SIMPLE LIGHTING SETUPS FOR PROFESSIONAL-LOOKING PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY

In product photography, lighting accounts for up to 70% of image quality. Even the most well-designed product can look dull and unappealing if the lighting is poorly handled. On the other hand, with a simple yet well-planned lighting setup, product images can still look professional and compelling, perfect for websites, social media, or advertising.

So how can you create a clean, cost-effective lighting setup while maintaining professional-quality results? Let’s explore the essential tips with M&M Communications.

1. Understanding the role of lighting in product photography

Lighting doesn’t just make the product visible—it helps:

• Highlight shape, materials, and texture

• Create mood: premium, minimal, fresh, or warm

• Define brand identity through visual consistency

Product photography doesn’t require complicated lighting, what it needs is controlled lighting.

2. Make the most of natural light – Simple yet effective

If you don’t have professional equipment, natural light is your best starting point.

Simple setup:

• Place the product near a window

• Let light fall from the side or at a 45-degree angle

• Avoid harsh direct sunlight (early morning or late afternoon works best)

Pro tip:

• Use sheer curtains to soften the light

• Place a reflector (white foam board or paper) opposite the light source to reduce harsh shadows

Natural light works especially well for cosmetics, fashion, handmade products, and lifestyle F&B shoots.

3. One-light setup – Minimal but powerful

With just one studio light or LED light, you can still achieve professional product photos.

Basic setup:

• Position the light to the left or right at a 45-degree angle

• Use a softbox or diffuser to soften shadows

• Add a reflector on the opposite side for balance

Advantages:

• Better light control than natural light

• Ideal for packshots, white-background photos, and e-commerce imagery

This is a commonly used setup for product photography on e-commerce platforms.

>>> The Role Of Lighting In Product Photography

4. Avoid flat front-facing lighting

A common mistake is placing the light directly in front of the product, which results in:

• Flat-looking images

• Lack of depth

• Poor texture visibility

Instead:

• Angle the light slightly

• Allow subtle highlights and shadows to define form

Professional product photos don’t need to be overly bright; they need dimension and depth.

5. Use background lighting to create visual depth

For concept or lifestyle photography, background lighting helps:

• Add depth

• Separate the product from the background

• Create a more premium, cinematic feel

You can:

• Add a low-intensity light behind the product

• Or use reflected light from a brighter background

This technique works especially well for bottles, cosmetics, and beverages.

6. Keep color temperature consistent

One of the main reasons product photos look unprofessional is mixed color temperatures.

Key points:

• Avoid mixing warm and cool light sources

• Stick to one color temperature (daylight ~5600K is ideal)

• Set the correct white balance during shooting

This ensures accurate product colors and smoother post-production.

7. Less is more – The lighting mindset for product photography

You don’t need multiple lights, what matters is:

• Correct positioning

• Appropriate intensity

• Clear visual objectives

A simple but intentional lighting setup often delivers better results than complex, uncontrolled lighting.

M&M Communications – Lighting expertise for every product

At M&M Communications, every product photography project begins with:

• Understanding the product’s material and form

• Selecting lighting that matches the brand’s positioning

• Optimizing lighting setups for websites, social media, and advertising

We believe great lighting is the foundation of persuasive visual storytelling.

Conclusion

Professional product photography isn’t about having the most equipment; it’s about mastering light control. With simple setups, thoughtful planning, and the right lighting techniques, your product images can look polished, credible, and visually compelling.

Contact M&M Communications for professional product photography services, from optimized lighting setups to brand-aligned visual concepts.

>>> Professional Product Photography Services With M&M Communications