Product photography lighting setup
A reliable product photography lighting setup uses soft, diffused light from a large source placed at about 45 degrees to the product, with a white reflector on the opposite side to fill shadows. Continuous LED softbox lights give a repeatable result, while a large window with a sheer curtain is a free alternative. Even, soft light shows true color and removes harsh shadows.
One-light setup
A single large softbox or diffused window at 45 degrees, with a white card or foam board opposite to bounce light back, is enough for most small products. The card fills the shadow side so the product looks even without a second lamp.
Two-light setup
Add a second softbox on the other side to reduce shadows further, or use it as a background light aimed at the backdrop to lift it toward pure white. Keep the key light slightly stronger so the product still has gentle dimension.
Softbox vs natural light
Continuous LED softboxes are consistent and let you shoot any time, with adjustable brightness and color temperature. Natural window light is free and flattering but changes through the day, so shoot when it is soft and turn off overhead room lights to avoid color casts.
Lighting for a white background
To get a clean white backdrop, light the background separately from the product so it reads white without washing out the product. If a fully even white is hard to achieve on set, shoot on white and finish it in editing.