How should I light and photograph a crystal chandelier?

Crystal is a highly reflective subject, so lighting matters more than camera settings. A good starting point is to use a large, soft main light bounced off a wall or ceiling. That gives the chandelier even illumination and helps avoid harsh shadows. Then add a smaller light source near the camera position to create specular highlights—the bright reflections that make crystal look sparkling instead of dull.

If possible, photographing a chandelier in sunlight can be easier because the broader angles of refraction can produce attractive sparkle, even if the sun itself is not in the frame. If you’re using the chandelier’s own bulbs, halogen lighting tends to be more favorable than standard incandescent bulbs.

More broadly, success comes from understanding how reflective surfaces respond to light direction, size, and placement. For crystal, the goal is usually a combination of soft overall light plus controlled bright highlights.

In short: use a big bounced light for shape and clarity, a small light for sparkle, and experiment with light position until the reflections look pleasing.