Are you looking for the best lights for product photography? If so, you are in the right place! Whether you’re a professional photographer or an e-commerce business owner, having the right lighting setup can make a significant difference in how your products are presented. When you invest in the best lights for product photography to produce high-quality content, this ultimately makes you more successful as a creative entrepreneur or e-commerce business owner. In this article, we will explore the best lights for product photography that can help you capture stunning images and attract potential customers. Let’s get started!
Importance of Lighting in Product Photography
In the competitive world of e-commerce, high-quality product photography is essential for attracting customers and boosting sales. One of the key factors that contribute to impressive product images is the lighting setup. By using the best lights for product photography, you can highlight the features and details of your products, creating visually appealing photographs that leave a lasting impression on potential buyers.
Whether you are getting started or an expert, you are probably looking for the best lights for product photography. Lighting plays a crucial role in product photography as it helps to shape the overall look and feel of the images. Properly illuminated products appear more professional, enticing, and true to life. On the other hand, inadequate lighting can lead to dull, flat, or distorted photographs that fail to showcase the true quality of your products.
Natural Light vs. Artificial Light
When it comes to finding the best lights for product photography, you first need to decide if you want to work with either natural light or artificial light sources. Natural light can produce beautiful results, especially when shooting near large windows or in outdoor settings. However, it is not always consistent or controllable, making it challenging to achieve consistent results. Another challenge faced when using natural lighting is the lack of brightness. It is important that an image be illuminated as much as possible through the use of light, as this results in a significantly higher-quality image.
Artificial light, on the other hand, provides greater control over the lighting conditions, allowing you to achieve the desired look for your products consistently. Artificial light is also a great choice if you live in a part of the world that does not have an abundance of natural light throughout the year. In this article, we will be focusing on the best lights for product photography – aka, artificial light.
Types of Lights for Product Photography
There are several types of lights commonly used in product photography. It is important to understand the different types of lights when searching for the best lights for product photography. Let’s explore some of the most popular options:
Continuous Lighting
Continuous lighting refers to a lighting setup where the lights remain on throughout the entire photoshoot. Continuous lights are some of the best lights for product photography. These lights are easy to set up and provide a constant source of illumination, allowing you to preview the lighting effects in real time.
Improve the Effectiveness of Continuous Lighting
One of the most common problems with continuous lighting is the lack of brightness. Many photographers and e-commerce business owners try to use ring lights in product photography, but these lights simply are not bright enough. Continuous lighting can still be a great option, however. This is especially true if you use a high-powered light, such as a light that provides both continuous and strobe lighting.
Studio Strobe Lights
Studio strobe lights, also known as flashlights, are powerful lights that emit a brief burst of intense light. Strobe lights are some of the best lights for product photography. They are commonly used in professional studios and provide excellent control over light intensity. Strobe lights are ideal for freezing motion and capturing sharp, high-quality product images.
LED Lights
LED lights have gained popularity in recent years due to their energy efficiency and versatility. They produce consistent and adjustable light, making them suitable for various product photography scenarios. LED lights also generate less heat, ensuring the comfort of both the photographer and the products being photographed.
Ring Lights
Ring lights are large, circular-shaped lights. They provide a uniform and shadow-free light source, resulting in even illumination on the subject. Ring lights are ideal for capturing photos and videos of people, but are not the best lights for product photography.
Softbox Lights
Softbox lights feature a large fabric diffuser that softens and spreads the light, creating gentle and flattering illumination. They are commonly used in portrait photography but are typically not bright enough and are therefore not the best lights for product photography.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Lights
When selecting the best lights for product photography, several factors should be taken into account to ensure optimal results. These include:
Color Temperature
The color temperature of the lights determines the overall warmth or coolness of the images. It is essential to choose lights with a color temperature that complements your products and creates the desired mood. Some lights also allow you to adjust the color temperature.
Light Intensity and Control
Having control over the intensity of the lights is crucial for achieving the desired lighting effects. Lights with adjustable brightness settings allow you to customize the lighting to suit your specific product and shooting environment.
Portability and Flexibility
Consider the portability and flexibility of the lights, especially if you plan to photograph products in various locations or need to transport your equipment frequently. Compact and lightweight lights can make your photography sessions more convenient and efficient.
Budget
Your budget plays a significant role in determining the lights you can afford and selecting the best lights for product photography. While it’s essential to invest in high-quality lighting equipment, there are options available for different budget ranges. Consider your requirements and allocate your budget accordingly.
The Best Lights for Product Photography
Now that you understand the importance of lighting and the various options available, let’s explore some of the best lights for product photography. Keep in mind that the best lights for you will depend on your specific requirements, budget, and shooting conditions.
