Rather than spending loads of money on high-cost cameras, fix up lighting in your photographs. You only need proper techniques on lighting to make it stunning. The following article will explain the tricks behind product photography lighting on a budget.
For example, if you learn the trick of utilizing daylight. It’s the secret ingredient for achieving top-class lighting on a budget. The best bit, the lighting, makes the photos great. There are more secret budget friendly lighting tips for photography to explore. Let’s learn about these.
Let’s learn about the tips for setup budget photography lighting that you need to know today. Please review these budget friendly lighting tips and improve the lighting in your photography projects.
Use Your Phone
Using your phone can be the best alternative option when you consider the budget. As we know, a camera is the first thing you need in photography. But buying it can create a big budget problem. So your phone’s camera can be used in it.
First of all, you don’t need a separate camera. Also, your phone is lightweight, compact, and always with you. So access costs like heavy camera gear or additional mobility equipment have already been cut out. Also, accessories for smartphone photography come at a very affordable price.
You can experiment in various ways to get a good picture through phones. Many cameras come with special camera effects and features. You can check tutorials on youtube to achieve particular effects. Thus, editing can make your picture look professional and error-free.
Try Utilizing Natural Light
Utilizing natural light can cut the cost of artificial lighting. You don’t have to buy holding equipment, mobility equipment, accessories, and setup. Artificial lights consume a good amount of electricity. Using natural light helps you to eliminate energy costs.
First, find a well-lifted area. Look for a place with ample natural light, like a room with big windows, a balcony, and a garden outside. Daytime gives you the best lighting effects. Take advantage of different qualities of daylight, like golden hours. The soft light of the sun can enhance the product’s appearance. Experiment with different times to know which hour suits your product photography.
Use The Right Props
In product photography, props are any item or accessories that enhance the composition or context to make a product picture more beautiful. The materials can be used as a complement to the main subject or storytelling element, or specific theme. Reusing household items, low-cost material, or renting them help you to minimize the prop investment.
First, look around your home to find any item that can be used as props. Some common elements like books, plants, fabrics, or any decorative things are widely used for product photography. Look for inexpensive wooden grain or marble contact paper to use as a surface. These items can add depth or visual interest to your product photos.
Use Simple Backgrounds
In product photography, many people invest a considerable amount for the background. Many use light, glitter, expensive marble surfaces, or wallpaper to make a good picture. But it is optional all the time. A simple background only attracts the product’s attention and eliminates access costs.
First, you can use a simple background with minimal equipment like a wall, wood, a large sheet of paper, or plain fabric. DIY hacks can be a good option if you want a fancy background with a budget. You can paint and art on a large piece of wood. Make sure to consider consistency with your product.
Use Led Lighting
LED lights will be a cost-effective lighting solution if you want to use artificial light with budget issues. LED light is widespread in the market and comes in various price ranges. It is energy efficient, which means lower electricity bills. Thus, you don’t need to buy expensive equipment. At the same time, it has a long lifespan, easy to move and low maintenance.
Choose a LED that is suitable for your product. Look for adjustable brightness and temperature. Then set the light in the required position so your product gets enough light. Use multiple lights to balance the effect. To eliminate harsh lighting, use light modifiers like a softbox.
Edit Your Photos To Improve Lighting
Editing is a crucial part of product photography. You can enhance the product’s appearance and make them attractive to the customer. Low-budget photography may look unprofessional, but editing can fix all problems. Try to do your own with software. But if you find it tricky, you better use some clipping path service.
Get software name Photoshop. You will get endless tools to enhance your picture. First, adjust the brightness, exposure, saturation, and hue. Then make a color correction and white balance to match the temperature. Boost contrast and vibrancy to increase color. Use a mask tool to eliminate any errors.
Use Lighting Trends
Using lighting trends allows you to achieve a good picture without high investment. It would be best to have many artificial lights and their techniques, which cost a lot. Instead, you can follow some trends that don’t require expensive lights. The trend helps to make your picture more acceptable to people.
If your product is small, then try flat-lay lighting. It shoots products from a top-down perspective. Follow rim lighting techniques by positioning the light source behind the product. Use soft lighting with a lit background to make an airy look. Any cheap LED light or natural light will be a good source.
Use Reflector
The reflector is a photography accessory designed to reflect material, especially lights. It is used to bonus light onto subjects and modify the lighting condition. So you don’t need to buy expensive materials and lots of lights. You can boost the natural light through it. It is portable, foldable, and lightweight. Thus, they are comparatively inexpensive than other equipment.
First, position the light precisely opposite the primary light source. It will reflect double light. The reflector comes in various colors silver, gold, white and translucent. Each reflection gives you different lighting and temperature. So choose according to your needs.
Use Multiple Lightings At Once
Using multiple lighting provides you control and flexibility in achieving desired lighting effects. However, multiple lighting doesn’t cut your cost because it requires some investment. Following some techniques can reduce some costs.
You don’t need an expensive lighting setup. Began with affordable lighting and equipment. Also, try to borrow from others or rent. Use diy product photography lighting modifiers and accessories. Use artificial and natural lighting both at once. It will give you an excellent lighting effect.
Take Multiple Shots Of Signe Products
Taking multiple shots is a natural practice in product photography. It allows you to capture from different angles. The technique can be a cost-effective strategy in the long run as it maximizes the value and utility of each photo. You can get better images when you go for photo retouching services when you have multiple images.
Creating Magic with Creative Lighting Techniques
Apart from the tips for setup budget photography lighting, you can create magic with some creative lighting techniques mentioned below:
DIY Light Bounce
Create a makeshift light bounce using a white foam board, a piece of cardboard covered in aluminum foil, or a white wall. Position the bounce opposite the light source to reflect and soften the light, reducing harsh shadows.
Candlelight
Experiment with the warm and intimate ambiance of candlelight. Place candles around your subject to create a soft, moody lighting effect. Remember to prioritize safety and avoid placing candles near flammable objects.
String Light Bokeh
Use inexpensive string lights and set them up as a background. Adjust your camera settings for a shallow depth of field, allowing the lights to blur into beautiful bokeh circles, adding a magical touch to your photos.
Flashlight Painting
Grab a flashlight or a small LED light and experiment with light painting. Illuminate specific areas of your subject or paint light trails in the frame for a unique and artistic effect. This technique works best in low-light environments.
Outdoor Light Sources
Explore different outdoor light sources such as streetlights, neon signs, or car headlights. Incorporating these elements into your photography can add a dynamic and urban feel to your images.
Silhouettes
Use backlighting to create striking silhouettes. Position your subject before a strong light source, such as the sun or a bright window, and expose to the background. This technique can result in dramatic and eye-catching photos.
Candle Lanterns
Place small candles inside lanterns or mason jars to create a warm and soft lighting effect. These portable and inexpensive light sources can be easily carried around, making them great for outdoor or on-location shoots.
Flash Techniques
If you can access a camera flash, experiment with off-camera flash techniques. Use reflectors or bounce cards to soften and redirect the light, or try using the flash as a fill light to balance out natural light.
Creative Use of Shadows
Embrace shadows as a creative element in your photography. Experiment using natural or artificial light sources to cast interesting and dramatic shadows that add depth and intrigue to your images.
Conclusion
Let’s summarize our in-depth guidelines on product photography lighting on a budget. Try to implement tips and tricks into your photography projects. It would be a perfect way to do so.
Product photography has been a crucial part of every type of business. But it is hard to afford expensive photography materials for beginners. So considering the budget is essential. You can achieve good product photography even after using the phone’s camera, natural light, and simple editing. All you have to do is learn and learn more.
