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Tips to shoot with rollable backdrops in commercial photography

How to Handle Occasional Glares When Using PVC Rollable Backdrops in Product Photography

Although our backdrops feature a matte surface to minimize glare, it’s still important to know how to manage occasional reflections effectively during your shoots.

What to Know in Advance

If you’re not yet experienced with lighting techniques, it’s better to start with light-colored backdrops. These are less prone to glare. Bright-colored backdrops may require additional adjustments to lighting and shooting angles to manage accidental reflection spots.

Control Your Lighting Setup

Lighting is the primary factor influencing glare. To manage reflections, you can:

  • Diffuse your light sources: Use softboxes, umbrellas, or diffusion panels to soften harsh lighting. This reduces direct reflections on the plastic surface.
  • Adjust the angle: Position your diffused light source at an angle, rather than pointing it directly at the backdrop.
  • Change light height: Adjust the light height to reduce reflections from the backdrop’s surface.
  • Top-down lighting: For flat-lay photography or top-down shots, place a light above your product and tilt it downward at a 30–45-degree angle.
  • Bounce the light: Reflect light off a nearby wall or ceiling for a softer, indirect glow.

Controlling light in product photography

Use Black Cards or Flags

Positioning black foam boards, flags, or black cards next to reflective areas can absorb excess light and minimize glare.

Adjust the Camera Angle

Slightly changing your shooting angle can dramatically reduce glare. Shooting at a 45° or 90° angle minimizes reflections. Shooting straight on (0°) is the trickiest—if you do, adjust the lighting position or use black flags to control glare.

Adjusting camera angle to reduce glare in photography

Control the Environment

Unwanted reflections may come from windows, shiny objects, or other background light sources. Block these with blackout curtains or reposition your shooting space to reduce interference.

Controlling background light in product photography

Post-Processing Techniques

If glare still appears in your photos, use the Clone Stamp or Healing Brush tool in Photoshop to correct minor reflections.