Continuous Lighting
Budget Friendly: NEEWER Upgraded CB60 70W LED Video Light
Cost: $125
Features: This light delivers continuous lighting at 5600k daylight and also comes with a 2.4G wireless remote that can adjust brightness.
Expensive: Godox SL300III SL300WIII LED Continuous Video Light
Cost: $429
Features: This light can max at 99300Lux@1m, and the light can be adjusted from 0% to 100%. This light comes with a wireless remote control, and the light has eight built-in special effects.
Studio Strobe Lights
Budget Friendly: Godox SK400II 400Ws Photo Studio Strobe
Cost: $118
Features: This light features a large display with 150W capability with power ranging from 1/16-1/1. The light itself can be adjusted, ranging from 5% to 100% in brightness.
Expensive: Godox QT400III QT400IIIM Studio Flash Monolight
Cost: $559
Features: This light features a flash duration of up to 1/29600s and includes a built-in 2.4G wireless system. This light also has adjustable power from 1/256 to 1/1.
LED Lights
Budget Friendly: NEEWER 2 Pack Bi Color 660 LED Video Light and Stand Kit
Cost: $185
Features: These LED lights deliver 3300 lux/1m and also offer 0% to 100% adjustable light. These lights also provide 3200K-5600K in adjustable color temperature.
Expensive: GVM RGB LED Video Lighting Kit
Cost: $359
Features: These LED lights provide adjustable color temperature, from 0% to 100% between 3200K and 5600K. The lights come with an LCD screen display as well as a downloadable mobile app to control the lights.
Other Product Photography Accessories
Below are accessories t consider when purchasing the best lights for product photography.
External Flash
The use of an external flash in product photography provides photographers with greater control over the lighting, allowing for more professional and visually appealing product images. It helps to enhance the details, minimize unwanted shadows or reflections, and create a compelling visual presentation of the products.
Check out this external flash: Godox V850III Camera Flash
Tripod
A sturdy tripod is essential for keeping the camera stable and eliminating any potential blur or shake. It ensures sharp and well-focused product images, especially when using longer exposure times or working in low-light conditions.
Check out this affordable tripod: Amazon Basics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod
Backgrounds
Using different backgrounds can help create various moods and enhance the visual appeal of product images. Seamless paper backdrops, fabric, vinyl, or textured backgrounds in various colors or patterns can be used to complement the products and add visual interest.
Props and Styling Accessories
Props and styling accessories can be used to enhance the visual storytelling of the product. Accessories are important to consider when purchasing the best lights for product photography. These may include decorative elements, lifestyle items, backgrounds, or textures that complement and highlight the product’s features, context, or use.
Remote Shutter Release
A remote shutter release allows the photographer to trigger the camera without physically touching it, reducing the risk of camera shake. It is especially useful when using longer exposure times or when shooting from a distance.
Check out this wireless remote shutter release for Canon.
Product Stands and Holders
Product stands, holders, or clamps are useful for keeping products in place during the photoshoot. They help maintain stability, positioning, and consistency in the composition of product images.
About Light modifiers
In photography, light modifiers are tools or accessories that are used to control or alter the quality, direction, intensity, or spread of light. They are essential for shaping and manipulating the lighting to achieve the desired effects in a photograph. Light modifiers can be attached to or positioned in front of the light source to modify the way the light interacts with the subject. Here are some common types of light modifiers to consider when purchasing the best lights for product photography:
Reflectors
Reflectors are surfaces, often made of metal or fabric, that bounce light back onto the subject or scene. They can be used to fill in shadows, redirect light, or add a touch of additional illumination to specific areas. Reflectors come in various shapes, sizes, and colors to provide different effects. Check out this reflector: NEEWER 43 Inch/110 Centimeter Light Reflector
Diffusers
Diffusers are materials or panels that scatter or soften the light. They are used to reduce harsh shadows, create a more even illumination, and produce a softer light quality. Diffusers can be translucent fabrics, plastic sheets, or specialized panels placed in front of the light source.
Umbrellas
Umbrellas are versatile light modifiers that consist of a translucent fabric stretched over a metal or fiberglass frame. They are positioned in front of the light source and bounce the light back onto the subject. Umbrellas can be used to create soft and diffused lighting or to produce directional and focused lighting depending on their design. Check out this umbrella: Profoto 254711 RFi 36-Inch Octa Softbox.
Grids
Grids are honeycomb-like structures that attach to the front of a light source, such as a softbox or a reflector. They narrow the beam of light, creating a more focused and controlled illumination. Grids are commonly used to prevent light spill and to direct the light precisely where it is needed.
