Great product photography starts with great lighting. Without it, even the best products can look dull online, making it harder to sell or promote them. According to BigCommerce, 78% of online shoppers want product photos that bring items to life. Lackluster images? They simply won’t inspire purchases.
With so many lighting options and setups available, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right kit. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know for setting up the perfect studio lighting, along with some top lighting brands trusted by pros.
Why Proper Studio Lighting Matters in Product Photography
Using a proper studio setup for product photography has several key advantages. Most professional photographers agree that high-quality lighting is essential—not just nice-to-have. Here’s why:
1. Capture Polished Shots
Humans are naturally drawn to polished, professional-looking visuals. Just like car dealerships shine up their vehicles to attract buyers, your product photos need that same level of polish.
A proper lighting setup helps you capture sharp, professional images that make your products look premium—and even justify higher price points.
2. Take Control of Your Shots
While post-production editing is essential, it shouldn’t be a crutch for mediocre photography. According to mdgadvertising.com, 67% of consumers say the quality of product images is “very important” when deciding to buy.
With proper studio lighting, you can control shadows, reflections, and highlights. This ensures textures pop, distractions are minimized, and your images come out consistent and professional, reducing the need for heavy editing later.
3. Get Creative with Lighting
Lighting isn’t just about clarity—it’s a creative tool. By controlling light direction, intensity, and shadows, you can completely change the feel of an image. Highlight certain features, add depth, or even flatten areas for a sleek, modern look.
For example:
- Shoes: Light can reveal curves, folds, and creases, making them feel 3D.
- Electronics: Too much depth can make gadgets look cheap—flat lighting may work better.
Experimentation is key. The right lighting lets you craft images that truly represent your product.
4. Achieve Consistency
Consistency is crucial in e-commerce photography. According to Etsy and Justuno, 90% of online shoppers say photo quality is the most important factor in a purchase. A reliable lighting setup ensures every product image looks professional, no matter when you shoot.
5. No More Weather Dependency
Relying on natural light means depending on the weather. Even sunny climates have cloudy days, which can drastically change your photo quality. Studio lighting gives you total control—shoot in rain, snow, or nighttime without compromise.
6. Shoot Anytime
With a proper setup, you’re not limited to daylight hours. Late-night shoots or tight deadlines? No problem. Your lighting setup allows you to produce professional images any time of day.
Essential Tools for Product Photography
To capture professional, eye-catching product photos, having the right tools is just as important as mastering lighting techniques. Here are the essentials every product photographer should have in their studio:
1. Tripod
A sturdy tripod is a must. It keeps your camera stable for sharp, consistent shots, especially when using slower shutter speeds or shooting multiple angles for a product. Handheld photography may work for casual shots, but for professional product photography, a tripod is non-negotiable.
2. Backdrops
Backdrops provide a clean, professional background for your products. While white is the most common choice for e-commerce photos, having colored, textured, or patterned backdrops gives you more creative options. Affordable and easy to replace, backdrops are a small investment that makes a big difference.
3. Light Stands or C-Stands
Proper stands are essential to securely hold your lights and backdrops in place. Many lighting kits come with stands, but if not, C-stands or adjustable light stands are highly recommended for flexibility and stability.
4. Tape
Tape is surprisingly versatile in a studio. Use it to mark positions for your camera, lights, or product, secure backdrops, or tighten fabric for clothing photography. It helps maintain consistency across multiple shots.
5. Reflective Boards or White Cards
Reflective boards bounce light to illuminate shadowed areas without adding extra lights. White cards or styrofoam boards can help brighten your images, while black cards absorb light for added contrast. This simple tool allows you to refine lighting and highlight product details without overexposing the shot.
6. Diffusers and Softboxes
Diffusers and softboxes soften harsh lighting, reducing glare and creating even illumination. They’re essential for reflective or shiny products, preventing unwanted hotspots while maintaining crisp details.
Setting Up Studio Lights for Product Photography
Once you have the essential tools, the next step is arranging your lights for the best results. Proper lighting is key to highlighting your product’s features, controlling shadows, and creating professional-quality images. Here’s how to set up your studio lights effectively:
1. Understand the Four Types of Lights
A typical product photography setup uses four main types of lights:
- Key Light: The primary light that illuminates your product directly. It’s usually the brightest light in the setup and sets the overall exposure.
