If you’re looking to create perfect packshot lighting for your photography session, you’re in the right place! Packshot photography is a unique and creative art form, but getting the lighting just right can be tricky.
The best lighting setup for packshot photography is a soft, even, studio-lit environment using LED or fluorescent lights at around 5000K color temperature. You’ll get cleaner, more consistent results with controlled lighting and the right modifiers like diffusers and reflectors. Let’s look at the details.
Key Takeaways
- Studio lighting is essential for clean, consistent packshot images—natural light is rarely reliable.
- Use daylight-balanced LED or fluorescent lights around 5000–5500K to create neutral, true-to-life colours.
- Diffusers and reflectors help control shadows, reduce glare, and add depth to product details.
- Strategic layout matters—the position of lights, background, and product should be planned in advance.
- Color temperature affects mood and consistency, so keep it uniform across all images in a series.
- Simple lighting setups with softboxes and white reflectors are often the most effective for ecommerce packshots.
Best Lighting Setup for Packshot Photography
If you want to create the perfect packshot lighting setup, then you need to start with the right light sources. Natural light can be great, but in 99% of cases, studio lighting is the best choice for packshots because it provides more control and higher-quality results.
You’ll also want to consider which type of lights to use – fluorescent strobes and LED lights are popular options, though many photographers prefer tungsten lamps for their colour accuracy.
Finally, when selecting light sources, don’t forget that you will definitely need additional modifiers, such as reflectors or diffusers, to get the desired effects. Taking the time to choose the right light sources will be essential for achieving an optimal packshot lighting setup.
What Is the Best Colour Temperature for Product Photography?
Colour temperature is an important factor to consider when setting up your packshot lighting. When it comes to photography, colour temperature is measured in degrees Kelvin (K) and denotes the colour of the light emitted from a given source. Fluorescent light bulbs, for example, are generally lower in colour temperature than tungsten bulbs.
It’s essential that you understand colour temperature when creating your packshot lighting setup, as it will influence the visual mood and appearance of your final photograph. To ensure consistent results, use a daylight-balanced fluorescent or LED bulb and keep it at around 5000K – 5500K. This will help create beautiful neutral lighting that works well with most other elements in your packshot scene.
Choosing Your Layout Strategically
When shooting packshots, the layout you choose is a critical decision that can have an impact on the success of your photos. To ensure your images stand out in the crowd, it’s important to consider your layout strategically. This includes everything from where you place the main softbox and background to how many products you include in the shot and what type of props you use.
For example, if you want to show off small items, keep your layout simple with only one or two products in the photograph. If you are showcasing larger items like furniture pieces or appliances, then narrow it down to three or four items with a few smaller elements in the background for contrast. By choosing your layout strategically, you can create visually compelling packshots that look professional and eye-catching.
How to Use Reflectors and Diffusers in Packshot Lighting
If you want to add extra dimension, texture and interest to your packshot photos, then reflectors and diffusers can be invaluable assets. Diffusers are semi-transparent pieces of material that soften the light from a light source. (1)
Reflectors, meanwhile, are usually white or silver sheets of material used to bounce light back onto a subject. By using a reflector, you can create dramatic shadows that bring out texture and shape in your products. Similarly, diffusers can help create even lighting across your scene by softening the intensity of harsh lights.
When shooting packshots, it’s important to consider how these tools can be utilised effectively to add depth to your images and make them stand out from the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a packshot in photography?
A packshot is a clean, studio-style photo of a product—usually on a white background—used for ecommerce, packaging, or marketing. It focuses on accuracy, not creativity.
What is the best lighting setup for packshots?
The best setup uses soft, even lighting from LED or fluorescent lights at 5000–5500K. Use softboxes, diffusers, and reflectors to reduce shadows and glare.
Why is lighting important in packshot photography?
Lighting affects how sharp, true-to-colour, and professional your product looks. Bad lighting can make your photos look flat, dull, or untrustworthy to buyers.
What does colour temperature mean in photography?
Colour temperature describes how warm or cool the light is, measured in Kelvin. For product photos, stick to a neutral daylight balance—around 5000–5500K.
How do I reduce reflections in packshots?
Use diffused lighting, adjust the angle of the lights, and position reflectors carefully. For shiny items, polarising filters can also help.
Can I use natural light for packshots?
It’s possible, but not ideal. Natural light changes during the day and is harder to control. Studio lighting gives better consistency and results.
Do I need diffusers or reflectors for packshots?
Yes. Diffusers soften harsh light and prevent strong shadows. Reflectors bounce light back onto the product to highlight details and balance exposure.
What background should I use for packshot photography?
Most packshots use a plain white or light grey background to keep the focus on the product and meet platform requirements like Amazon or Shopify.