Shadows in Jewelry Photography

Give more shine to your jewelry products on the web! For a long time photographers specialized in product images have seen the shadows as an unattractive effect, but the truth is that if you apply shadows correctly, the result can be very positive, for your jewelry images too. There are some ways to apply them, but keep in mind that the product should always look as it is. Choose a type of shadow from those we will show you in this guide and apply it to all your images. This way, your images will look consistent and clean in your product listings. Do we start

1. Natural shadow

When jewelry photography is taken, it is very difficult to create a natural shadow with only light effects. In this case, the editing techniques are ideal for creating them and giving the desired appearance to the piece. If you are not an expert in Photoshop, do not worry!

First, start with a layer that contains the image you want to modify, and then another layer, with a white background, but placed behind the other. Now, select the white area of ​​your product image to mask the piece. Be sure to polish the edges so that there is a smooth transition to the bottom.

Select a small portion around the bottom of your piece. This will be the darkest part of the jewel. Polish the edges carefully to create a curved, very soft appearance. Now, apply a dark tone to that setting to create a dark oval under the piece.

Select a "talk bubble" to the right of your product and gently polish the item. Create a curved layer, and darken it to match your little shadow.

Finally, brush your adjustments to give a smooth transition from dark to black. Then adjust the opacity if necessary to make the image more realistic.

2. Reflective shadow

If you want your images to look more attractive and feel the environment around them, then you must choose a reflective shadow. This will make your product look like it has perched on a reflective surface, like a mirror. How do you see this type of shadow applied to your products?


First, add a layer that includes your product and then one with a white background, behind the other. Now, select the blank area around the piece to mask the piece, and separate it from the bottom. Final step: polish the edge of the product so that a smooth color change is seen towards what is behind. Shadow Creation Service.

Duplicate your layer with the product and change one to vertical format so that a mirror effect of the original layer is seen. Position it directly below the other layer.

Add a gradient gradient mask to your reflective layer so it looks like it is blurring on the floor. Now, add a little blur to your reflective layer so that it differs slightly from the original.

Last step, make your piece of jewelry stand out much more realistically. Add a small shadow under the product, adding a curved effect and make it darker. This will make the piece appear to be well seeded.

3. Parallel shadow

Most jewelry is photographed from the bottom up. For this type of images it is advisable to use a parallel shadow to create a light effect that enters the product. Are you interested in trying this type of shadow in your product images?


First start with a layer that contains the image of the product and one with the white background, placing it behind the first. Now, select the white area around the product to isolate the piece from the bottom. Finally, soften the edges so that there is a more subtle transition to the bottom.

Duplicate the layer with the product and select the product. Apply 50% gray to the selection you have made.

Next, apply a blurry effect and create simulates how you wish your shadows to look - more intense and dramatic or soft, very subtle.

Finally, create a mask on your shadow, in your shadow layer and apply the tool with the brush, to soften the contour of the top and bottom of the product. Here you will see that there is shade only in the area of ​​the product that is seated on the ground. This helps make the jewel you chose to photograph look more real.