My CNET teammate Katie Collins developed a strong feature on wearable device repairability, centering on the Pixel Watch 4. The story deserves attention, yet my assignment centered on visuals to support it. This meant close-range macro captures with dedicated optics plus converting an area of my residence into a workspace for the video segments.

The outcomes pleased me, and the pictures integrate smoothly with the text. Here is the method I followed to assemble everything.

Watch this: I Replaced the Screen on the Google Pixel Watch 4. More Wearables Should Be This Repairable

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Macro photography: Camera tools employed

Although the Leica Q3 43 serves me well for location work, the Canon R5 handles most studio product and macro assignments. Its resolution, reliable autofocus and built-in stabilization prove valuable during sessions.

The standout item for this project was the DZO Films X-Tract probe lens. Its elongated shape allows extreme proximity to subjects while retaining a broad perspective, yielding bold macro results. I relied on it for the primary visuals throughout the article. Additional details appear in the embedded behind-the-scenes clip below.

Optics alone do not complete the setup. A Zhiyun Molus G300 LED paired with a wide strip-box modifier expanded the light source, delivering even coverage across the watch face. Positioning created either crisp edge lighting or softer overall illumination. Small reflectors, including paper scraps, helped redirect light onto reflective surfaces for balanced highlights.

Macro photography: Image creation process

I settled on a high-contrast style inspired by classic product imagery, aiming for visuals that draw attention while clarifying the repair steps shown in the story.

Both fixed product views and sequences with my hand using tools to extract parts such as the battery or screen helped convey the narrative. Planning the overall look beforehand helps transform basic captures into cohesive storytelling elements that stand out.

With scenes prepared, the camera and probe lens were mounted and settings adjusted to roughly ISO 200, apertures from f16 to f32 and shutter speeds near 1/15 second. A tripod kept everything steady, and a remote cable avoided any contact that might introduce blur.

Focus stacking ensured full sharpness by capturing around twenty frames, shifting focus progressively from front to back elements, then merging them in Helicon Focus software.

Final adjustments occurred in Adobe Photoshop for dust cleanup, color balance and removal of light modifiers where needed. Some frames combined separate shots of the watch and hand action since solo execution proved impractical.

Filming the feature video: Extended macro work

Certain video segments followed the same approach as the stills, with the camera switched to record mode. Additional steps were required for the full piece.

Katie's on-camera presentation formed the core, captured on a BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro with a 35mm Arles Prime cinema lens. A pink paper background and the earlier LED as key light, supplemented by a SmallRig RC 450B for fill, created a clean look.

Audio came from a Rode VideoMic NTG on a boom with wireless DJI Mic 2 transmission plus a second DJI Mic 2 unit clipped to clothing and concealed by hair.

The teardown portion used a similar arrangement but swapped to a 75mm DZOFilm Arles Prime lens for tighter views of the detailed work without obstructing the subject.

Editing was handled by CNET producer JD Christison, completing the package.

The effort spanned several evenings and a full weekend. Macro product work demands careful preparation and precision, as minor shifts at close range alter results significantly and require repeated testing.

Equipment volume and workspace needs are substantial. A converted bedroom serves as my studio with added shelving and backdrop mounts, allowing regular use of the area. Home recreations should account for post-shoot tidying.

Given the story's prominence at CNET, the investment in visuals was justified. After fifteen years here, seeing my images support such pieces remains rewarding.