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To photograph ceramic pieces effectively for catalogs and print, begin by establishing a repeatable studio setup that can be replicated with ease. Choose a neutral backdrop that minimizes reflections while allowing the glaze and form to take center stage. Invest in a stable tripod, a prime or versatile zoom lens, and a calibrated color target to ensure consistency across shoots. Control ambient light by using a large diffusion panel or softboxes. Maintain a consistent subject distance and camera height for each batch, so that the overall catalog presents a harmonious grid of images. Document your workflow in a simple checklist to avoid missing critical steps between shoots.

When selecting lighting for ceramics, prioritize soft, diffused light that flatters glaze texture without washing out tonal variation. Position two main lights at 45-degree angles to the front, with a gentle fill from the opposite side to reduce harsh shadows. Use a light tent or scrim to soften reflections on glossy surfaces, and consider a chrome or white reflector to bounce subtle highlights onto raised details. A third light can illuminate the base or interior for depth, but keep it low to prevent hot spots. Regularly check color temperature and white balance during shoots to preserve faithful color rendition.

The color accuracy of ceramic photography hinges on accurate white balance and calibrated targets in every frame. Start by shooting a gray card or color checker at the beginning of each session, then adjust exposure and white balance to align with the target under your chosen lighting. Lock these settings as you move between pieces to maintain uniformity. When possible, shoot in RAW so you can refine color and luminance without degrading data. Avoid relying on in-camera presets that may drift between shots. After capture, compare a test crop to your catalog reference to confirm that skin tones, glaze hues, and clay tones align with expectations.

Props and backgrounds should complement the ceramics rather than distract from them. Choose simple, tactile props such as wooden boards, stone slabs, or linen textiles that echo the material’s warmth without introducing color conflicts. Elevate the product by using a minimal stand or pedestal that lifts the piece into the frame while preserving a sense of scale. Consider angling products slightly to reveal interior form or foot rings. Keep props consistent across shots, documenting exact colors, textures, and heights so your catalog presents a cohesive, professional look. Finally, maintain a clean workspace to prevent dust from becoming visible in high-resolution images.

Composition rules for ceramics can guide viewers to appreciate form and surface. Use the rule of thirds to place focal features such as handles, rims, or foot rings along imaginary intersecting lines. Shoot both straight-on and angled perspectives to reveal the vessel’s silhouette and interior. Be mindful of rim shadows and glaze spills that can distract if misaligned. Shoot at multiple distances to supply editors with close-ups and wider context for catalogs. Maintain consistent margins and framing across the sequence so the viewer experiences a steady rhythm while scanning the catalog. Review each image’s balance before moving to the next piece.

Shoot with macro-level attention to glaze texture, brushwork, and imperfections that add authenticity. Gentle side lighting will highlight subtle crackles, lace patterns, and matt glazes, while a softer fill helps avoid flattening dimensional features. If the piece has a busy pattern, lean toward tighter crops that isolate key details while preserving overall shape. Create a standardized set of crop marks and aspect ratios, so editors can assemble pages quickly. Use a tethered workflow to preview color and composition on a calibrated monitor, enabling rapid adjustments. Keep a catalog of metadata for every shot, including glaze type, firing temperature, and year.

Beyond lighting, the camera setup itself can influence perceived color and texture. Use a mid-range focal length to minimize perspective distortion and keep lines straight. A slight upward or downward tilt can reveal base details or interior curvature that would be invisible from a straight-on shot. Enable a modest depth of field to keep the entire surface in focus while preserving a soft background. If working with tiny pieces, consider a macro lens but maintain a generous working distance to avoid distortion. Regularly check for lens flare and reflections, which can obscure glaze nuances. Clean all surfaces and props to prevent stray reflections from compromising the shot.

A systematic shooting order helps maintain consistency across a catalog project. Start with neutral, single-color glaze pieces and progress to more complex surfaces, noting any color shifts mid-session. Maintain the same sequence of poses for each item so editors can compare images easily. Create a shared shot list that outlines required perspectives, dimensions, and crop specifications. Use a consistent file-naming convention and folder structure. Archive RAW files with embedded metadata, then generate small preview thumbnails for quick review. This disciplined approach reduces back-and-forth with clients and speeds up the catalog production timeline.

Color management extends beyond white balance to involve soft-proofing and calibration across devices. Calibrate your monitor and printer to a common color standard, and perform periodic checks against printed proofs. When preparing images for print catalogs, deliver high-resolution TIFFs with embedded color profiles and avoid excessive sharpening that masks glaze subtleties. For social or web previews, create optimized web-ready files with accurate color previews that still reflect print intent. Include a short, consistent caption style that describes the piece’s kiln, glaze family, and finish. Ensure the catalog’s color language remains uniform from page to page, avoiding conflicting swatches.

Finally, develop a routine for post-production that preserves authenticity while ensuring polish. Start with the RAW conversion, correcting any exposure or white balance shifts introduced during shooting. Apply non-destructive edits to adjust contrast and vibrance in a restrained manner. Use localized adjustments sparingly to improve legibility on glossy surfaces without altering true color. Compare your edits against a calibrated print sample to verify hue accuracy. Maintain a consistent global look by reusing presets or editing scripts, then batch-export images with exact dimensions and color profiles. Document any deviations or exceptions for future shoots.

Another crucial aspect is managing reflections and glare which can obscure glaze texture. Adjust the angle of the piece relative to lights to break up persistent hotspots, and use polarizing accessories when possible to reduce specular highlights. If a glossy glaze repeatedly causes trouble, consider a cross-polarized setup or a controlled polarizer on your lens. Monitor highlights by reviewing the histogram and highlight alert tools, ensuring that no detail is clipped in bright areas. Take advantage of soft shadows to enrich the dimensionality of form, especially around rims and bases. Consistency remains the best defense against inconsistent catalog imagery.

Finally, collaboration with designers and printers can elevate the final catalog experience. Share your technical notes, including lighting diagrams, color profiles, and crop guides, so others can reproduce the look accurately. Establish a feedback loop that captures editor input on color fidelity, composition, and readability in print. When possible, test a complete spread under publication conditions to catch any last-minute issues. Document the workflow for new team members, and create a centralized repository of templates and presets. A well-documented process reduces risk, speeds throughput, and ensures every ceramic piece communicates its value clearly.