3 Pro Looks for Product and Food Photography Using Just 1 Light

Lighting can make or break a product or food shot, but you don’t need an elaborate multi-light setup to get professional results. In this video, J.T. Shaver from New Layer breaks down three lighting setups that work with just a single light. Whether you're shooting tech products, food, or lifestyle items, these one-light photography setups deliver a variety of looks with minimal gear.

The key to success? Understanding how to manipulate light with reflectors, diffusion, and positioning.

Setup #1: Soft, Even Lighting with a Ceiling Bounce

A common approach to lighting product photography is by using a large, soft light source from above. Instead of booming a softbox overhead, J.T. takes a simpler approach – bouncing light off the ceiling. 

He sets up his scene, using V-Flat World Duo Boards as the backdrop and surface to add texture and style to the shot. The key light, a Nanlite Forza 200 with its stock reflector, is aimed at the ceiling. This method creates soft, even lighting without harsh shadows, provided the ceiling is a neutral color.

This single-light setup works great when shooting products with reflective surfaces, like electronics or glassware, because the soft, indirect lighting helps control harsh highlights. It’s also ideal for video when combined with a motorized turntable, allowing for smooth, well-lit product spins.

Setup #2: Natural Window Light Effect

For a natural, soft daylight effect, J.T. mimics the look of sunlight streaming through a window. He places a 48-inch softbox off to the side and lowers it to the surface level to create realistic directional light. “You can easily just hang a white sheet and shoot your light directly through that,” he suggests, making it clear that expensive gear isn’t a necessity.

Again, he uses Duo Boards (this time, the marble surface) to create a clean, professional backdrop. To soften shadows, he positions white reflectors (tabletop V-Flats, in this case) on the opposite side of the subject. If a more dramatic look is needed, swapping white reflectors for black ones increases contrast and deepens shadows.

Flat lay photography benefits greatly from this type of lighting, especially when shooting food or lifestyle products. The soft shadows and gradual falloff make images look natural and inviting, like they were taken in a well-lit kitchen or studio apartment. For video, an overhead orbiting shot pairs well with this setup, adding dynamic movement while keeping the lighting natural.

Setup #3: Backlighting for Depth and Drama

The final setup is all about backlighting, which enhances texture and contrast. J.T. moves his light behind the subject, angling it toward the camera. The light spills onto the tabletop surface, creating a natural gradient of highlights and shadows.