Product photography of technical products, in-house
Product photography of technical products works best with a fixed light box that gives even light from all sides, so metal does not reflect and every connection is sharply in view. That way you take the same series of photos of every item, including detail shots, even with a large range. The door with a hole helps with shiny metal.
Demo with your own products Read the guide
By Birgitta, MagicBOX · Updated 29 October 2026 · 6 min read
In short
- With technical products, clarity is what matters: connections, dimensions, materials and components need to be sharply visible.
- Shiny metal, plastic and transparent parts reflect. Even light from all sides and the door with a hole keep that under control.
- Detail shots are important: they let buyers see straight away whether the product meets their requirements.
- You can also photograph small components in a larger MagicBOX. The size depends on your range. For very heavy items, reinforcement can be added.
- Outsourcing a photo costs €15–€20 on average. With 4 photos per item, that is €60–€80.
Why are technical products difficult to photograph?
Because they are often made of shiny metal and plastic, have small details that need to be clearly visible, and because you usually have a lot of them.
Technical products are bought by purchasers, installers and other businesses. They want to see quickly and accurately what a product is and whether it meets their requirements. The photos go into the webshop or catalogue. Often a photographer is hired, or someone photographs them in-house in their own photo studio or a fabric light tent.
Who takes the photos depends on the company: larger companies sometimes have a dedicated member of staff, while in small companies the owner usually does it.
- ReflectionShiny metal and plastic reflect lamps and your surroundings. Harsh lamps create hotspots.
- DetailsConnections, rating plates and finish need to be sharp. That is why detail shots are important.
- Many itemsA large range needs the same angle and lighting for every item, otherwise your catalogue looks messy.
How do you take product photos of a technical product, step by step?
Set up one fixed arrangement and take the same series of photos of every item, including details.
- Set up your camera oncePut the camera on a tripod in front of the MagicBOX and set it up properly once. After that, every item gets the same settings.
- Place the product in the MagicBOXLay or place the product in a fixed position, at the same angle for each product group.
- Use the door for strong reflectionsDo you still see reflections on metal or plastic? Then photograph through the hole in the door.
- Take the main photo and detail shotsPhotograph the whole product and then the details a buyer wants to see, such as connections and rating plates.
- Put the photos in your webshop or catalogueAdd the photos to the item. Or make a 360° video with a model that has a turntable. In 1 minute the item has turned a full 360°.
Which background and lighting work best for technical products?
Even light from all sides and a clean, neutral background.
The MagicBOX lights the product from all sides. That means no harsh shadows, and reflections on metal and plastic are reduced. The background stays clean and neutral, so the attention goes to the technical details. The photos are ready to use straight away, with little to no post-processing. MagicBOX does not remove backgrounds or edit photos; the advantage lies in the even light you start with. That way you get a product photo of technical products on a white background.
Camera or smartphone: which suits technical products?
Both work: a smartphone is fine for a few items, while a camera on a tripod is better suited to a large range.
With a camera, you set up the settings for the MagicBOX once and then get the same photo for every item. After purchase, you receive tips and tricks for the settings on your camera or smartphone in combination with the MagicBOX; you can also find them on the page Tips & tricks for using the MagicBOX.
Tricky cases
Shiny metal and plastic
Shiny surfaces reflect lamps, you and your camera. The door with a hole for the lens solves this: you photograph through the hole and the reflection disappears. (The smaller MagicBOX models come with a door as standard; for the larger models it can be ordered as an extra.)
Details, connections and rating plates
Detail shots are important for technical products. As well as the whole product, photograph the connections, the rating plate and the finish, so a buyer can check straight away whether the product fits.
Large and small products
The size of the MagicBOX depends on your range. You can simply photograph small components in a larger version too. The inside and outside dimensions are listed with each product on the website.
Heavy products
For very heavy items, we can add extra reinforcement.
Can you make a 360° video of a technical product?
Yes. With a MagicBOX with a built-in turntable, or with a separate turntable.
That way customers see the product from every side. The MagicBOX Square 360° and the MagicBOX Large 360° have a built-in turntable. A separate turntable is available as an accessory.
You can find more examples on the page 360° product videos.
Examples from the MagicBOX
Bring your own products
We photograph them together in the showroom in Almere (the Netherlands), in English if you like. Prefer an online demo? That is possible too.
Which MagicBOX is the best photo studio for technical products?
That depends on the size of your range. Small components also fit in a larger version, and for very heavy items reinforcement can be added.
The inside and outside dimensions of every MagicBOX are listed in the product description, so you can check whether your products fit and how much space you need. Not sure? Bring your own products to the demo.
- Smaller components
MagicBOX Square · €1,145 - Larger and heavier productsMagicBOX Large · €2,065 or Large Horizontal · €2,180; for heavy items the Frame Pro Extra with reinforcement
MagicBOX Square · €1,145
MagicBOX Large · €2,065 or Large Horizontal · €2,180; for heavy items the Frame Pro Extra with reinforcementPhotograph it yourself or outsource it?
If you only have a few items a year, outsourcing is fine. If you have a large or changing range, photographing them yourself with a fixed set-up is usually quicker and cheaper.
Outsourcing a photo costs €15–€20 on average. With 4 photos per item, that is €60–€80. You buy a MagicBOX once, and you use it again for every new item.
| Your own MagicBOX | External photographer | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | One-off from €915 (MagicBOX Small) | €15–€20 per photo on average |
| Turnaround | Immediate, at your own location | Scheduling and waiting |
| Consistency | Every item with the same lighting and angle | Depends on the session |
What do other customers say?
The MagicBOX has a score of 5/5 from 45 reviews. Customers from various industries explain in their own words why they chose a MagicBOX, from flower growers to webshops and parts suppliers.
Read their experiences on our review page, or see Trustpilot for more reviews.
Frequently asked questions
How do you avoid reflections on shiny metal?
With even light from all sides. If you still see reflections, use the door with the hole and photograph through it. That way the lamps, you and your camera are not reflected in the product.
How do you show details and connections clearly?
As well as the main photo, take detail shots of connections, rating plates and finish. With a fixed set-up, every item has the same angle and lighting.
Which MagicBOX is the best photo studio for technical products?
That depends on your range: small components also fit in a larger MagicBOX. For very heavy items, reinforcement can be added. The inside and outside dimensions are listed in the product description.
Can I also make a 360° video of a technical product?
Yes, with the MagicBOX Square 360° or Large 360°, which have a built-in turntable. A separate turntable is available as an accessory.
What does it cost to photograph technical products yourself?
A MagicBOX Small costs €915 and the Square €1,145. Outsourcing costs €15–€20 per photo on average; with 4 photos per item, that is €60–€80.