- Fill Light: Softens shadows created by the key light, balancing the image without overpowering the product. Typically placed at a perpendicular angle to the key light.
- Backlight (or Rim Light): Positioned behind the product, this light adds depth, highlights edges, and separates the product from the background.
- Background Light: Used to illuminate the backdrop, adding dimension and preventing the product from blending into the background.
Each light has a distinct purpose, and understanding their roles is essential for achieving professional results.
2. Position Your Lights Correctly
While there’s no one-size-fits-all arrangement, here are some general tips:
- Place lights so your product is evenly illuminated.
- Avoid pointing your camera directly at any light source to prevent glare or lens flare.
- Adjust angles, distances, and intensity depending on the product type and desired effect.
- Experiment with the height and tilt of lights for creative shadow effects or to emphasize textures.
3. Use Diffusers for Soft, Even Lighting
Diffusers or softboxes help spread light evenly across the product, reducing harsh shadows and reflections. This is especially important for glossy or reflective items like jewelry, electronics, or glassware.
4. Experiment with Lighting Setups
Different products and moods require different lighting arrangements:
- Triangle Setup: Place three lights in a triangular formation around the product for balanced illumination.
- Overhead Lighting: Position a light above the product to create dramatic, moody shots.
- Even Light Coverage: Use multiple lights or bounce boards to highlight every detail evenly, ideal for flat-lay or full-product images.
5. Adjust Based on Product Type
- Reflective Surfaces: Use diffusers and angle lights around 45 degrees to minimize glare. Dark backgrounds can also reduce unwanted reflections.
- Textured Products: Side lighting or angled lights help highlight textures and contours, making the product feel three-dimensional.
With the right combination of key, fill, back, and background lights, you’ll have full control over your studio shots. Experiment with angles, intensities, and diffusers to find the perfect balance for every product, ensuring each photo looks polished and professional.
DIY Lighting Options
Not every photographer has access to a full professional studio, but you can still achieve great results using DIY lighting solutions. With a few clever techniques and tools, you can produce high-quality product photos without breaking the bank.
1. Natural Light
Natural light is a free and versatile option. It works best as a soft, diffused light source:
- Window Light: Place your product near a large window for even illumination. Avoid direct sunlight, which can create harsh shadows.
- Diffusers: Use a sheer curtain, white sheet, or frosted acrylic panel to diffuse sunlight and soften the light hitting your product.
- Reflectors: White foam boards, poster boards, or aluminum foil can bounce light back onto your product to fill shadows naturally.
Tip: While natural light is great, it’s inconsistent—clouds, time of day, and weather can affect your shots. Use it creatively, but don’t rely on it for consistent results.
2. Household Bulbs + DIY Softbox
You don’t need professional lighting to get started:
- Standard LED or fluorescent bulbs can serve as key or fill lights.
- Create a DIY softbox using a cardboard box and white tissue paper or fabric to diffuse the light.
- Position lights at various angles to reduce shadows and highlight product features.
This setup is ideal for small studios, home offices, or beginner photographers looking to experiment without investing in expensive equipment.
3. Affordable Continuous Lights
Continuous lights, such as LED panels, are easy to use and give you full control over lighting intensity and placement. Unlike strobe lights, continuous lighting lets you see exactly how the light falls on your product in real time, making setup faster and simpler.
Benefits of continuous lighting:
- Soft, consistent illumination
- Easier to modify with diffusers or reflectors
- Perfect for stationary product shots
4. Combining DIY and Studio Techniques
You can mix DIY solutions with professional techniques to maximize results:
- Use a window for soft key light and a small LED panel as fill light.
- Bounce natural light with a foam board to reduce shadows.
- Experiment with angles, distances, and diffusers to get a polished look.
With these DIY lighting options, you can start producing professional-looking product photos right from home. The key is to experiment, observe how the light interacts with your products, and adapt your setup to each shoot.
