Insights into Watch Photography Techniques and International Customer Service

In the world of photography, watch photography is a niche field that requires a high level of professionalism and attention to detail. Shangse Photography Design Studio, founded in Guangzhou, China in 2006, has been specializing in watch photography for over a decade. Despite maintaining a small team of 3-5 people, the studio has become increasingly refined and adept at watch photography, which now accounts for over 80% of their business. In this interview, we speak with Mr. Huang, a representative from the studio to gain insights into the unique characteristics of watch photography, the key steps in the process, and how they provide international customer service for microbrand watch companies.

Can you introduce the name, background, scale, and expertise of your photography studio?

Our studio is called Shangse Photography Design Studio, founded in Guangzhou, China in 2006. Over the past decade, we have not grown in scale but have become increasingly refined, maintaining a team of 3-5 people. From the beginning, we have been involved in portrait and product photography, advertising posters, product catalog design, and more. After two to three years of development, I found that watch photography, which requires patience, meticulousness, and concentration, is better suited for my quiet personality. After years of focusing on it, we have become adept at watch photography, which now accounts for over 80% of our business.

Watch photography differs greatly from regular photography and requires a higher level of professionalism. Can you describe the main characteristics of watch photography and why it is not easy?

A watch has reflective surfaces and different materials on the band and other parts, with important structural details on the dial. Therefore, flexible use of light is necessary to capture the texture and characteristics of the watch itself. Additionally, watches are relatively small, and even minor changes in the background or angle can affect the lighting and make it difficult to capture the watch's features accurately. It requires a lot of patience and keen observation to take good photos.

Moreover, when shooting a full page of watches, photographers are required to create different atmospheres for different types of watches. For example, luxury watches require a luxurious atmosphere, while sports watches require a youthful and dynamic effect. Especially when shooting the former, not only do we need to clearly reflect the various mechanical pointers on the watch, but we also need to capture the value of expensive materials such as diamonds and platinum. Therefore, watch photography requires a higher level of professionalism than other types of photography.

In the process of watch photography, which steps are the most critical? They say that photography is the art of light, and watch photography is no exception. Lighting is the most critical aspect of watch photography, and photographers need to carefully observe and understand the specific characteristics of the watch to accurately control and use the light.

Can your studio provide photography services for small microbrand companies? Can you introduce the charging method and service steps?

Of course, we can. Now that it is the internet age, logistics are very convenient. We have always provided photography services to microband companies outside of China. Our charging method is to pay a 30% deposit when placing an order, and the full payment is made after the photos are taken and the product is returned. The service steps are as follows: Communicate and confirm the shooting requirements and costs - the customer sends the product - after receiving the product, communicate again to confirm the specific shooting requirements and angles - arrange the shooting and retouching - deliver the photos - the customer pays the remaining balance - return the product.

How can overseas customers pay? What is the usual photography cycle?

Overseas customers can choose to pay through Payoneer, WeChat, or Alipay. The photography cycle depends on the number of photos taken. Generally, for around 20 photos, it takes about two weeks from receiving the product to delivering the photos.

Finally, how can a microbrand watch company reach you?
 We can be reached at Chinese phone number: 13694201902 (same number for WeChat), portfolio website: https://ssss168.zcool.com.cn/

Thank you for accepting our interview!