Photigy – Product Photography 101: How To Photograph a Textured Subject

I have seen cases where photographers use soft light on textured subjects and end up getting a plain and flat look on the final image.
Here are some suggestions you need to follow to avoid that plain look:

• • If the subject does not have a considerable amount of glossy surfaces, start with 1-3 spot lights illuminating it from different directions. Do not start with softboxes!

• • Aim lights on a sharp angle to the subject: 20-30 degrees would be a good point to start.

• • Add reflectors, diffusers or use softboxes only if the photo result is too contrasted and has too many unwanted dark areas. To soften the look, I would suggest starting by placing white reflectors around your subject while still using spot lights.