How To Set Up Studio Lighting For Product Photography

Good lighting can make or break a product photo.

It is not just about getting light on your subject.

If I were to use the flash the on a camera or phone the source of light is very close to the lens, as a result this would make your product look flat as there would be no shadows on the product to give it shape and texture.

When I am taking product images the first thing I do is to move the light off to one side making the subject look more interesting.

Where the light should be positioned depends on the product, some items may look best lit from the side others from above or from behind or anywhere in between.

A professional photographer will sculpt the light to make your product look as good as possible.

side lighting creates the strongest sense that a subject has three dimensions.
side lighting creates the strongest sense that a subject has three dimensions.