Step 1: Removing Background Using the Pen Tool

The first step in retouching product photos is to isolate the product from its background. This is especially important for a clean, professional look in product photography.

1.1 Open Your Image

• Launch Adobe Photoshop CC 2021.
• Open your product image by going to File > Open and selecting the file from your computer.

1.2 Select the Pen Tool

• Select the Pen Tool from the toolbar on the left or press P on your keyboard.

1.3 Create a Path Around the Product

• Carefully click around the edges of the product to create anchor points. This will form a path outlining your product.
• For curved edges, click and drag to adjust the curve of the path.
• Continue this process until you have enclosed the entire product.

1.4 Close the Path and Make a Selection

• To close the path, click on the first anchor point.
• Right-click inside the path and select Make Selection. In the dialog box that appears, set the Feather Radius to 0 pixels and click OK.

1.5 Remove the Background

• With the selection active, press Ctrl + J (Windows) or Cmd + J (Mac) to duplicate the selection onto a new layer.
• Hide or delete the original background layer to reveal the isolated product.

Step 2: Color Correction

Color correction is essential to ensure the product appears true-to-life and appealing.

2.1 Open the Adjustments Panel

• Go to Window > Adjustments to open the Adjustments Panel.

2.2 Levels Adjustment

• Click on the Levels icon in the Adjustments Panel.
• Adjust the shadows, midtones, and highlights sliders to enhance the contrast and brightness of the image.

2.3 Color Balance

• Click on the Color Balance icon in the Adjustments Panel.
• Adjust the sliders for Shadows, Midtones, and Highlights to correct the color balance. This ensures that the product’s colors are accurate and vibrant.

2.4 Hue/Saturation

• Click on the Hue/Saturation icon in the Adjustments Panel.
• Adjust the Hue, Saturation, and Lightness sliders to fine-tune the overall color tone of the product.

Step 3: Retouching Using the Clone Stamp Tool

Retouching helps to remove any imperfections and ensure the product looks flawless.

3.1 Select the Clone Stamp Tool

• Select the Clone Stamp Tool from the toolbar or press S on your keyboard.

3.2 Set the Source Point

• Hold down the Alt key (Windows) or Option key (Mac) and click on the area you want to sample from. This should be a clean, unblemished part of the product.

3.3 Paint Over Imperfections

• Release the Alt/Option key and click or drag over the imperfections you want to remove.
• Repeat this process, resampling as necessary, until all imperfections are retouched.

Step 4: Resizing and Cropping

Finally, resizing and cropping the image ensures it meets the specific requirements for its intended use, whether it’s for a website, social media, or print.

4.1 Resize the Image

• Go to Image > Image Size.
• In the dialog box, set the desired dimensions. Make sure the Constrain Proportions and Resample options are checked.
• Click OK to resize the image.

4.2 Crop the Image

• Select the Crop Tool from the toolbar or press C on your keyboard.
• Drag the corners or edges to adjust the crop boundaries to your desired composition.
• Press Enter to apply the crop.

4.3 Save Your Final Image

• Go to File > Save As to save your retouched image.
• Choose the desired format (JPEG, PNG, etc.) and save your file with a new name to preserve the original.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can efficiently retouch product photos in Photoshop CC 2021, even in 2023. Removing the background, performing color correction, retouching imperfections, and resizing and cropping are essential techniques that ensure your product images are professional and ready for use in any digital or print medium. Practice these skills to enhance your workflow and achieve stunning results in your product photography.

Happy editing!