Snoots
Snoots are narrow, conical-shaped devices that attach to the front of a light source. They narrow and concentrate the light into a tight beam, allowing for precise and targeted lighting. Snoots are often used for highlighting specific areas or creating dramatic lighting effects.
Gels
Gels are colored transparent sheets that can be placed in front of the light source to modify the color of the light. They are commonly used to create mood, correct color temperature, or add creative effects to the photographs.
Flags and Barn Doors
Flags and barn doors are used to control the direction and spill of light. They are usually made of opaque materials and can be positioned in front of the light source to block or shape the light.
These are just a few examples of light modifiers used in photography. The choice of light modifier depends on the desired lighting effect, the subject, and the photographer’s creative vision. Light modifiers allow photographers to have greater control over the lighting, resulting in more compelling and well-crafted images. All of these factors are important to consider when purchasing the best lights for product photography.
What are diffusers?
In photography, diffusers and light modifiers are often mentioned together because diffusers are a type of light modifier. The main difference between them lies in their specific functions and how they affect the quality of light.
A diffuser is a specific type of light modifier that is used to scatter or soften light. It is typically a translucent material or panel placed in front of a light source. The diffuser spreads the light, reducing harsh shadows, and creating a more even and gentle illumination. It helps to eliminate or minimize direct, hard light, resulting in a softer and more flattering lighting effect on the subject. Examples of diffusers include softboxes, umbrellas, diffusion panels, and beauty dishes, among others.
On the other hand, light modifiers encompass a broader category of tools or accessories used to control or alter various characteristics of light. They can include diffusers, reflectors, grids, snoots, softboxes, umbrellas, and more. Light modifiers are designed to shape and manipulate the light to achieve specific lighting effects and control the direction, intensity, spread, or color of the light. They can be used to enhance or modify the qualities of light according to the photographer’s creative vision and the requirements of the subject or scene.
So, in summary, while diffusers are a specific type of light modifier that softens and scatters the light, light modifiers as a whole refer to a broader range of tools that can alter and control different aspects of the light in photography.
Check out these light diffusers: NEEWER 43 Inch/110 Centimeter Light Diffusers
How to Create the Best Product Photography Lighting Setup
When it comes to building the best product photography lighting setup, there are a few factors to consider. Outside of purchasing the best lights for product photography, it is important to know how to use and position them.
Optimize your studio
The first way to optimize your studio is to ensure that your setup is as far away from windows and external light as possible. External light is an easy way to create glare in your product photography, and it is best to start with a room that has as little external light as possible.
To reduce light from any existing windows, be sure to purchase a good set of blackout curtains.
While it is not always possible, it is important to work in a space that has as much room as possible. Lights, cameras, and tripods can take up a lot of space. To give yourself as much flexibility as possible, try to select a workspace that has enough room to move around equipment.
Whether you are working in a studio that has a lot of space, or working out of your bedroom, it is important to optimize space and organize your equipment. Proper organization will help to create more space for you to work. Check out this storage rack.
Understand How to Position Your Lights
Another aspect of creating the best product photography light setup is understanding how to position your lights to create the desired effect. You can have the best lights for product photography, but if you don’t know how to use them, they can only get you but so far.
For example, if you want even, crisp lighting, be sure to position your lights symmetrical in relation to the product. As an example, if you have one light, adjust the light so that it is higher than the product and tilted down slightly. If you have two lights, try positioning a light on either side of the product.
Alternatively, if you want to create a moody effect, position one light on the left-hand side of your product. This will create a shadow on the right side of the product and result in a moody effect.
Tips for Effective Product Lighting
Consider the following tips to enhance your product lighting when using the best lights for product photography:
Diffusing Light for Soft Shadows
If you want to minimize harsh shadows and create a soft, diffused lighting effect, use light modifiers like softboxes or diffusers. They help spread the light evenly and produce more flattering results. When purchasing the best lights for product photography, light diffusers are a great add-on.
Creating Highlights and Reflections
Add highlights and reflections to your product images to make them more visually appealing. You can achieve this by using reflective surfaces or incorporating additional light sources strategically.
Using Light to Enhance Textures
Lighting can bring out the textures of your products, making them look more tactile and engaging. Experiment with different angles and lighting intensities to highlight the desired textures effectively.
Avoiding Glare and Hotspots
Be mindful of unwanted glare or hotspots on reflective surfaces. Adjust the position and angle of your lights, and use polarizing filters if necessary, to minimize or eliminate these distractions.
Product Photography Light Techniques to Try
Below are a variety of product photography lighting techniques to try when purchasing the best lights for product photography.
Front Lighting for Bright Shots
If you are looking for a bright, clean photo, try front lighting. Whether you have one light or three, the key will be to ensure that the light is symmetrical in relation to the product. If you have one light, position this light slightly higher than the product and tilted slightly down. If you have three lights, repeat this method with the center light, and then position the other two lights on either side of the product. You can adjust the lights until the shot is perfect.
