Lighting basics for product photos

Why this matters

I use window light with a white reflector to get clean, professional product photos. Soft, directional light shows shape and texture without harsh shadows. It keeps colors truer and reduces glare, which can save you time in editing.

Simple window setup

What you need

• A window with bright but indirect light, not direct sun
• A diffuser, which is a thin white material that softens light, like parchment paper or a white shower curtain
• A white reflector, which is a foam board or folded poster board that bounces light back
• A small table, a matte backdrop, and tape
• Your phone or camera and a microfiber cloth for the lens

Step by step

• Place the table next to the window so the light comes from one side of the product.
• Tape the diffuser over the window area that shines on the table to soften the light.
• Turn off room lights to avoid mixed colors and odd shadows.
• Set a matte background behind the product to reduce reflections.
• Put the reflector on the side opposite the window, close enough to brighten the shadow side.
• Move the product about a foot from the background so the shadow falls softly.
• Clean the lens, open the camera app, and lock focus on the product by pressing and holding. Lower the exposure slightly if highlights look too bright.
• Take a straight-on photo, then slight angle left and right for variety. Keep the setup the same for each item.

Quick checks

• Shadow edge looks soft, not a hard line.
• No bright glare spot on glossy areas. If you see one, add more diffuser or shift the angle.
• Whites look neutral. If they look orange or blue, turn off stray lights and try again.

Before and after cues

• Before: Overhead light creates two shadows and orange color cast.
• After: Side window light with reflector gives a gentle gradient shadow and truer color.

Common mistakes

• Direct sun on the subject. Use the diffuser or wait for indirect light.
• Reflector too far away. Move it closer until the shadow side opens up.
• Shiny items mirror the phone. Raise the camera a little and tilt the item slightly.

If you want hands-on help or a full shoot, I offer Content & Media > Photography, Video & Animation, Music & Audio, and Print Design.