How To Level Up Your Watch Photography Without Breaking the Bank 

Photographing watches is unlike any other kind of photography. From finding the correct light, to emphasizing details like the crown, numerals or bezel, the subject matter isn’t always easy to capture. We reached out to four professional watch photographers to gather some of their experience, tips and tricks, and insights.

Our pros:

Lydia Winters (@lydiaswatches), a passionate watch collector and renowned photographer, who provides insight on how she both sets up and executes her playful and creative shots.

Tim Vaux (@timvaux), has collaborated with several high-end watch brands, and is a fan of using natural light to emphasize the natural beauty of a watch. 

Morgan Saignes (@morgansaignes), formerly of Fratello Watches and now a freelance photographer working with Omega and Laurent Ferrier, offers his advice on taking sharper images with gear that’s likely already in your house. 

James Kong (@waitlisted), the COO of Fleming (@fleming), emphasizes exploring different perspectives with your watches to unlock new ways of appreciating the subject at hand. 

Want to level up your watch photography? Read on.

EWC: How do you prepare to photograph a new watch? 

JK: “Before photographing an unfamiliar piece, I’ll often spend several minutes turning it over under the light, observing how its different surfaces interact, and looking for interesting angles or features to highlight. Just as how the watches I enjoy the most are those that feel like they were designed to reward observation from every angle, I find the photographs I enjoy the most are those that manage to showcase some less obvious dimension of a watch.”

EWC: How do you make your shots sharp and detailed? 

MS: “With a tripod, you can stabilize your camera and use a much lower shutter speed to make sure enough light is hitting your camera’s sensor. In other words, you can shoot at slower apertures of f8 or f11 for more depth of field while maintaining a low ISO for crisper detail.” 

EWC: Any additional tips for achieving stability? 

MS: “Use the countdown function of your camera or a remote trigger to take your picture. Why? Because physically pressing the shutter of your camera will make it shake. Even the smallest of movements can result in a blurry image. By using a countdown timer, you will leave 5 or 10 seconds for your camera to stop shaking, and by using the remote trigger, you will not even have to touch the camera at all.” 

EWC: How important is the background in watch photography? 

LW: “Try to tell a story with and around your watch. Awesome macro shots are great, but it’s also interesting to think of your image as a small ‘set’ for your watch where you add different elements to the frame. In watch photography, the watch is the star, but that doesn’t mean it has to be alone all the time.” 

EWC: Why do you prefer using natural light? 

TV: “There’s an authentic edge to natural light watch photography that, no matter how good studio photography is, it struggles to match. Whether as a beginner or professional, natural light offers relatability and a broader, personal emotional context. It doesn’t have to be a sunny day, and you don’t typically need extra lighting gear, making it an ideal way to start shooting.” 

EWC: Why is authenticity important in watch photography? 

TV: “For me, authenticity in watch photography is key, especially with the rise of tech such as AI and growing skepticism around what we see online. Being able to explicitly say an image is genuine and shot in natural light builds trust — a crucial factor in watches broadly. Even if the aim is simply to document a collection, find a large window or step outside and start shooting.” 

EWC: How do you find inspiration for your shots? 

LW: “Always look around for inspiration, whether it’s something that color matches your watch, a cool natural setting (I go for flowers a lot), or one of your favorite things. Inspiration can strike anytime, so grab your camera as soon as it does. I have lots of ideas that I keep mulling over in my head, and I’ve found it’s always better to pounce on the idea and inspiration as soon as possible!” 

EWC: What role do angles and composition play in capturing compelling watch photos? 

JK: “As a collector and professional photographer, one of the more frustrating aspects of the watch industry is its reflexive insistency on sticking with straightforward “soldier” shots as the default view of a watch. Watches live on our wrists as 3-dimensional objects, and I often find that I spend infinitely more time looking at the ones I wear from oblique angles rather than dead-on.” 

EWC: Any final advice for budding watch photographers? 

LW: “Experiment, try, and fail; everything doesn’t need to be perfect or even portable – it’s in the continuous trial and error process that you develop your style and find your voice. Hobbies should be fun! Photography is something I consistently come back to, but sometimes the best thing to do is put the camera down for a little while if you’re lacking motivation. If you aren’t enjoying yourself, then it isn’t a hobby!”