Locking Settings for Catalog Shoots, Done Properly
Fixing camera, lens and lighting settings so every product in a catalog shoot looks consistent.
Imogen Clarke
The key figures
- Manual exposure
- prevents automatic changes between shots
- Fixed white balance
- keeps color consistent
- Fixed focal length
- keeps perspective consistent
- Overlays
- Capture One can overlay reference images during tethered shooting
Why this is worth getting right
Small setting changes create inconsistent brightness, color and perspective across a catalog.
Do this, not that
Do
- Set manual exposure and white balance
- Lock tripod and lens positions
- Use tethered overlays for alignment
- Record settings for future shoots
- Check color targets during long sessions
Don’t
- Auto modes on catalog shoots
- Changing lenses mid-set
- Moving lights without recording
- Skipping periodic checks
When to bring in help
Our advice Bring in help when catalogs are shot over several sessions.
Where this comes from
- Capture One — Tethered capture documentation
- Adobe Help Center — Photography basics
The figures and practices above come from the sources listed.
Working on something like this?
We take on Photography & Product Visuals work for teams who want it done once, properly. Tell us what you are building and we will tell you honestly whether we are the right studio for it. Start a project.
Where to go next
Spotted something wrong? Report an error on this page. We correct on the page and say what changed.
