I wrote an article a few months back about DIY a light box. A reader asked me if I had tried a LED light pad, to which I answered I hadn’t thought of it. I mean I knew they existed, but thought they were still pretty bulky and expensive. Guess what they aren’t! But…not all of them are good. I bought an el cheapo off Amazon (For about $20) and guess what? It was useless, so that got returned pretty quickly. But then the lovely people over at Huion offered me one of their LED Light Pads. Total game changer.
I wrote a full review article with all the technical specs, but this is more of a how-to guide. I have the model LB3 which has a work surface of 16 x 12 Inches, with adjustable brightness. Also, it’s battery powered or you can use a USB Cable.
Why use a light pad for product photography?
A LED light pad is a valuable tool in product photography for several reasons:
- Consistent, even lighting: Light pads provide a uniform, diffused light source that eliminates harsh shadows and uneven illumination. This is crucial for showcasing product details and preventing distracting distractions.
- Controlled background: The white surface of a light pad creates a clean, neutral background that doesn’t compete with the product. This helps the product stand out and ensures the focus remains on the item.
- Easy setup: Light pads are generally portable and easy to set up. They often come with built-in LED lights and a transparent acrylic top that allows you to place your product directly on the illuminated surface. They are a great alternative to a light box or light table.
- Ideal for translucent objects: Light pads are particularly effective for photographing translucent or semi-transparent products, as the light shines through the object, revealing its internal details.
- Versatility: While primarily used for product photography, light pads can also be used for other purposes, such as tracing, drawing, and viewing X-rays or negatives.
The setup
It’s pretty easy, I placed my subject on the light pad and turned it on. I adore how it makes translucent objects glow and adds illumination to others. The trick is that it also needs a secondary light source if your object isn’t flat. I used the Neewer TL60 Light stick, but you could use a constant LED light or even a speed light on low power. A softbox or diffuser doesn’t hurt either.
In summary
A light pad offers a simple yet effective solution for achieving professional-quality product photos. By providing consistent lighting, a clean background, and easy setup, it can help you create visually appealing images that accurately showcase your products. It’s great for translucent objects, flowers, jewellery and product photography on a smaller scale.
