Key Takeaways – What You’ll Learn:
◈ Why reflections make product photos more dynamic and eye-catching.
◈ Best surfaces for creating natural reflections in-camera.
◈ How to position your product and lights for the perfect reflection.
◈ Step-by-step Photoshop techniques to add reflections digitally.
◈ Common mistakes and how to avoid unrealistic reflections.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to create stunning product photos with professional-looking reflections.
Why Use Reflections in Product Photography?
Reflections can make product photos look sleek, modern, and high-end. They add depth, dimension, and visual interest, making products stand out.
Many luxury brands use reflections in their photography because they create a premium look. Think of a perfume bottle placed on a glossy surface, its reflection perfectly visible beneath it. This simple effect makes the image feel more polished and expensive.
Here’s why reflections work so well in product photography:
- They add depth – A product without a reflection can look flat. A reflection adds a 3D feel.
- They create symmetry – Mirror-like effects make images look clean and balanced.
- They highlight product details – A subtle reflection can draw attention to design features.
- They give a high-end look – Many luxury brands use reflections to create a sense of exclusivity.
When to Use Reflections in Product Photography
Reflections work best for certain types of products, including:
- Jewelry & Watches – Enhances shine and luxury appeal.
- Perfume Bottles & Cosmetics – Adds a sleek, polished aesthetic.
- Technology & Gadgets – Creates a futuristic, high-tech look.
- Beverages in Glass Containers – Gives the product a glossy, premium feel.
If used correctly, reflections can transform a basic product shot into a professional, eye-catching image.
Now, let’s talk about how to capture reflections in-camera before jumping into Photoshop.
In-Camera Techniques for Creating Reflections
You don’t need Photoshop to create reflections—many can be captured in-camera with the right setup.
Here’s how to create stunning reflections while shooting.
1. Use a Reflective Surface
The easiest way to create a reflection is to place your product on a glossy surface. Some of the best options include:
- Black or White Acrylic Sheets – Gives a clean, mirror-like reflection.
- Glass with a Black Background – Creates a deep, elegant reflection.
- Polished Metal or Stainless Steel – Works well for a modern, industrial look.
- Glossy Ceramic Tiles – A creative, budget-friendly option.
Pro Tip: The closer the product is to the surface, the stronger the reflection will appear.
2. Adjust Your Lighting for the Best Reflection
Lighting is key to controlling how the reflection appears.
- Use soft, diffused lighting to prevent harsh shadows.
- Position lights at an angle instead of directly in front—this reduces glare.
- Avoid placing lights too close to the surface, as this can create hot spots.
- A softbox or ring light can help create an even, professional glow.
3. Control the Angle of the Camera
- A lower camera angle makes reflections stronger and more visible.
- A slightly tilted product can help control the size and shape of the reflection.
- Experiment with slight movements to find the perfect balance.
Pro Tip: Always check your reflection in-camera before taking the shot—it’s easier to fix positioning than edit later.
4. Enhance the Reflection with Water
For a more dynamic and artistic look, try adding a thin layer of water over the reflective surface.
- Water creates a rippled, natural reflection that adds texture.
- Works well for beverages, cosmetics, and outdoor-themed products.
- Use a spray bottle to create a light mist for added effect.
You may also find it helpful to read: Artificial Lighting Techniques for Product Photography
Post-Processing: Adding & Enhancing Reflections in Editing
Even if you capture a reflection in-camera, editing can enhance or perfect it. If your product was shot on a non-reflective surface, you can also add a reflection digitally in Photoshop.
Here’s how to refine or create reflections in post-processing.
1. How to Create a Reflection in Photoshop
If your original photo doesn’t have a reflection, you can easily add one:
1. Duplicate the Product Layer – Select your product and make a copy of it.
2. Flip the Duplicate Vertically – Go to Edit > Transform > Flip Vertical. This creates the mirror image.
3. Position the Reflection Below the Product – Move the flipped layer so it aligns with the bottom of the product.
4. Adjust the Opacity – Lower the opacity to around 40–60% for a more natural look.
5. Fade the Reflection Using a Gradient Mask – Add a layer mask and use a gradient tool to make the reflection fade out smoothly.
2. Enhancing an Existing Reflection
If you captured a real reflection but want to make it pop, try these steps:
- Increase Contrast – Brighten the reflection slightly to make it stand out.
- Sharpen the Reflection – Use the Sharpen tool to bring out details.
- Reduce Glare – If the reflection is too bright, lower highlights in Lightroom or Photoshop.
