Recommended settings#
ModeManual
Aperturef/8–f/11
Shutter1/125 s (flash) or longer (continuous)
ISO100
White balanceCustom
Quick start: Tripod, f/8–f/11, soft light and a seamless background.
Starting exposures#
Typical scene brightness for this situation is around EV 10. Use these as a first test shot, then check the histogram.
| Aperture | ISO 100 | ISO 400 | ISO 1600 | ISO 6400 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| f/1.4 | 1/500 s | 1/2000 s | 1/8000 s | too bright |
| f/2.8 | 1/125 s | 1/500 s | 1/2000 s | 1/8000 s |
| f/5.6 | 1/30 s | 1/125 s | 1/500 s | 1/2000 s |
| f/8 | 1/15 s | 1/60 s | 1/250 s | 1/1000 s |
| f/11 | 1/8 s | 1/30 s | 1/125 s | 1/500 s |
Step by step#
- Set a seamless background.
- Light from both sides, diffused.
- Set custom WB with a grey card.
Gear checklist#
- Tripod
- Lightbox or softboxes
- White sweep
Pro tips#
- Tethered shooting speeds up adjustments.
Common mistakes#
- Colour casts from mixed light.
Related guides#
Frequently asked questions#
What are the best camera settings for product photography?
Aperture: f/8–f/11 · Shutter: 1/125 s (flash) or longer (continuous) · ISO: 100. Tripod, f/8–f/11, soft light and a seamless background.
What gear do I need for product photography?
Tripod, Lightbox or softboxes, White sweep.
Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources