In product photography, mastering light is everything. When shooting reflective products like glass or polished metal, the choice of light modifier can be the difference between a professional shot and a cluttered mess. Martin Hallik explores a simple yet effective technique for creating flawless reflections, comparing the common softbox with an often-overlooked hero: plexiglass.

A standard softbox is a go-to for many photographers, but its fabric construction is its greatest weakness when it comes to reflective products. 

The material’s wrinkles and imperfections are directly mirrored onto the glossy surface, creating a messy, uneven reflection with distracting dark spots and harsh highlights. 

This chaotic result makes the product look unappealing and unprofessional, demanding extensive and time-consuming retouching.

For a clean, flawless look, plexiglass is a game-changer. This simple, semi-transparent plastic sheet provides a perfectly smooth surface for light to diffuse through. 

When you direct a flash or strobe at the plexiglass, the light spreads evenly, eliminating hot spots and creating a beautiful, consistent reflection on your product. 

The difference is night and day—the shot goes from a distracting blur to a polished, professional image.

While some high-end softboxes offer better quality, a simple plexiglass board from a hardware store is an incredibly affordable and effective solution that often outperforms them for this specific task. 

By making this small switch, you can dramatically improve the quality of your product shots and save valuable editing time, ensuring your images consistently meet professional standards.