Lighting and exposure

A broad, soft light source often works best for general views.

You can obtain it with:

• indirect natural light near a window;
• diffused artificial light;
• a light source that is large relative to the item;
• a light curtain softening direct sunlight.

Very hard light creates deep shadows and specular reflections that can hide details.

You do not need to remove every shadow; gentle modelling helps show shape and depth.

Whenever possible, use one family of light sources.

For example, avoid photographing beside a window while a very warm household lamp is also illuminating the item.

The image can then contain bluish and yellow areas that are difficult to correct at the same time.

If you use artificial light, try to use similar sources. If you use window light, switch off ambient lights that introduce obvious colour casts.

Colour consistency across the image set is as important as the exposure of a single photograph.

Glossy guitars, metal panels, displays and black plastics can directly reflect the light source.

Move the light, item or camera slightly until reflections no longer cover important information.

Pay particular attention to:

• glossy finishes;
• chrome hardware;
• black panels;
• displays;
• acrylic surfaces;
• cymbals;
• painted surfaces.

A reflection can help describe shape, but it should not erase serial numbers, scratches, controls or details.

The soft light that works well for an overall view can make some surface defects difficult to see.

To document scratches, dents or wear, try slightly more directional side lighting so that the surface gains some contrast.

Also take a contextual image showing where the defect is located.

Avoid both hiding it and using extreme lighting that makes it appear much worse than it normally does.

The goal is to make the defect identifiable and assessable.