Product Photography Lighting Guide
Natural Light Setup for Product Photos
Natural window light is the most accessible and often the best-looking light source for product photography. It produces soft, even illumination that flatters most products without the harsh shadows of direct flash. Place your product on a table near a large window, but not in direct sunlight. Direct sun creates hard shadows and blown-out highlights. Overcast days or north-facing windows provide the softest, most consistent light. Position a white foam board or poster board on the opposite side of the product from the window. This bounces light back into the shadow side, reducing contrast. Move the reflector closer for more fill or farther for more dramatic shadows.
Find your window
Choose a large window without direct sunlight hitting the surface. North-facing windows work best for consistent light throughout the day.
Set up the sweep
Tape a large white poster board or fabric as a curved backdrop behind and under the product. This creates the seamless white background look.
Position the reflector
Place a white foam board on the opposite side from the window, about 12-18 inches from the product.
Shoot during golden hours
The 2 hours after sunrise and before sunset give the warmest, most flattering natural light.
Artificial Light Setup on a Budget
When natural light is inconsistent or unavailable, artificial lights give you full control. You don't need expensive studio strobes. LED panels or even desk lamps with daylight bulbs work for most product photography. The key is consistency. Use bulbs with the same color temperature (5000-5500K daylight) to avoid mixed lighting. Avoid mixing natural and artificial light sources, as they have different color temperatures that create unwanted color casts.
Get two matching lights
Two identical LED panels or desk lamps with 5000K daylight bulbs. Budget: $30-50 total.
Add diffusion
Tape a sheet of white printer paper or tracing paper over each light to soften it. This eliminates harsh shadows.
Position at 45 degrees
Place your key light at 45 degrees to one side, slightly above the product. Place the fill light at 45 degrees on the other side, but dimmer or farther away.
Three-Point Lighting Explained
Three-point lighting is the professional standard: key light, fill light, and backlight. This setup works for almost every product. The key light is your main light source, placed at 45 degrees to one side and slightly above the product. It creates the primary illumination and defines the product shape. The fill light sits on the opposite side, typically at half the brightness of the key light. It softens shadows without eliminating them entirely. Some depth and shadow is desirable since it shows the product's three-dimensional shape. The backlight (also called rim light or hair light) sits behind and above the product. It creates a subtle bright edge that separates the product from the background, adding depth and a professional look.
Set the key light
45 degrees to the right, slightly above. This is your strongest light and defines the overall look.
Add the fill
45 degrees to the left, at half the intensity. Use a dimmer setting or move it farther back.
Position the backlight
Behind the product, pointing toward the camera. Angle it so it hits the product edges but doesn't flare into the lens.
Diffusion and Light Modifiers
Raw light from any source, whether a bulb, flash, or even a small window, creates hard shadows. Diffusion softens light by spreading it over a larger area. Softboxes are the gold standard for product photography. They create large, even light with gentle shadow transitions. But you can improvise: a white bedsheet hung between the light and product, a white shower curtain, or even a large translucent storage bin all work as diffusers. Reflectors bounce light back into shadows. White reflectors give neutral fill. Silver reflectors add punch and contrast. Gold reflectors add warmth. Black reflectors (flags) absorb light to deepen shadows for dramatic looks.
Soften the key light
Place a diffuser between your key light and the product. The larger the diffused surface, the softer the light.
Control reflections
For shiny products, use a light tent or surround the product with diffusion material on all sides.
Use flags for control
Black foam board on one side creates deeper shadows for drama. Position it opposite your fill light.
Lighting Tips by Product Type
Different products require different lighting approaches. Reflective surfaces, transparent materials, and textured products all have unique challenges. For jewelry and watches, use a light tent with diffusion on all sides to control reflections. Add one small hard light for sparkle on gemstones. For clothing on flat lay, use overhead lighting or two side lights at equal intensity for even, shadow-free illumination. Avoid direct flash that flattens fabric texture. For bottles and glassware, backlight is essential. Place the main light behind the product to show the liquid's color and create that professional glow. Use a strip of black tape on the background directly behind the bottle to define its edges. For food, sidelight or backlight creates the most appetizing look. Front lighting makes food look flat. A low angle with backlight creates steam effects and texture highlights.
Identify the surface type
Matte products are easiest. Reflective products need tents. Transparent products need backlight.
Test and adjust
Take test shots and review on a larger screen. Check for hot spots, unwanted reflections, and shadow placement.
Match the platform requirements
Amazon requires pure white backgrounds. Etsy favors lifestyle shots. Check your selling platform's image guidelines.
Fixing Lighting Issues After the Shoot
Even with a good setup, you may need to fix lighting in post-production. AI photo editing handles common lighting problems quickly. Upload your product photo to EditThisPic and describe the fix: 'brighten the shadows on the left side', 'remove the harsh shadow under the product', or 'make the background pure white'. AI understands lighting context and adjusts naturally. For shadow removal, say 'remove the shadow and make the background seamless white'. For color correction, 'fix the yellow color cast from indoor lighting' or 'make the white balance neutral'.
Fix uneven exposure
Upload and ask to 'brighten the dark side' or 'even out the lighting across the product'.
Remove unwanted shadows
'Remove the shadow under the product and make the background pure white.'
Correct color casts
'Fix the warm/orange color cast' or 'make the white balance neutral and accurate'.
Frequently Asked Questions
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