideas accessible without oversimplifying, and in highlighting the studio’s work without relying on unnecessary superlatives.

Through his writing, Jérémy helps Rétines exist beyond the image—by giving context to projects, emphasizing the thinking behind each shoot, and bringing to light the technical and aesthetic choices that drive each photograph.

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