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 toughest aspects to employing 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 several magazines you will see a scarcity of detail where the white color blends.
Some say you’ve got to have lots of space so that there is no reflection from the backdrop to the subject. Fine if you’ve got the room but depending on your camera settings you may have Problems even with 10 feet of space between the white background and subject. This reflection is also known as spill, wrap or flair depending on where it comes from. No matter what you call it photographers want to avoid it unless you’re going for a strange look.
What I do is light the white seamless paper from behind my subject. I try and permit about 8 feet so I have room for my lights. I use from three 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 hidden from sight. I’ve used soft boxes and umbrellas with same results. If using an umbrella be sure to have the black liner attached to prevent spill. A black poster can also be used if you feel more light blockage is needed.
- Muslin Background
- Large Umbrella
- Strobe Lights
Employing a light meter placed in front of the model slightly below 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 happy 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 straightforward adjustment or adjust every one 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 photographed. 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 colour of clothing with any background or light conditions. If you book a photo shoot and your portrait photographer tells you not to wear white as it is hard to photograph I suggett 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 need to 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 additional strobes as they do burn out without notice and to keep the extreme highkey white look over the whole background area at least 2 light units are required. Always pack one more than you are using just for additional piece of mind.
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