14h • Showcase
The lighting cheat sheet I use for every product category
After generating 2,000+ product photos across dozens of categories, one thing became obvious: lighting makes or breaks the image. Not the product. Not the background. The light.
Here's the exact lighting descriptions I copy-paste into my prompts, sorted by product type. Steal them.
JEWELRY & WATCHES
"Soft directional light from upper left, single key light with large softbox, subtle specular highlights on metal surfaces, dark gradient background fading to black, no harsh reflections"
Why it works: Metal and gems need controlled reflections. One soft key light prevents double-catchlight on stones. Dark background pushes sparkle forward.
FOOD & BEVERAGES
"Warm natural window light from the side, golden hour color temperature, soft shadows with visible light direction, bright and airy atmosphere, slight backlight rim on glasses and liquids"
Why it works: Food needs warmth. Cold light makes food look clinical. The backlight rim on liquids creates that "freshness" look you see in every restaurant menu.
FASHION & CLOTHING
"Even diffused lighting from two large softboxes at 45 degrees, minimal shadows to show fabric texture accurately, clean white or neutral background, color-accurate daylight-balanced illumination"
Why it works: Fashion buyers return products when colors don't match expectations. Daylight-balanced + even diffusion = what you see is what you get. Dramatic lighting looks cool but kills conversion.
FURNITURE & HOME DECOR
"Natural ambient light from large windows, late afternoon warmth, soft directional shadows that reveal wood grain and fabric texture, lifestyle setting with depth of field, no artificial flash"
Why it works: Furniture sells a feeling, not just an object. "No artificial flash" is the key phrase here — it forces the AI to simulate natural interior light instead of studio flash, which makes furniture look like a catalog from 2005.
COSMETICS & SKINCARE
"Clean bright studio lighting, soft overhead key light with frontal fill, minimal shadows, high-key white environment, crisp reflections on glass and glossy packaging, clinical yet luxurious feel"
Why it works: "Clinical yet luxurious" is the magic phrase. Skincare lives between pharmacy and premium. The overhead key + frontal fill combo eliminates under-bottle shadows that make products look cheap.
THE PATTERN
Notice how each category uses different light direction, color temperature, and shadow depth. That's the whole trick. "Good lighting" doesn't exist — only lighting that's right for THAT product.
Drop your product category in the comments and I'll write your lighting prompt. Or if your category isn't listed — what lighting setup are you currently using?
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The lighting cheat sheet I use for every product category
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