Top Lighting to Reduce Glare
One of my favorite strategies for reducing glare is to position the light(s) in the center of the product but slightly higher and pointed down. This helps to eliminate any glare that you might get with front lighting.
Side Light Set Up
For a moody effect, consider positioning your light to one side of the product. The opposite side will have a shadow, making your product look more mysterious and moody.
Three-Point Lighting Set Up
Three-point lighting consists of a key light, a fill light, and a backlight. A key light is a light that faces the front of the subject, the fill light also faces the subject and fills in shadows, and a backlight is lighting the subject from behind. This strategy also helps to create separation between the product and the background.
Two-Point Lighting Set Up
A two-point lighting setup is just how it sounds. The subject is in the middle, and then you have a light pointed at the subject on the left and right.
The Best Lights for Product Photography: Other Photography Techniques
Photographing Texture
When photographing images that feature texture, it is really important to get the lighting right. A strobe light or high-powered continuous light is perfect for this type of photography. You want a lot of light when photographing texture so that the image captures as much detail as possible. You can also use a continuous light to cast a hard light shadow on the image for a more dramatic effect. These tips are important to keep in mind when purchasing the best lights for product photography.
Photographing With Water
When working with splashing water, it is important to use a fast shutter speed of around 1/250 or faster. This shutter speed helps to freeze the image of the water falling.
When photographing products in a tub of water for a more reflective look, experiment with fast and slow shutter speeds to capture the right look.
The Best Lights for Product Photography: Conclusion
Investing in the best lights for product photography is crucial for capturing stunning product photographs that attract potential customers. By considering factors like color temperature, light intensity, and control, as well as experimenting with different lighting techniques, you can elevate the visual appeal of your products, increase sales, and make the most of the best lights for product photography. Remember, each product may require a unique lighting approach, so don’t hesitate to explore and experiment to find the perfect lighting setup for your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use natural light for product photography?
Yes, natural light can be used for product photography, especially when shooting near large windows or in outdoor settings. However, it may not always provide consistent or controllable results, making artificial lighting a preferred choice for many photographers. This is why it is important to consider the best lights for product photography.
2. What is the ideal color temperature for product photography?
The ideal color temperature for product photography depends on the desired mood and the colors of your products. Generally, neutral or slightly warm color temperatures around 5000-5500 Kelvin are commonly used to ensure accurate and natural-looking product images.
3. How many lights do I need for product photography?
The number of lights you need will depend on the complexity of your lighting setup and the desired lighting effects. In many cases, a three-point lighting setup is used, consisting of a key light, fill light, and backlight. However, you can even start with just one light. It is important to do your research to ensure that you purchase the best lights for product photography.
4. Can I use my smartphone’s built-in flash for product photography?
While smartphone flashes can be used in certain situations, they often produce harsh and unflattering lighting. To achieve high-quality product photographs, it is recommended to invest in the best lights for product photography, consisting of a dedicated lighting equipment designed specifically for photography.
5. Are LED lights better than traditional incandescent bulbs for product photography?
LED lights offer several advantages over traditional incandescent bulbs, such as energy efficiency, adjustable color temperature, and longer lifespan. They also generate less heat, making them more comfortable to work with during extended photoshoots. Therefore, LED lights are a great option for product photography.
6. What are the best lights for product photography?
The best lights for product photography depend on the types of photos that you are taking. For general product photography, either a strobe light or bright continuous light is best.
7. How Do You Get Good Lighting For Product Photos?
The best way to get good lighting for product photos is to purchase the best lights for product photography. More specifically, lights that are very bright. This can typically be achieved with a strobe light or continuous light.
8. Are LED Lights Good For Product Photography?
LED lights are a great choice for product photography if you are looking to create a harsh shadow effect. Many LED lights can also be adjusted for brightness.
9. When to use natural light for product photography?
While natural light isn’t always reliable, it can be a great method if you are looking for soft lighting and shadows. Otherwise, it is best to invest in the best lights for product photography – strobe or continuous lights.
Check out these related articles:
10 Creative Skincare Photoshoot Ideas
Are Ring Lights Good for Product Photography?
Candle Product Photography – The Ultimate Guide
13 Effective Social Media Caption Templates for Businesses
Morgan
Latest posts by Morgan (see all)
- The Best Lights for Product Photography: Six Lights to Create Amazing Photos - July 20, 2023
- 15 Innovative AI Tools for YouTube to Skyrocket Your Channel - June 24, 2023
- 13 Effective Social Media Caption Templates for Businesses - June 15, 2023