Product Image Creation Using Virtual Production
It’s possible to create realistic backgrounds for lifestyle images using digital techniques – here we’re talking about virtual production.
Virtual production has been around in various forms for years, and brands are learning how to use it for their product photography. The technique photographs the product in front of a digital screen that displays a background image. The aim is to blend the foreground setup with the digital background.
Use of additional monitors, reflectors, and lighting set ups improve the quality of the photograph. The skill is in refining the image to create a composition that would be true to reality.
Watch our team take on a virtual production project at our studios, using AI to generate a background image. They then photograph whisky bottles in front of the screen for our client.
Why Choose Virtual Production?
The biggest advantage is the cost savings. A similar lifestyle photography project may need a set to be built, or suitable location to be sourced and hired.
A large number of varied shots can be produced quicker than traditional methods. Changing the background is easy during a shoot. Therefore, a product range could be photographed in multiple settings without a dramatic increase in costs.
The clever technique is perfect for tabletop products, food & drink brands, and creative marketing teams looking to achieve quick impact. Short video clips are possible, as well as introducing hand models to interact with the product.
When Might A Room Set Be Better?
Not all projects are a good fit for virtual production.
Big products are more difficult in virtual production as they require a larger screen display. For example, furniture would be better suited to a built set or CGI. The same may apply to long-form videos needing larger backgrounds to accommodate movement.
Despite some limitations, virtual production is a creative way to generate lifestyle images and videos for use across marketing channels. Our production team can recommend if virtual production would be a good fit for your brand.
