How to Quickly Make a Background White in Photoshop for Product Photography (Video)
In this video we will be learning how to quickly change a background from a dull grey colour to a completely white background in Photoshop which is so important for product photography shots.
In order to create this white background, we will be using the Replace Color function in Photoshop which will help us quickly put up a flawless white color which will replace the dull grey colour.
Learning how to make a white background in Photoshop is a very important skill because it enables you to get away with a budget setup while doing product photography.
LINK TO OUR PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE (available via Udemy.com)
Product Photography for Beginners
Video Summary
This video shows you how to transform a dull, off-white background into a pure RGB white background (255, 255, 255) for professional product photography.
Summary of the Workflow
- Initial Selection: The process begins by duplicating the original layer to preserve the source image. The core tool used is Replace Color, found under Image > Adjustments [00:53].
- Targeting the Background: Using the eyedropper within the Replace Color tool, you select the “bad” gray background color [01:11]. The Fuzziness slider helps refine the selection to ensure most of the background is targeted without affecting the subject too aggressively [01:50].
- Converting to White: By simply raising the Lightness slider to the maximum, the selected gray tones are converted into pure white [02:24].
- Refining the Subject: Since the “Replace Color” adjustment often affects the product itself (especially see-through items like bottles), a Layer Mask is applied [02:50]. The instructor uses the Select Subject tool to create an accurate selection of the bottle [03:43] and then paints with a black brush on the mask to restore the bottle’s original details [04:01].
- Edge Smoothing: To make the transition between the product and the new white background look realistic, a slight Feather is applied to the mask edges [04:32].
- Verification: The instructor confirms the result by checking the RGB values, ensuring they have reached the industry-standard 255, 255, 255 required for e-commerce websites [06:12].
