How to Photograph Glass and Reflective Products for an Online Store

Set up the light first

Glass and shiny surfaces pick up whatever is around them, so start by blocking stray light in the room, then add one large, soft source. A softbox, a large diffuser or a sheet of white fabric in front of a light all work. Moving the light further away and lowering its power usually softens the reflection.

• Use soft, even light. A small, bright light makes a hot spot on glass and metal.
• Turn off the built-in flash, which makes harsh reflections on glossy surfaces.
• Shoot in a room with white or neutral walls, or build a small box from white foam board so the light bounces back softly.

Use backlight for glass and clear products

For bottles, jars, glasses and other clear items, place the light behind the product so it shines through and shows its outline and curves. Put a white diffuser between the light and the product, such as paper, thin white fabric or a sheet of diffusion material, so the light is even and the bulb does not show. Black boards on the sides sharpen the edges.

Control reflections with black and white

Look through the camera at what the product reflects. Black foam board or black cloth absorbs reflections and gives a dark outline, which suits dark or heavy glass against a bright backdrop. White board gives a soft, bright reflection, which suits light glass. Angle the camera so it does not appear in the surface, and if you must shoot straight on, use a foam board with a hole for the lens.

Pick a simple background and surface

Plain white, grey or black backgrounds keep the eye on the product. Clear glass shows whatever is behind it, so keep that space clean. A translucent sheet of acrylic or frosted plastic under the product gives a smooth base without a mirror-like reflection. Avoid busy props and colored backdrops, which tint the glass.

Clean and check before every shot

Glass shows dust, smudges and fingerprints more than any other product. Wipe it with a soft cloth, use compressed air for dust, and handle it with clean gloves where you can. Before you press the shutter, check the frame for your own reflection, the lights and the room.

Edit out what the camera caught

• Remove dust, fingerprints and small scratches with a clone or spot tool.
• Remove stray reflections of people or objects, but keep the product's own reflections so it still looks like glass.
• Make the background clean and even, and check that the product color matches the real item.
• Save as PNG if you need a transparent background.