How to Photograph Sunglasses for Ecommerce

Dealing with lens reflections

Lens reflections are the defining challenge in sunglasses photography. Your approach depends on lens type:

The safest universal setup: two softboxes at 45° from each side, both aimed at the lenses from slightly above. This creates even illumination that doesn't show as a bright point.

Must-have angles

1. 1.Front face-on — shows lens colour, shape, and frame face
2. 2.Three-quarter view — most dynamic; shows depth and temple connection
3. 3.Side profile — shows temple length and arm shape
4. 4.Temple detail — shows logo, hinge quality, and arm material
5. 5.Folded — shows portability; good for secondary images

Display options

How you display sunglasses determines how professional the final image looks:

• Foam or plastic head form — most professional, shows natural wearing position
• Sunglass stand — simple and clean for studio white-background shots
• Flat lay on surface — fastest but frames may look misshapen without support
• Worn by a model — highest conversion, shows fit and proportion on a face

Lifestyle photography

Sunglasses are one of the easiest categories for lifestyle photography because the settings are obvious and aspirational:

• Beach / ocean
• Urban street
• Ski slope / mountain
• Poolside
• Festival or outdoor event

If you can only afford one model shoot, do it outdoors on a sunny day — the natural squinting and backlit environment looks completely authentic.

For digital lifestyle backgrounds, Sellable can place a studio shot of your sunglasses into beach, urban, or outdoor scenes.

Editing sunglasses

1. 1.Clean up any smudges on lenses with the Healing Brush
2. 2.Boost clarity to enhance frame textures (carbon fibre, tortoiseshell, matte plastic)
3. 3.Check that the frame colour reads accurately — compare to the physical product in daylight
4. 4.For white background main images, ensure the shadow is either removed or retained as a clean, even drop shadow

Try Sellable free →