Best Lighting Techniques for Product Shots
Once you have your lights and basic tools set up, the next step is mastering lighting techniques to make your products stand out. Different products and moods require different approaches. Here are some of the most effective techniques used by professional product photographers:
1. Ring Lights for Bright, Even Lighting
Ring lights are a favorite for front-lit product shots:
- Provide soft, even illumination with minimal shadows
- Reduce glare and hotspots
- Perfect for small products or items with fine details, like jewelry, cosmetics, and electronics
- Can be positioned close to the product without harsh overexposure
Pro Tip: Ring lights are also great for online content like product demos and social media posts, giving a clean, polished look.
2. Overhead Lighting for Moody Shots
Overhead lighting creates drama and emphasizes form:
- Place a light directly above the product
- Keep it slightly angled to maintain some shadows for depth
- Works well for products where a moody or artistic vibe is desired, like clothing, shoes, or decor
Shadows can enhance texture and shape, making the product feel more three-dimensional.
3. Lighting Reflective Products
Products with shiny or reflective surfaces (glass, metal, or polished finishes) require special care:
- Always use diffusers to soften light
- Position lights at a 45-degree angle to the camera to minimize glare
- Use dark or matte backgrounds to absorb unwanted reflections
- White or bounce cards can help redirect light to highlight details without overexposing
Even with careful lighting, minor reflections may still need touch-ups in post-production.
4. Full Coverage Setup for Detail-Rich Shots
For products that require all-around clarity:
- Use a combination of key light, fill light, backlight, and background light
- Add bounce boards to fill shadows without adding extra lights
- This setup ensures every angle of the product is well-lit, ideal for e-commerce catalogs or detailed product galleries
Tip: You can use multiple lights of each type at different angles for more flexibility, but white bounce boards often achieve the same effect with less hassle.
5. Triangle Lighting to Emphasize Form
The triangle lighting setup positions three lights around the product in a triangular formation:
- Creates balanced illumination
- Highlights the product’s shape and contours evenly
- One light can serve as an overhead or backlight for added dimension
This setup works for almost any product and is particularly effective when you want to emphasize symmetry or form.
6. Using Natural Light Creatively
Even if you’re mainly using studio lights, natural light can still enhance your shots:
- Use window light as a fill or key light for a soft, natural look
- Diffuse sunlight with a sheer curtain for even coverage
- Combine with studio lights to add warmth, depth, or a natural touch
While natural light is less consistent than studio lighting, it’s a great way to experiment and add variety to your images.
7. Continuous Lighting vs. Strobe Lighting
Continuous Lights:
- Stay on, allowing you to see the effect in real time
- Easier to adjust and modify with diffusers or softboxes
- Perfect for stationary products
Strobe Lights:
- Flash high-intensity light for sharp images
- Eliminate ambient light, useful for moving subjects
- Can be harder to manage for small product photography
Best Choice: Continuous lights are generally the most practical for product photography since they provide control and flexibility.
Mastering these lighting techniques ensures your product images are clear, appealing, and professional—key factors in driving sales and building brand trust.
Continuous Lighting vs. Strobes
Choosing the right type of light is crucial for capturing professional product photos. Two common options are continuous lighting and strobe lighting, each with its own advantages and drawbacks.
1. Continuous Lighting
Continuous lights stay on as long as they’re powered, giving you full visibility of how light falls on your product.
| Pros | |
| Lets you see the lighting in real time, making adjustments easy | Lower power output compared to strobe lights |
| Simple to use with diffusers, softboxes, or bounce cards | Can be affected by ambient light in a room, requiring careful control |
| Ideal for small, stationary products and consistent e-commerce shots | |
| Easier for beginners to learn lighting setups |
2. Strobe Lighting
Strobe lights, also called flash lights, emit a burst of intense light only when the shutter is pressed. They are extremely powerful and eliminate most ambient light.
Pros:
- Very high power, comparable to direct sunlight
- Produces sharp, crisp images
- Great for motion photography or fast-moving subjects
Cons:
- Harder to visualize lighting before shooting
- Typically more expensive than continuous lights
- Requires more setup knowledge for proper use
Best for: Fast-moving objects or situations where high-intensity light is needed. Not ideal for typical product photography, especially small or reflective items.
