Let me tell you a secret - the difference between amateur and professional product photos often comes down to one misunderstood element: reflections. While most photographers fight to eliminate them, the pros know how to make reflections work for them.
I learned this the hard way during my first year shooting products for e-commerce. After struggling with unwanted glare on a jewelry shoot, I nearly threw my reflector across the studio. That's when a mentor showed me how to harness reflections rather than battle them - and it changed everything.
The Reflection Spectrum: From Mirror to Matte
Reflections exist on a spectrum, and understanding this is your first power move:
- Mirror-like reflections: Think polished silver or glass - crisp, defined, and perfect for luxury items
- Semi-gloss reflections: Like a waxed wooden table - adds warmth while maintaining some definition
- Matte surfaces: Nearly reflection-free, ideal for soft, diffused product shots
The Golden Rule of Reflection Control
Here's what most tutorials won't tell you: Complete elimination of reflections often makes products look cheap. That slight gleam on a watch face? That's what makes it look expensive.
3 Pro Techniques to Master Reflections
- The Angle Game: Tilt your product 5-10° to control where reflections appear
- Black Magic: Use black cards to "eat" unwanted reflections without flattening your light
- Polarizer Power: A circular polarizer filter gives you dial-in reflection control
Last month, I used these techniques for a client's whiskey bottle shoot. By strategically placing a reflector to enhance rather than eliminate the glass's natural reflections, we created shots that looked like they belonged in a high-end magazine.
When to Break the Rules
Sometimes, the most striking images come from embracing reflections rather than controlling them. That chaotic reflection in a spilled coffee puddle? That's not a mistake - it's atmosphere.
Next time you're setting up a shot, ask yourself: "How can reflections help tell this product's story?" You might be surprised by the answers you discover.
