Short answer: soften the light by putting a diffuser between your light and the product, then fill the shadow side with a reflector. You can do both on a small desk without extra stands.
Why shadows look hard
A small, bare light source creates sharp-edged shadows and bright hot spots on shiny surfaces. A larger, softer source wraps around the product and blurs the shadow edge.
Step by step
- Place your light to one side of the product.
- Put a diffuser between the light and the product. The A3 Foldable Diffuser is 42 x 29 cm, folds flat and can also be used as a reflector.
- Place a reflector opposite the light to bounce light into the shadow side. The Daka Pro 3-in-1 Desktop Reflector stands on its own and folds to A4 size.
- Adjust distances. The closer the diffuser is to the product, the softer the light.
Which surface to use
- White: soft fill that opens up shadows.
- Silver: crisper light that adds highlights and defines edges.
- Black: blocks light to remove unwanted reflections on glass or metal and add contrast.
FAQ
Is a reflector better than a softbox for beginners?
They do different jobs. A reflector does not make light: it bounces or blocks light from a window or lamp you already have. It is compact and easy to use, while a softbox gives you a light source of its own.
How do I keep reflections off glass bottles?
Soften the light with a diffuser, then use the black surface of the reflector to block the light that causes distracting reflections.
Browse the Light Modifiers & Diffusion collection.
