Lighting in 3D works almost the same as in real life. Visualization software is built to deliver the most realistic results, and you achieve that by mimicking reality as closely as possible. In 3D, you can hang lamps like in a photo studio, trigger a flash, or even place a sun on the horizon to recreate a beautiful sunset.
The difference from a physical photoshoot is that you have complete control. You don’t have to wait for the right weather, there’s no limited studio space, no need for expensive equipment, and no heavy gear to haul around. You simply build the perfect studio inside your computer.
Types of Lighting
There are several ways to light your product in 3D. Each type of lighting comes with its own advantages and applications. Here, we explain the different options available.
Light objects
Light objects are virtual lamps that you place inside a 3D environment. Just like in a photo studio, you decide where to position spotlights or softboxes and how the light falls. They are mainly used when you want to illuminate an entire 3D space, such as an interior or a larger setting. By adding lights from multiple directions, you create a balanced lighting setup that feels realistic and natural.
Each lamp can be fine-tuned: intensity, warm or cool tint, size, and shape. This allows you to choose between soft lighting that fills the whole room or a strong spotlight highlighting one detail.
A spotlight works like a flashlight: focused light with an adjustable angle. Area lights act as softboxes and provide soft, diffused illumination.
HDR light map
HDR light maps are essentially a 360-degree image of a photo studio. We create these ourselves to have full control over the lighting. Instead of working with separate light objects, you set up a complete 360-degree studio environment. An HDR light map is mainly used for infinite spaces: the product is placed in the center, but there are no walls or full surroundings. We always use this method for product shots on a white background.
The big advantage is that this type of lighting can be reused easily. You only need to load a single file into your software, and your product instantly receives professional studio lighting from all directions. This results in consistent, realistic, and professional-looking renders.
Sunlight
Sometimes a product calls for different lighting. Products designed for outdoor use, such as garden tools or outdoor fitness equipment, are shown to their best advantage with sunlight. Sunlight is simulated by using a light source that casts parallel rays, just like the real sun.
For realistic sunlight, you can choose the right color: morning and evening light is warmer and more orange, while midday light is cooler and whiter. You can also adjust the intensity of the sunlight and control how sharp the shadows appear. This approach works perfectly for products that need a natural, outdoor look.
360 images
Products with highly reflective surfaces sometimes need a real environment instead of a studio setup. In that case, we use a 360-degree photo of an actual location. This image is placed around the product as its environment, making it look as if it truly exists in that space.
Setting it up is simple: you load the photo into the software and assign it as the environment. You can then rotate the photo to change the direction of the light and reflections. This method is ideal for products such as mirrors, glass objects, or polished metal items that need to reflect their surroundings realistically.
Your Own Lighting Studio
For every client, we create a custom-made lighting studio that fully matches their brand. The type of lighting has a big impact on how the product is perceived.
We build a studio environment from scratch, often starting with an HDR light map as the foundation. This studio is designed to fit the visual style we’ve defined together. By constructing the lighting ourselves, we gain complete control over how your product is presented.
The result is a setup that works consistently across your entire product line. New products can easily be placed in the same lighting arrangement, ensuring a recognizable look. You save time because the base is already in place, while every product gets the same professional quality.
Conclusion
Setting up lighting in 3D starts with understanding these four basic types: light objects for focused illumination, 360-degree photos for environmental light, HDR maps for realistic contrast, and sunlight for a natural look. Each type is used in different situations.
The real strength lies in the control you have. Every light can be adjusted precisely, every setting can be fine-tuned, and you can experiment endlessly until the result is perfect. This way, you achieve consistent, professional product images that strengthen your brand.