How do you choose between focus stacking and HDR for product photography?

1 What is focus stacking?

Focus stacking is a technique that combines multiple images taken at different focus points to create a single image with a larger depth of field. This means that more parts of your product will be in sharp focus, even if they are at different distances from the camera. Focus stacking is especially useful for small or detailed products, such as jewelry, watches, or flowers, where you want to show the texture and features of the product without losing any details.

2 What is HDR?

HDR stands for high dynamic range, and it is a technique that merges multiple images taken at different exposure levels to create a single image with a wider range of tones and colors. This means that you can capture more details in the shadows and highlights of your product, without overexposing or underexposing any areas. HDR is especially useful for products that have a lot of contrast, such as metal, glass, or leather, where you want to show the reflections and shine of the product without washing out or darkening any parts.

3 Pros and cons of focus stacking

Focus stacking has many advantages for product photography, such as creating a crisp and clear image regardless of the aperture or lens used, avoiding diffraction, and giving more creative control over the focus and composition. However, it requires more time and effort as multiple shots are needed to be taken of the product at different focus points and then aligned and blended in a software program. Additionally, focus stacking may not work well for products with moving parts or elements, such as liquids, fabrics, or hair, as they may change position or shape between shots. It may also create artifacts or errors in the final image if the shots are not aligned or blended properly, such as halos, ghosting, or gaps.

4 Pros and cons of HDR

HDR offers many advantages when it comes to product photography, as it can help create a realistic and balanced image with more details and colors in the highlights and shadows. It can also help you overcome the limitations of your camera sensor, giving you more flexibility and options in editing and processing. However, HDR requires more skill and judgment to get the right exposure settings and bracketing range, plus adjustments to the tone mapping and blending. It may not work well with products that have a lot of movement or variation in the lighting, and it may create unnatural or exaggerated effects if the tone mapping or blending is not done carefully.

5 How to choose between focus stacking and HDR

Deciding between focus stacking and HDR for product photography is dependent on various factors, such as the type and size of the product, the style and mood of the image, the lighting and background, the equipment and software available, and the time and budget for the shoot. Generally speaking, focus stacking is best for creating sharp images with a large depth of field and consistent exposure for smaller, intricate products. On the other hand, HDR is ideal for creating realistic, balanced images with a wide dynamic range and varied exposure for larger, contrasty products. If you want to create a creative image with depth and contrast, you can experiment with both techniques to combine focus and exposure effects.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?