Shadow
Dark areas created when light is blocked by an object.
What is shadow?
Shadows in product photography serve multiple purposes: they ground the product (prevent floating appearance), add dimension and depth, and create mood. The quality of shadows (hard-edged vs. soft) depends on light source size and diffusion. A small amount of soft shadow is usually desirable as it adds realism. Common shadow types in product photography include natural drop shadows, reflection shadows, and artificial shadows added in post-processing.
Pro tips
Some shadow adds dimension - completely shadowless can look flat
Soft shadows look more natural than hard shadows
Reflection shadows work well for products on glossy surfaces
Related terms
More lighting terms
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