Physics of Shadow Creation
Without believable grounding, products look pasted and untrustworthy. Shadows should follow light logic and product geometry.
Process Snapshot
1. Identify light direction from source.
2. Build contact shadow first, cast shadow second.
3. Tune softness by height/surface.
4. Validate consistency across SKU sets.
5. QA mobile thumbnail readability.
Where this fails
Chaotic source lighting limits how realistic reconstructed shadows can be.
Measurement
- “Looks fake” QA comments declined after profile-based shadow standards.
*Reviewed by Image Finishing Lead, May 2026.*