A ring light and desk panels ranked for Whatnot shows and listing photos, with the reason for each pick.
A ring light works best for faces and talking to camera, while side panels beat it for shiny cards and clothing. These four lights cover desk shows, faces, clothing and close-ups.
Prices run from about $15 to $30 for a small fill light up to $50 to $90 for a softbox kit, so you can start cheap and add one at a time.
The criteria that set the order. Commission plays no part.
Two panels from the sides light cards and glossy packaging without glare, so they suit most desk shows.
Typical price
$40to $80
A ring light gives even front light for faces and small items, which suits beauty sellers and anyone talking to camera. It reflects off holo cards.
Typical price
$45to $75
A softbox spreads soft light over a big area, so it suits clothing and full outfits. It needs floor space.
Typical price
$50to $90
A small fill light for close-ups, and a cheap way to test lighting before you buy panels.
Typical price
$15to $30
Each step in the order you'll need it.
Glare comes from a light straight in front of a shiny surface. Put one panel at each side of the desk, angled in, and holo cards and sealed boxes show color instead of a white streak.
Set both panels to the same color temperature. Mixed colors give one side a yellow cast that buyers read as damage.
Kit for this step
A ring light around the phone lights your face evenly. It helps if you sell beauty or talk to camera for much of the show.
Keep shiny items out of its direct line. The ring shows up as a circle on toploaders and phone screens.
Kit for this step
Clothing on a rack, or on a person, needs soft light over a big area. A softbox spreads it wide, so buyers see wrinkles and colors as they are.
Softboxes need floor space and a few minutes to set up. If you shoot clothing once a week, leave them assembled in a corner.
Kit for this step
A small rechargeable LED fills the shadow your hand casts over a card or ring. It also makes a cheap first light to test whether lighting helps your shows.
Bounce it off a white card for softer light on reflective items.
Kit for this step
Most pro desks use three lights. The large panel lights you and the whole mat, a mid-sized panel on the other side fills its shadow, and a small one lifts the close-up angle on a single card.
Start with the large panel and one other. Add the third when you add a second camera, since that angle needs its own light.
Kit for this step
Straight answers to what sellers ask about this.
Side panels. They light the desk evenly and keep glare off holo cards and toploaders without casting a ring reflection.
Not for the desk. The reflection shows up on glossy cards and sleeves. Save it for your face and use panels for the items.
Daylight changes through the day and with clouds, so a show that starts bright can end dim. Lights give the same look every time.
Pick a neutral daylight setting and match all your lights to it, so colors look consistent across the frame.
A window gives good light on a bright day. With lights you can shoot at night and match photos across a whole batch of listings.
Start with one, often the small fill light. Add a pair of panels when you go live regularly.
