05 / SHADOW CREATION
Shadow creation for product images with depth.
Our shadow creation service adds depth to product cut-outs for ecommerce catalogues. Choose a natural contact shadow, drop shadow or reflection, with direction, softness and strength matched to your approved reference.
THE FINISH YOU NEED
Care in every detail.
- Soft drop shadows
- Natural contact shadows
- Reflection effects
- Consistent lighting direction across a batch
PREPARE YOUR PROJECT
What to send
Send the cut-out or original photograph and a reference for shadow style. Specify the background, placement, output size, and whether background removal is also required.
Your finished files
Receive finished JPG or PNG images. Layered PSD files with separate shadow layers can be supplied when agreed.
SELECT THE EFFECT
Shadow creation suited to the product and surface.
A contact shadow helps a product sit naturally on a background. A drop shadow suggests separation from the surface, while a reflection creates the appearance of a mirrored base. The right choice depends on the product, camera angle and style of your catalogue.
Share a reference showing the direction of light, the softness of the edge and the strength of the shadow. These details help define the effect before editing and guide consistency across product views.
KEEP THE BRIEF CLEAR
Specify isolation and shadow work separately.
Send an existing cut-out or tell us if the original background also needs removing. Include the required background colour and product placement. If the original photograph has a usable shadow, explain whether you want it retained, refined or replaced.
Choose finished JPG or PNG output for placement into your catalogue. Request a layered PSD with a separate shadow layer if your team needs to adapt the effect later. Confirm these versions, the image quantity and your deadline when requesting a quote.
CLEAR SCOPE. CLEAR PRICING.
Shadows from $0.50 per image.
Drop shadows start at $0.50, reflections at $0.75 and natural shadows at $1.00 per image. Background removal and other combined edits are quoted separately. Send representative files so we can confirm the total price, delivery date and revision arrangements before work begins.
Share your files
Include image quantity, a reference style and your required deadline.
Agree the work
Confirm the output, total price and schedule in a written quote.
Keep things moving
Review your files and use the approved style for future batches.
SHADOW CREATION QUESTIONS
Select a shadow style that fits the intended image.
Send representative files for advice on scope, output and a confirmed quote.
What is the difference between shadow styles?
A drop shadow suggests separation from the background, a natural contact shadow grounds the product, and a reflection creates a mirrored surface effect. We agree the style from your reference.
Can you keep the original shadow?
When the source image allows it, we can discuss preserving or refining the existing shadow. Otherwise, we can create a suitable replacement for the agreed background.
Can shadows match across a product range?
Send an approved reference showing direction, softness and strength. We use it to guide a consistent style across your image set.
What should I check in a shadow sample?
Review the sample on the background where the image will be used. Check that the shadow meets the product at the correct contact points, follows the intended light direction and has the softness shown in your reference. Compare related product views before approving the style for a batch.
Should I request separate versions for different backgrounds?
Tell us about each intended background before quoting. A shadow approved on white may need a different treatment on a coloured layout. Specify whether you need finished images or editable layers, and list any additional versions in the brief so their scope and price can be confirmed.
ONE PROJECT OR A REGULAR WORKFLOW
Let’s look at your images.
Tell us what a great result looks like for your brand.