- Color Match – Use the Color Balance tool to ensure the reflection matches the product tones.
3. Creating a Water Reflection Effect
Want a more artistic reflection? You can use Photoshop to create a rippling water reflection:
Follow the basic reflection steps (duplicate, flip, and position).
1. Apply Filter > Distort > Ripple to add movement.
2. Adjust the intensity to control how wavy the reflection looks.
3. Lower the opacity and apply a blur effect for realism.
Pro Tip: When adding reflections digitally, make sure they match the light source of the original image. A mismatched reflection can make an image look fake.
Now, let’s go over the best surfaces for in-camera reflections so you can create them naturally.
Best Surfaces for Creating Reflections
I’ve shared these above, but wanted to emphasize them again due to their importance in creating beautiful reflections for your shots.
The type of surface you use determines how the reflection appears. Some surfaces create a strong mirror effect, while others produce a softer, more artistic look.
1. Acrylic Sheets (Black or White)
These are one of the most popular surfaces for product photography because they create a clean, controlled reflection.
Acrylic sheets work well for watches, jewelry, cosmetics, and tech products.
Pro Tip: A black acrylic sheet creates a luxurious look, while white gives a more modern, airy feel.
2. Glass Over a Dark Background
Glass is less likely to scratch than acrylic, making it a good thing to have handy in your studio.
Thick glass offers a deep, elegant reflection and is best for high-end jewelry, perfume, and luxury items.
While you can use a matte black background under the glass, I also recommend black glass. I actually purchased a black glass dry erase board for my studio. It was cheaper than most black glass sheets I could find!
3. Polished Metal or Stainless Steel
Creating an edgy, industrial look, polished metal and stainless steel sheets works well for watches, kitchen tools, and tech gadgets.
While the reflections are less sharp than acrylic or glass, the metal adds texture and looks amazing.
4. Water on a Reflective Surface
Water adds a sense of movement and depth to your reflections. A liquid reflection looks great when used in perfume, beverages, or lifestyle shots.
A spray bottle can create subtle ripples for a dynamic look.
5. Glossy Ceramic Tiles
Tiles are a great budget-friendly option for home setups. There are so many options available and many will provide a smooth, elegant reflection.
Tiles work well for small objects like rings, lipsticks, and watches.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Reflections can make product photos look professional—but only if done right. When reflections are too strong, misaligned, or distracting, they can ruin an otherwise great image.
Here are common mistakes photographers make when creating reflections and how to fix them.
1. The Reflection is Too Harsh or Overpowering
The Problem: The reflection is too bright, making the product hard to see.
The Fix:
- Soften lighting with diffusers to reduce intensity.
- Lower the reflection’s opacity in Photoshop for a more natural effect.
- Use a black reflector to control how much light bounces off the surface.
2. The Reflection is Too Weak or Faint
The Problem: The reflection barely shows up, making it ineffective.
The Fix:
- Adjust the camera angle—a lower perspective strengthens reflections.
- Use a glossier surface (like acrylic or glass) for a sharper mirror effect.
- In post-processing, boost contrast and adjust highlights to make the reflection stand out.
3. The Reflection is Misaligned
The Problem: The reflection looks “off” because it doesn’t match the product’s position.
The Fix:
- If editing in Photoshop, use the Transform tool to reposition the reflection.
- Make sure the product is placed flat and centered on the reflective surface before shooting.
- Adjust perspective correction in Lightroom if needed.
4. The Reflection is Too Sharp for a Natural Look
The Problem: Some reflections look fake because they’re too crisp.
The Fix:
- In Photoshop, apply a subtle blur to the reflection for realism.
- Lower opacity gradually with a gradient mask so the reflection fades naturally.
5. The Reflection is Causing Unwanted Glare or Color Casts
The Problem: Metal or glossy products reflect too much light, making them look unnatural.
The Fix:
- Change the light position to prevent direct glare.
- Use a polarizing filter to reduce excessive shine.
- Edit in post-processing by adjusting highlights and shadows selectively.
A little fine-tuning makes reflections look polished and professional instead of distracting.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
Adding reflections to product photos is a simple but powerful way to make images more dynamic. Whether you capture reflections in-camera or create them in Photoshop, mastering this technique will elevate your photography.
What’s Next? Try It Yourself!
✅ Experiment with different reflective surfaces and find the one that works best for your products.
✅ Adjust light angles and opacity to fine-tune reflections in-camera.
✅ If needed, use Photoshop to enhance reflections for a clean, high-end look.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to add stunning reflections to product photos and make your images look more professional, polished, and eye-catching.
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