We are Object Photographers

At Rétines, we have made object photography a craft of precision and passion. Photographing an object may seem simple at first glance, but each shot requires specific expertise and a deep understanding of materials, shapes, and brand expectations. Through this article, we share our vision, our expertise, and what drives us every day in this demanding profession.

Object Photography: An Art of Precision and Observation

The role of an object photographer requires meticulous attention to detail and rigorous technical mastery. Every product has its unique characteristics, and our mission is to reveal them to capture attention and enhance the object. Our clients come from diverse sectors, watchmaking, wines and spirits, cosmetics, luxury goods, leather goods, and each has unique demands that constantly drive us to innovate.

Lighting, for example, is one of the most crucial elements in our work. Depending on the material, shape, or color of an object, the lighting must be adjusted to highlight certain aspects while avoiding unwanted reflections. Our lighting techniques evolve and refine according to each project, whether it’s capturing the sparkle of a perfume bottle or the delicacy of a watch bracelet.

Understanding and Adapting to the Requirements of Each Sector

Working with diverse sectors has allowed us to develop expertise tailored to each field. In watchmaking, for example, detail is king. Photography must reveal subtle finishes and the precision of the mechanism, which requires exceptional mastery of macro techniques and shadow management. We often use specific lenses and very fine focusing to capture every detail, from the hands to the texture of the strap.

In the wines and spirits sector, the challenge is different: capturing the purity of the liquid, the texture of the glass, and sometimes even the shine of the golden label. Each bottle tells a story, and our role is to convey that story through the image. Lighting becomes a storytelling tool here, playing with transparency and reflections to bring the material to life.

A Continuous Dialogue with Our Clients

An essential part of our object photography work at Rétines lies in exchanging and understanding our clients’ needs. We know that every brand has a specific identity and universe, and our mission is to translate that into our images. That is why every project begins with an in-depth conversation: understanding the brand’s identity, the message to be conveyed, and the communication goals. These exchanges allow us to design a tailor-made artistic direction and structure our visual approach.

Moreover, some clients want specific retouching, while others prefer a more raw, natural look. We adapt our methods according to these expectations to deliver packshots and images that precisely meet their needs. This flexibility is essential in our work because it allows us to stay true to each brand’s vision while bringing our technical expertise.

Set Preparation: A Work of Patience and Technique

Before each shoot, set preparation is a key moment. We review every detail: object positioning, light adjustment, choice of angle… everything must be perfect. Depending on the product, this may require a minimalist background or a more elaborate staging. For example, luxury products require staging that highlights sophistication without distracting from the product itself.

We also pay particular attention to the cleanliness and appearance of the object. A speck of dust, a fingerprint, or a slight flaw can divert the viewer’s eye and affect the perception of quality. In some cases, we work with hand models or accessories to contextualize the product, especially for everyday objects or beauty products.

The Shoot: Balancing Technique and Creativity

When everything is ready, we move on to the shoot. This moment demands a combination of technique and creativity because it is about capturing the best angle—the one that will reveal the object at its best. We sometimes experiment with several angles and settings to find the ideal viewpoint. This is a demanding process because even the slightest change in angle or lighting can completely transform the final result.

We often use advanced shooting techniques such as focus stacking, which consists of combining several images to achieve perfect sharpness across the entire depth of the object. This is particularly useful for complex objects like watches or high-precision products, where every detail counts.

Retouching: Perfecting Every Detail

Retouching is an essential step that allows us to refine each image and prepare it for distribution. At Rétines, we take a personalized approach to retouching: every image is carefully analyzed to identify necessary adjustments, whether it’s correcting a color, eliminating an unwanted reflection, or adjusting the lighting using tools like Photoshop.

For some products, we enhance contrasts or sharpness to highlight details. In other cases, retouching is more subtle, preserving a natural look while enhancing the aesthetic appeal. This step ensures that each visual meets the client’s expectations and is ready to be used across all types of media, whether e-commerce sites, catalogs, or advertising campaigns.

The Impact of Our Work: More Than Just an Image

Object photography has a direct impact on product perception and brand reputation. At Rétines, we know that every image helps create a first impression and influences purchasing decisions. That’s why we fully commit to each project with the goal of delivering visuals that capture attention, spark interest, and build consumer trust.

Our work goes far beyond mere technical execution. It is a commitment to translating the essence of a product into an image, respecting the brand’s values and captivating the audience’s gaze. We are proud to contribute, in our own way, to our clients’ success by providing high-quality visuals designed to maximize their impact and visibility.

Conclusion

Being an object photographer at Rétines means combining technical skill, creativity, and attentive listening to meet each client’s expectations and enhance their products. This demanding profession is also a source of satisfaction: every project is an opportunity to create unique images that reflect our passion for detail and our commitment to excellence. Every day, we strive to go beyond simple photography by offering visuals that make a lasting impression and fully showcase the product.