A photographed product placed in a generated environment still needs to belong in the same image. Perspective, light, reflections and physical contact must agree. The practical work begins at that boundary.
Decide what must be captured
Identify the product, performance or factual detail that needs verified capture. Then define what may be generated or built in post-production. Keep the boundary explicit in the treatment so a concept frame does not become an accidental promise about the finished image.
Test one representative composite
Use the intended camera height, light direction and subject movement. Inspect shadows and reflections where the elements meet. If the subject touches a surface, that contact may require a physical prop or a more controlled setup.
Carry the test into the shoot
Give the crew the approved reference and a list of capture requirements: clean plates, reference lighting, lens information or additional product angles as appropriate. The exact requirements depend on the proposed composite; they should be agreed with the finishing team.
Review continuity before multiplying shots
Check that the product and environment remain coherent across the edit. Include cleanup and alternatives in the estimate. Read our generated video test guide, or discuss a hybrid brief with Visual Matters.