Hey everyone!

It’s been a minute, but I’m excited to dive into a topic that has really shaped my approach to creative photography: graphical elements.

Whether you’re looking to enhance product imagery, refine backgrounds, or add a surreal touch to your work, incorporating digital elements can take your photos to the next level.

I’ve always been inspired by graphic design, and whenever possible, I love blending those elements into photography to create something unique. Here are a few ways you can experiment with graphical elements to make your imagery stand out.

1. Digitize a Prop or Background

One of the simplest ways to introduce graphical elements into photography is by digitally refining a prop or background. You may already be doing this without realizing it! The idea is to take a real-world object and manipulate it in post-production so that it seamlessly integrates into a stylized, digital aesthetic.

For example, if a backdrop has texture inconsistencies or a prop’s color doesn’t quite match a brand’s aesthetic, you can smooth it out, recolor it, or enhance it digitally to achieve a polished, cohesive look. This technique is especially useful when working with branding shoots where color precision is key.

Take a look at an example where I digitized a prop for a client project. Instead of manually painting and sanding the background to perfection, I refined it in Photoshop, adding gradients and subtle shadows to maintain realism while giving it a more stylized, high-end finish.

2. Create a Digital Pattern

If you want to inject more personality into your imagery, designing custom digital patterns is a great way to do it. Patterns don’t just have to be confined to backgrounds—you can overlay them on surfaces, props, or even integrate them into reflections to add an extra layer of visual interest.

While you can physically paint or construct patterns for your set, sometimes it’s easier (and more flexible) to add them digitally. This allows you to experiment with different designs without committing to a permanent setup. Plus, you can control how shadows and textures interact with the pattern, making it look more natural in the final composition.

3. Add Surreal Elements

If you’re looking to push the boundaries of traditional product photography, adding surreal elements is a fun way to do it. Whether it’s inserting clouds into a mirror reflection, simulating a poolside setting with a digital water effect, or subtly enhancing an environment to make it more immersive, surreal edits help transform your images into something unexpected and visually striking.

For example, in a recent shoot, I wanted to emphasize a dreamy nighttime aesthetic, so I digitally added dusk clouds into a mirror reflection. The key to making these additions work is blending—softening edges, adjusting lighting, and ensuring that the new element interacts naturally with the existing scene.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating graphical elements into photography opens up endless creative possibilities. Whether you’re refining props, introducing digital patterns, or embracing surrealism, these techniques allow you to craft images that feel intentional, stylized, and uniquely yours.

I’ll be sharing more in Part 2 next month, diving deeper into advanced techniques for graphical enhancements in photography. Until then, I’d love to hear your thoughts—do you incorporate digital elements into your work? Let’s connect over on Instagram or Threads!

Is it golden hour yet?

Andrew Fein