How To Light a Neon Sign

Here’s how we achieved this product photograph in our photography studio in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.

We started by adding a large soft light source and placed it almost directly above where the sign sat on the plinth. Remember to add a grid to help control the spill of light coming out of your softbox.

Then, make sure to blackout the studio or room you’re working in by closing all the blinds. If you don’t have blinds or curtains, try to cover all the windows with any materials you may have lying around to remove as much natural light coming in as possible.

The sign we were photographing had a mirror behind the lettering, so it was important to make sure any unwanted reflections weren’t seen whilst taking photos of it. Use any white material to block reflections and play around with the angle until you can no longer see anything reflected in the mirror.

Next we used a second light; a fresnel light with a blue gel to give a slight blue spotlight effect in the background of the photo. The blue contrasted well against the red lettering in the sign, but you can play around with different coloured gels depending on what effect you’re looking for. Aim this light at the infinity cove/ backdrop.

And that’s how we created this amazing product photography with only 2 lights in our photography studio.