Cyclist Still Life Photography
Secteur : Sport
Client : Shimano Bike
Studio still life photography for Shimano: spotlighting the Shimano 105 crankset and XC7 shoe. Graphic shots with enhanced textures.
Still Life de Produit de Sport
Project Details
Client Context
Shimano is a global leader in bicycle component manufacturing, renowned for its technical innovations and commitment to quality. Across its road, MTB, and gravel ranges, the Japanese brand combines performance, ergonomics, and design.
For its product communications, Shimano commissioned Rétines to create two still life visuals to showcase two iconic references: a Shimano 105 crankset and an XC7 cycling shoe.
Shooting Objectives
- Highlight the textures and technical materials (carbon, aluminum, mesh…) within an elegant, graphic studio setting.
- Use precise, directional lighting to emphasize the products’ relief and sculptural qualities.
- Produce two premium images suitable for web, print, or internal presentations.
Challenges & Constraints
- Complex materials to photograph: reflections on matte black surfaces, polished metal components…
- Find a balance between technical accuracy and aesthetic appeal, avoiding a typical catalog look.
- Carefully manage shadow modeling to maintain readability, contrast, and depth.
Result
A pair of striking visuals that play with textures and shadows to showcase Shimano’s technical excellence. The crankset is captured in motion from a dramatic overhead perspective, while the shoe is positioned at a dynamic angle that highlights its asymmetrical design and BOA® closure systems. Two images that convey the brand’s spirit of performance and industrial elegance.
Let’s discuss
Still life product photography highlights technical details and high-end finishes of equipment. For a brand like Shimano, every component reflects precise craftsmanship, and it is essential that this is conveyed in the images. Through this project, Rétines implemented a clean and effective artistic direction: black background, low-angle lighting, and minimalist staging to focus attention on the object. The Shimano 105 crankset, emblematic of the road range, was shot from above with a slight motion blur to evoke the dynamics of cycling. The XC7 shoe, designed for MTB, is captured at an angle that emphasizes its structure and technologies (stiff sole, BOA systems, micro-perforated finish). This type of product photography goes beyond a simple packshot: it makes a technical object desirable by giving it strong visual presence. Rétines supports sports and technical brands in creating impactful images at the intersection of design and performance.