How can I reduce shadows in white-background product photography with two umbrellas?
Asked 11/15/2013
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I’m photographing a small product on a white background using one bounce umbrella and one shoot-through umbrella. My images still show noticeable shadows, including shadows on the background and inside the product. With this basic setup, what changes can I make to get a cleaner, more shadowless result?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
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If you can increase the separation between the product and the backdrop, you need a light on the backdrop that isn't increasing the exposure of the product. Increase the power for the back light until the background is right at maximum saturation (in other words, on the verge of clipping). Ideally you want a white backdrop to be exposed higher than the product, not lower.
With products that have spaces not reached by the front lights, you also need an overhead light to eliminate the shadows inside the bowl.
Originally by user15871. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user15871
12y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—your current setup can be improved, but two front/side umbrellas alone usually won’t make a truly shadowless product shot.
What helps most:
- Increase the distance between the product and the white background so the product’s shadow falls farther behind it or out of view.
- Light the background separately, and expose it bright enough to go nearly pure white without overexposing the product.
- Add a top light above and slightly in front of the subject. This helps fill shadows inside recessed areas that the front lights can’t reach.
- Balance your key and fill better: reduce the stronger light or raise the weaker one to soften shadow contrast.
- Make the light source larger/softer by adding more diffusion, such as white sheets or diffusion material in front of the umbrellas.
In short: move the object farther from the backdrop, soften and balance the front lights, add a dedicated background light, and use an overhead light if the product has depth or interior surfaces.
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