For most product photography scenarios—especially e-commerce, lifestyle, and still-object shots—continuous lighting is the practical choice. It offers control, flexibility, and predictability, allowing you to create polished, professional images without guesswork.
Lighting Recommendations for Product Photography
Selecting the right lighting setup is crucial for capturing professional-quality product images. Here are some key recommendations to ensure your photos look polished and consistent:
1. Light Type
For product photography, LED and fluorescent lights are your best options:
- They produce minimal heat, keeping your workspace comfortable.
- Provide consistent, flicker-free lighting for sharp, clear shots.
- Work well with diffusers or softboxes to create soft, even illumination.
Avoid incandescent bulbs—they tend to produce uneven color temperatures and can overheat your studio.
2. Continuous Lighting
Continuous lighting is ideal for most product photography:
- Lets you see exactly how light interacts with your product in real time.
- Easier to adjust intensity and placement for creative control.
- Perfect for small to medium-sized products, jewelry, electronics, or detailed items.
3. Wattage
The amount of light you need depends on your product size and desired image quality:
- 200–300 watts: Good for general product photography and smaller setups.
- 400–500 watts: Recommended for professional-level images or larger products where more brightness is needed.
Remember, higher wattage helps reduce the need for long exposure times and prevents camera shake, ensuring sharp images.
4. Color Temperature
Consistency is key:
- Use lights with a daylight-balanced color temperature (around 5,500K) for natural-looking colors.
- Avoid mixing different types of lights (LED + incandescent), as this can create unwanted color casts.
5. Diffusers and Softboxes
Always use diffusers or softboxes to soften light and reduce harsh shadows. This is especially important for reflective or glossy products, where glare can ruin a shot.
By following these recommendations, your lighting setup will be consistent, reliable, and capable of producing high-quality product images every time.
Top 5 Product Photography Lighting Brands
Ready to invest in lighting gear for your product photography studio? These five brands are trusted by professionals and beginners alike for their quality, reliability, and value:
1. Godox
Founded in 1993 in China, Godox has become a go-to brand for photographers worldwide. Known for affordable, reliable lighting kits, Godox is perfect for beginners or anyone looking to upgrade their studio without breaking the bank. Their lights are versatile and compatible with a wide range of cameras and accessories.
2. Neewer
Neewer, founded in 2010, quickly gained popularity for its high-quality photography gear at competitive prices. They offer a broad range of continuous lights, softboxes, and LED panels, making it easy to create professional setups at home or in a small studio.
3. Fovitec
California-based Fovitec is known for its durable and easy-to-use lighting solutions. Founded in 2012, Fovitec manufactures complete kits with lights, softboxes, and stands, making it ideal for photographers who want a ready-to-go setup for product shoots.
4. Mount Dog
Mount Dog offers a wide variety of lighting products for both professional and hobbyist photographers. Headquartered in California, the brand is known for versatile lights that work well for small product setups, portraits, and e-commerce photography.
5. Linco
Linco is a premium brand offering high-quality, innovative lighting solutions. With patented designs and unique lighting tools, Linco is perfect for photographers looking for reliable, professional-grade lighting with creative control.
Choosing the right brand depends on your budget, product types, and shooting style. For beginners, Godox and Neewer are excellent starting points, while Fovitec, Mount Dog, and Linco are better suited for more advanced or commercial setups.
With the right tools, techniques, and lighting setup, your product photography can reach professional levels, making your online store, catalog, or social media stand out. Experiment, practice, and remember—lighting is everything.
Final Verdict
Lighting is the backbone of professional product photography, and getting it right can make a huge difference in how your products are perceived online or in print. A well-planned lighting setup allows you to control shadows, highlights, and reflections while maintaining consistency across all your shots. It also gives you creative flexibility to highlight textures, shapes, and details, making your products more appealing to potential customers. Whether you’re using DIY solutions, natural light, or investing in continuous lighting from trusted brands, the right setup elevates your images, builds trust with your audience, and ultimately helps drive sales. Proper lighting isn’t just a technical requirement—it’s a key tool for making your products shine.