The Best Studio Lighting Techniques for Product Shoots
When it comes to clean, polished product shots, lighting makes or breaks the image. Whether you’re shooting for your brand, a client, or an online shop, using the right techniques inside a product photography ecomerce photo studio rental in Toronto ensures your product looks sharp, appealing, and true to life. Let’s break down the go-to lighting setups that work for everything from beauty items to apparel to e-commerce flatlays.
1. Diffused Softbox Lighting for Even, Shadow-Free Images
One of the most reliable lighting setups for product shoots is a softbox positioned at a 45° angle to the product. It creates clean, soft light that wraps around the object without harsh shadows — perfect for glossy surfaces like skincare bottles, jewelry, and tech accessories.
Use one large softbox, or pair two from opposite sides for symmetry.
Position slightly above the product and angled down.
Add a white reflector opposite the softbox to bounce light back in and soften any remaining shadows.
Most studio setup for e-commerce projects start with this simple, flattering setup.
2. Overhead Lighting for Flatlays and Top-Down Shots
Flatlay product photography demands even, consistent overhead lighting. In a product photography lighting studio Toronto, an overhead softbox or large umbrella is your best friend.
Hang or boom a light directly above your shooting surface.
Use diffusers or scrims to soften the light and avoid hotspots.
For added depth, position side reflectors or fill cards to minimize dark corners.
This works especially well for tabletop arrangements like food, cosmetics, stationery, or accessory collections.
3. Rim Lighting for Dramatic, Defined Edges
When you need to separate your product from the background — especially on dark backdrops — rim lighting adds a professional touch.
Place two strip lights or narrow softboxes behind the product on either side.
Angle them slightly toward the product’s edges.
Control spill with flags or V-flats to keep light tight and directional.
This highlights contours and gives a clean outline around the product, which is ideal for glassware, electronics, or products with textured finishes.
4. Single-Light Setup for Minimalist E-Commerce
For clean, white-background product photos (think Amazon listings or Shopify product pages), you can achieve crisp results with a single softbox or umbrella and a reflector.
Position the light at a 45° angle slightly above your subject.
Use a large white foam board or reflector opposite the light source to fill in shadows.
If your product casts unwanted reflections, add a diffuser between the light and the product.
This efficient studio setup for e-commerce keeps your lighting simple and consistent across multiple product SKUs.
5. Colored Gels for Creative Product Content
If your goal is to produce standout social content or campaign imagery, colored gels can introduce bold, branded lighting effects.
Use a key light with a colored gel that complements the product’s packaging or brand colors.
Add a second light with a contrasting gel for background or accent lighting.
Control intensity to avoid overpowering the product’s details.
A product photography lighting studio Toronto should always have gel options available for when you want to shift from commercial catalog to creative content creation.
6. Backlighting for Transparent or Translucent Products
Products like drinks, glass bottles, or beauty serums benefit from backlighting to highlight clarity and color.
Position a soft light or strobe behind a seamless backdrop.
Place your product in front of the light, ensuring even illumination around the edges.
Add fill from the sides to maintain detail on the product’s surface.
This technique works beautifully in beverage photography and skincare marketing.
7. Light Tents for Small, Reflective Objects
If you’re shooting shiny, reflective products (like jewelry, watches, or metallic accessories), a light tent minimizes unwanted reflections and provides soft, even light from all angles.
Place your product inside the tent.
Position two softboxes on either side and one overhead.
Control exposure and reflection carefully — a product photography lighting studio Toronto often stocks these tents for tricky product categories.
Final Thought
A solid lighting setup doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re after clean e-commerce product shots or bold campaign imagery, knowing how to control your light makes all the difference. Look for a product photography lighting studio Toronto that offers flexible equipment, backdrops, and props so you can build out exactly what you need for every project. The right lighting technique = professional results, every time.
