Mastering Furniture Photography: Tips & Tricks
Nothing like being thrown in at the deep end for your first furniture photography job. My studio is in a small yard off a residential street in Camberwell. I share the yard with four other businesses, one of them make high-end furniture and limited edition interior pieces.
About 6 months after I moved into the yard they commissioned me to produce furniture photography for several new product lines they were going to be launching at Decorex in Oct 2019. I’d never photographed furniture before. How difficult could it be !
About McCollin Bryan
Having a photographer move in next door made their life easier as getting products to the studio is basically loading them onto a dolly and trundling them next door! Since the I’ve photographed most of the McCollin Bryan products. The pieces ranged in size from a large ceramic benches down to a vases and candle holders.
One of the main features they use in their products are glass lens, polished ceramic, cast resin and glass , so lots of challenging materials to photograph in terms of controlling reflections, contrast, hotspots. Their best-known products are their lens tables.
Six Years Later…
They are now my longest standing client and after photographing their pieces for 6 years I offer some advice on capturing high-end furniture in its best light. It requires more than just a good camera, though that certainly helps. Its also about composition, lighting, attention to detail and post-production. Whether you’re shooting for an eCommerce site or a luxury catalogue, these tips will help you achieve professional results.
1. Use the Right Lighting
Lighting is crucial in furniture photography. Soft, diffused lighting helps eliminate harsh shadows and highlights textures. This is mostly true but hard direct light is required for some pieces to bring out the product’s features.
Large softboxes or diffusers create even lighting, while reflectors can help fill in shadows. For a clean and polished look, consider using multiple light sources to balance the exposure. One of the benefits of working in a high ceiling curved arch is the white lining acts as a large reflector. Getting even light for furniture photography is relatively easy. I aim three flashes with reflectors directly at the arch ceiling and bounce the light onto the subject.
2. Choose the Perfect Background
A white background is a popular choice for high-end furniture photography, as it ensures the product remains the focal point. Use a seamless white backdrop and proper lighting to eliminate unwanted shadows or colour casts. For lifestyle shots, select backgrounds that complement the furniture’s style, such as a minimalist setting for modern designs or a rustic environment for vintage pieces.
3. Pay Attention to Angles & Composition
Different angles highlight different aspects of a piece. A straight-on shot works well for clean product images, while a three-quarter view provides depth and dimension. Detail shots—focusing on craftsmanship, materials, or textures—add value to the presentation. When composing, ensure straight lines and symmetry to maintain a professional look.
4. Keep Proportions Accurate
Wide-angle lenses can distort furniture, making them appear stretched or disproportionate. Stick to standard or slightly telephoto lenses (e.g., 50mm or 85mm) to maintain natural proportions. Always check your framing and adjust accordingly. I tend to use either my 85mm or the longer end of my 35-150mm lens.
5. Post-Processing for a Flawless Finish
Editing is key to achieving a polished look. Adjust brightness, contrast, and colour balance to match the real-life product. Retouching minor imperfections and ensuring consistent white balance across images will enhance professionalism. The new AI masking tools found in Capture One make
By mastering these techniques, you can create stunning images that do justice to high-end furniture. Happy shooting!
