Using a Camera Flash
Although the camera flash seems an easy solution to lighting, it’s not suitable for taking product images. The flash will create harsh reflections on the object, overexpose certain areas and will remove any depth from the image.

Direct Lighting
When using direct lighting (without fabric cover), light is shone directly on to the object. This results in:
• Harsh shadows
• Reflections of the light source in the object.
Usually this set-up generates poor results. However, it can be of use when photographing jewellery. Jewellery is then placed in a Light Tent (soft shadows) and another light source is placed next to the camera. This light will shine through the tent opening and create a sparkle.

Indirect Lighting
In this case, the light shines through the fabric of the photo tent on the object, resulting in:
• Soft shadows
• Diffuse lighting
• Absence of unwanted reflections

Set-up for lighting:

• Lighten from aside

This is the most common set-up. Two or more lights are placed on the left and right side of the Light Tent. In most cases, it generates professional results with barely any shadows. Using only one light generates a heavy shadow on one side of the object.

• Direct lighting
This set-up causes a reflection of the light source on the object. Depth in the picture is reduced.

• Lighten from behind
A dramatic effect is achieved when the light is placed on the backside of the Photo Tent. The background will be darker above and lighter below in the picture. Taking photographs with this set-up can be difficult, since the camera will often focus on the brightest part which it "sees", in this case the background instead of the object.