Can photo cutout services be used for product photography? Yes. It helps to create a high-quality photo. Moreover, cutout services allow you to remove background, maintain consistency, and save time and money.
The bottom line is you can use a cutout photo editing service to get professional product photos. But, as a photographer or business owner, you must understand how, when, and where to use this service.
Uses of A Photo Cutout Service to Edit Product Photos
A high-quality photo cutout service helps product photography achieve its goal.
Some uses of a photo cutout service are given below:
- To create a clean and flawless photo.
- Can attract potential customers and make them buy the product.
- Eye-catching product photos to generate sales.
- To remove the subject from the background.
- Building brand credibility.
- Save time, effort, and money.
Categories of Cutout Services for Product Photography
Different image editing agencies offer different categories of image cutout services. However, the leading product photo editing agency, Clipping World, provides the following services:
| Features | Basic Photo Cutout | Simple Photo Cutout | Medium Photo Cutout | Complex Photo Cutout |
| Complexity | This category is for simple shaped images. Images having less or no holes are suitable for this service. | Products having simple curves and holes are ideal for this category. These images require more anchor points than basic cutout service. | Product images having multiple holes and curves require more anchor points to make a selection. | Images with complex shapes, multiple holes, curves, and embedded transparencies need complex cutout service. |
| Types of images: | Balls, mobiles, eggs, mice, watches, etc. | Mug, t-shirt, shoes, camera, cap, etc. | A group of clothes, shoes, people, etc. | A bicycle, a Christmas tree, chains, a bucket of flowers, etc. |
| Turnaround | Requires less time to complete. | Require more time than basic cutout service | Requires more time than a basic and simple method to select the subject precisely. | Complex cutout services need the maximum time to choose the area of the image. |
| Price | $0.25 | $0.45 | $0.89 | $1.50 |
How to Edit A Product Photo Using Photo Cutout Techniques
Cutting out a product photo requires expertise in this field. Here, I will be using Photoshop tools to select the subject. Then, I will take the subject to a transparent background.
Object Selection Method in Photoshop
The Subject Selection Method is the easiest way to cut out your product photos. Here is a step-by-step guide for changing the background of a product photo using the Subject Selection Method in Photoshop.
Step 1 – Open Adobe Photoshop
Go to Adobe Photoshop. Now open your raw file by navigating File > Open and select the product photo you want to edit.
Step 2 – Duplicate Background Layers
Now duplicate the background layer. So, the original photo will remain safe. To duplicate the background layer, right-click on the background layer from the layers panel. Then, select Duplicate Layer.
Step 3 – Object Selection Tool
You will get an Object Selection Tool in the toolbar on the left. Also, it may nested under the Magic Wand tool.
Now click and drag around your product. Photoshop will automatically make a selection of the subject. Then, take a close look at the product. Ensure that the selection covers the entire product.
Step 4 – Ensure A Clean Selection
Now, refine the selection if it is necessary. Use the Select and Mask option in the options bar at the top of the screen to refine the edges. This tool allows you to adjust the selection’s smoothness, feathering, contrast, and shift edge to ensure a clean selection. Hit OK if the selection is satisfactory.
Step 5 – New Transparent Background Layer
Click ctrl+j to take the subject to a new transparent background layer. So, you have got your product photo cutout. You can save this as a PNG file. Or change the background.
Step 6 – Change The Background
To change the background, take a new layer. Then navigate Adjustment Layer>Solid Color. Choose the color and click OK. Make sure the new layer is placed above the cutout photo layer.
Step 7 – Save The Image
Save the image by going to File>Save As.
Using Quick Selection Tool
The Quick Selection tool allows you to select the product in the photo easily. In the toolbar on the left, you choose the Quick Selection Tool. It looks like a brush with a dotted circle around it. Now, there are some options in the option bar. You can adjust the size of the brush according to your requirements.
Then, you have to click and drag the Quick Selection Tool. Thus, you can make a selection with the help of Photoshop AI. If the selection is unsatisfactory, refine it again using the Select and Mask option.
Using the Pen Tool
The first two tools of the Photoshop image cutout are for the basic images. The pen tools are practical for more complex shapes. However, using the Photoshop pen tool is a challenging task. You have to be patient while using this tool. Here is how to use this tool:
Step 1: Use The Pen Tool
In the toolbar on the left, select the Pen Tool. It looks like a pen nib. Ensure the “Path” option is selected in the tool options bar at the top of the screen.
Step 2: Zoom Tool in Image
Zoom into the image to get a precise view of the edges. Use ‘Ctrl +’ [‘Cmd +’ on Mac] to zoom in and ‘Ctrl -’ [‘Cmd -’ on Mac] to zoom out.
Step 3: Click On The Edge of The Product
Now, click on the edge of the product you want to select to create an anchor point. Click and drag to create curved lines. And place additional anchor points along the edges of the product.
Step 4: Now Repeat The Process
Repeat this process and reach the initial point covering the edges of the products. Thus, the path will be completed.
Step 5: Make Selection
Now right-click on the image and select Make Selection. Click ‘ctrl +j’ to take the selected product to a transparent background.
Step 6: Save The Cutout Photo
Delete the background layer and save the cutout photo in PNG format.
Things That You Should Consider Before Hiring A Photo Editing Agency
You can use a photo cutout service for your product photography. But you must require a professional to cut out images for you. You have to outsource photo cutout services to get your required images. But how can you find an expert editor?
Here are the things that you should consider before hiring a photo editing agency:
A. Determine Your Requirements
Determine the volume of cutout images you need. Then, determine the specific requirements for each image, such as background removal, retouching, or additional editing services. Also, clearly define your quality standards to the editor.
B. Ask for Recommendations from Colleagues
Your colleagues and local network who have worked with an image editing agency can give a review about the cutout service providers. Then research yourself and make a shortlist. You should consider factors like experience, client reviews, and portfolio quality.
C. Review Portfolios and Samples
Then, you have to evaluate and review the work samples of shortlisted service providers. Take a precise look at the portfolio. So you can understand if the quality of cutout editing is perfect for your project.
D. Negotiate Terms and Pricing
This part is crucial for you. If you think the company can provide the required images, clearly outline the following terms of service; deadlines, revisions, confidentiality and payment terms. Moreover, negotiate the pricing based on the work volume and complexity of the image. Make sure that there are no hidden charges.
Final Thoughts
A photo cutout service is vital to level up your product photography career. If you are a business owner, a high-quality product photo cut-out service is a must to generate sales.
You can use this service to remove the background and highlight the product to improve the overall outlook of the image. You can edit your images by using simple, medium, or complex image cut-out services.
However, you can edit your images using the three-image cut-out method. Yet you need to hire an expert for professional photos. Clipping is the leading product photo editing service provider. You can contact this agency for required image editing services.
FAQs | Photo Cutout Service For Product Photography
What Is Product Photography Called?
Product photography is a particular genre of photography. Here, the editors capture high-resolution photos of the product. The product can be from the medicine industry, cosmetic industry, or a real estate agency. The purpose is to create eye-catching images.
How Do You Make Product Photos Look Professional?
Photo cutout techniques allow us to make product photos professional. You must remove the background, retouch the image, and create a perfect composition for high-quality product photos.
What Is Cutout Style?
The expert editors use different photo cutout techniques for professional photographs. In this regard, the experts use different image selection tools like object selection tools, clipping paths, and image masking.
