Why is cross-lighting used in product photography?

• A. To create hard shadows
• B. To reduce reflective glare and reveal texture
• C. To increase focus distance
• D. To adjust white balance automatically

Answer: (B)

Cross-lighting uses light coming from opposite sides of the product to shape reflections and reveal surface details. By lighting from two sides at angled positions, harsh reflections from glossy surfaces are reduced and the light sweeps across the texture rather than blasting it from one direction. This creates a more even illumination with subtle shadows that accentuate edges, grain, and other micro-details, making the material look true to life.

Hard shadows come from a single, strong light aimed directly at the subject, so cross-lighting tends to soften those shadows and add depth instead. Increasing focus distance is about the camera’s optics, not how light behaves on the subject. White balance is about the color temperature of the light and camera settings, not the basic purpose of the lighting arrangement.