Easy To Remember Tips For Using A Totally White Background
One of the hottest backgrounds for studio portrait photography or on location images is a solid white background. In my area of South Texas I get lots of calls for on site San Antonio event photography and need to use a white backdrop. One of the most challenging aspects to using a white background is when the topic is also dressed in white or is holding a white product. As the photographer you have to separate the white subject from the white background and not tell them they cant wear their choice of clothing. Many photographers appear to never get the separation correct and if you look at advertisements in numerous mags you will see a scarcity of detail where the white color blends.
Some say you must have plenty of space so that there is no reflection from the backdrop to the subject. Fine if you have the room but depending on your camera settings you still might have Problems even with 10 feet of space between the white background and subject. This reflection is sometimes called spill, wrap or flair depending on where it comes from. No matter what you call it photographers need to avoid it unless you are going for a unusual look.
What I do is light the white continual paper from behind my subject. I try to permit about 8 feet so I have space for my lights. I use from 3 to 4 lights. When using 4 lights 2 are on each side. When using three I have one on each side and one behind the model concealed from sight. I have used soft boxes and umbrellas with same results. If using an umbrella be certain to have the black liner attached to stop spill. A black poster may also be used if you feel more light blockage is needed.
- Muslin Background
- Large Umbrella
- Soft Box
Using a light meter placed in front of the model just under her chin then take a reading. Point the meter toward the camera and fire all the strobes. If the reading is F11 and you are OK with that setting then move the light meter to behind the model facing the background. Take a reading of the flash and it should be one stop under. No more and no less. You can move the model closer or further away for easy adjustment or adjust each of the background lights. At one stop or F8 in this sample you would have total separation of the white background and the white clothing worn by the model being snapped. Whatever setting you require for your subject just make sure the background reading is one under.
A good cameraman should be able to picture any color of clothing with any background or light conditions. If you book a photo shoot and your portrait photographer tells you not to wear white because it is hard to photograph I recommend that you look for a new photographer. All that statement shows is a scarcity of knowledge about photography lighting. In addition a solid white background is the best choice for business event and convention photography.
When shooting conventions you should keep the image neutral and easy to cut the subject out if the clients need to use the images for different campaings. When I am asked to bid on San Antonio convention photography I include options such as on site image printing and background replacement based on white neutral backdrop. As with all photography make sure to bring extra lights as they do burn out without notice and to keep the extreme bright white look over the whole background area at least 2 light units are required. Always pack one more than you are using just for extra security.
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