When it comes to producing clean, professional product images, what happens after the shoot is just as important as what happens in-camera. In this blog post, I will delve into my understanding of post-production, using industry-standard tools like Photoshop, keeping a clear focus on the importance of file handling, simple retouching techniques and how to export high-quality assets ready for print or web.

Some of the most important creative decisions happen during post-production, whether you’re creating e-commerce visuals or stylised campaign shots, mastering these foundations will improve your workflow and produce final images to an elevated standard.  Having a clear step-by-step guide to follow after every shoot will be where your product images can truly shine.

Before beginning the post-production process, still within the Capture One software, export the selected images as TIFs to ensure the quality remains while reducing file space. 

Then, setting up my Photoshop workspace, using the panels as a control hub to adjust everything from layers, adjustments to color and properties. Selecting the ‘Photography’ navigation panel in the Windows tab allows me to view the navigation, so at the top, I can see how zoomed I am into a photo. My history, so in case I make a mistake, I have the ability to go back. Also including the properties, layer and paths panels, where essentially I can see what each layer is doing, adding adjustment layers and being able to edit and make changes to each differing layer.  If you can’t find the panel you’re looking for, go to the Window tab at the top of the screen and tick the box next to the missing panel. This will bring it back into view so you can arrange your workspace according to your editing flow.

When working with layers, it’s important to duplicate the background layer. This ensures that you can apply adjustments, retouch imperfections, or add presets without damaging the original image. Think of layers as transparent sheets stacked on top of your image: 

• Click the lock icon to unlock and freely edit or reposition this base layer, duplicating this layer to ensure that you aren’t working on the background, allowing you to toggle between your edits
• To create a new layer by clicking the new layer icon (square with a folded corner) at the bottom of the Layers panel.

Using the adjustment layer panel to produce non-destructive edits that help you fine-tune your image’s tone and color, such as

• Brightness/Contrast – A quick way to lift shadows or tame highlights.
• Levels – Adjust tonal range using black, mid, and white points.
• Curves – Offers more refined control over shadows, midtones, and highlights via a graph.
• Exposure – Ideal for correcting overall exposure without blowing out details.

These are accessible via the Adjustments panel or Image > Adjustments. Then 

• Merge layers when you’re done to reduce file size, but remember—merging removes the ability to tweak edits later.
  
• Use the eye icon next to each layer to toggle visibility on/off and see the impact of specific edits. 

Some of my favourite tools that I use continuously within my post-production process are 

Sometimes extending this process to include the mask tool, the mask tool allows you to hide or reveal parts of a layer without erasing anything. To add a mask, click the mask icon (rectangle with a circle) in the Layers panel.

• White areas = visible.
  
• Black areas = hidden.
  
• Use a soft brush on the mask to blend elements seamlessly.
  

Masks are especially useful for selective adjustments. 

After finishing the post-production process, being able to export and resize your images is just as important as the edits you make. When you save an image, you’re preserving its full editing potential. This includes layer data, adjustment layers, and masks — all the elements that give you flexibility later. Such formats include:

• PSD / PSB (Photoshop) – Perfect for keeping all your layers intact.
  
• TIFF – A high-quality, lossless format that’s great for retouching and print.
  
• PNG – Supports transparency, good for web use or cutouts.
  
• JPEG – Smaller file sizes, but uses compression, meaning quality loss over time.

Whereas, exporting a file will flatten your image into a final version. Losing your layers, which makes the file lighter but less editable. Common export formats include:

• JPEG / PNG – Great for sharing or web.
  
• GIF / SVG – Used in design or animation.

Once the digital process is complete, resizing the image, needs to be considered if needing to physical print the work for a portfolio or exhibition. Before sending an image to print, deciding on the final dimensions, such as A3 or A1.  In Photoshop, go to Image > Image Size to adjust the size and resolution. Use the dropdown to choose units (e.g., inches or cm), then enter your desired measurements. Ensuring that the resolution is set to 300 dpi for high-quality prints. Or increasing this to 600 dpi for large-format printing. 

Here is a GIF, showing the before and after of one of my most challenging shots to edit. 

Post-production isn’t just about polishing, it is about enhancing and not over-editing. It’s a process of refinement that requires both technical skill and creative intent. By mastering tools like Capture One and Photoshop, you can transform your raw images into professional, high-impact visuals that resonate with audiences likewise.  Whether you’re correcting imperfections, boosting color vibrancy, or perfecting lighting, every retouch brings your product one step closer to its best possible version. Commercial photography doesn’t stop at the shutter, it continues in post-production. Great retouching is subtle, intentional, and always elevates the product’s story.