How To Light A White Background In Photography
There are four main sources of light a photographer has to work with when shooting in a studio environment. These sources include the main or pin light, flash fill, reflected light and the background light. The background light is one of the more crucial sources of light when shooting a portrait. This light eliminates any shadows that may be cast onto the photographic backdrop from the main or fill lighting. The background light must be placed behind the subject to illuminate the area behind the model or object being photographed.
Photo : Nick Wheeleroz
Place two light stands on either side of the studio background when shooting a free-standing model or object. The light stands need to be positioned slightly behind where you will place the subject of your photograph. Look through the camera’s viewfinder to confirm the light stands are not in the frame and reposition is necessary.
Use daylight balanced bulbs that are white and full-spectrum to illuminate your photographic backdrop. Avoid using regular incandescent light bulbs, because they will cast an unnatural yellowish hue onto the background and/or can affect the color spectrum and/or white balance of your photograph. Place the light bulbs into the light stands. Point lights toward the backdrop in a downward angle so they cross just before reaching the backdrop.
Photo : Nick Wheeleroz
If you will be shooting an object that is placed on a stand you will need to position the stand at least two feet in front of the white seamless backdrop. Place two short stand lights, or small floor lights, on the floor behind the stand so they are out of sight from the camera’s viewfinder. Use white full-spectrum daylight balanced bulbs and point them up toward the backdrop. Light beams should cross just before reaching the backdrop.
Take some test shots before finalizing the light positions. If possible, place the model or object in the correct position during test shots. This will help you determine if there are any unwanted shadows, overly bright spots or dark spots on the photographic backdrop. Re-adjust camera, subject or light positions as necessary until you have reached desired look and feel of the photograph.
Gritty & Vibrant : Two Of The More Popular Styles Of Photography
When photographers look to do something a little different with their photography they often will take their photography in one of two directions, either towards the gritty or towards the vibrant. In either case, choosing the right photographic backdrop plays a big role in how successful you are in creating the look and style you desire.
Photo : Destroy Inc.
Gritty photography has sort of a dark retro feel to it (retro backdrops), as if the photographer has come across a ghost town where their subject has been preserved. Inspiration for these styles can come from many places from the Old West, to video games, to over the top ad campaigns. It’s just important to find the mix that works for you.
Gritty photography uses darker, brooding shades such as dark browns or shades of black. The style creates a serious mood and can even suggest an element of danger. Some use this style to give that “rock and roll’ feel to their photography or to express as kinship with counter culture.
Photo : Kent Johnson
If gritty photography suggest an over the top style and rock and roll, then vibrant solid colored backdrops and style can be categorized as something designed to pop. By using brighter colors strategically placed with high contrasts, such as black and white, vibrant photography definitely sends the message that it is here to stay. Influences of this type of photography include older ads and even comic books or even children’s programming.
Of course there is no law that says you can’t try a little bit of both. The situation of your photo shoot as well as the opinions of your subjects and clients will play a part in what photographic backdrop and style you choose. You may even want to place a bit of the vibrant strategically against a more gritty photographic backdrops. You may get inspiration from many places, but finding what works will likely take some time and patience, buy you will get there. If you are working in digital photography you will have plenty of opportunity to experiment and take shots that reflect both the gritty and vibrant styles combined with your own personal signature style, as well as the more traditional photography backdrops and find a style that is truly unique to you.
A Guide to Photographic Backdrops
If you’re looking to produce expert images, a seamless photographic backdrop is an excellent tool. A seamless background is perfect for a photo session when staging or other custom setups are necessary. A variety of materials including cardstock, silk, canvas and vinyl are used when creating some backdrops. These materials can be obtained in a variety of colors, sizes and textures. Photographers, novice and expert, can find these backdrops in several merchant locations, as well as additional photography accessories.
Always comparision shop prior to purchasing in terms of photographic studio equipment and other lighting package deals. That way, you know you’re receiving the best photographer backdrop for your money. A gallery typically uses numerous styles of glare-free photographic vinyl or muslins that are brightly colored that are adaptable based on the artists’ needs or other uses they’re envisioning. Analyze the background of your photographic scenes in order to determine how backdrops can aid your project along with lighting and additional props.
Use of seamless backdrops varies from photographer to photographer depending on their inspiration, their subject matter, and their intended final result. It isn’t uncommon to see a photographer improvising in some situations. However, even when improvising, the photographer’s backdrop should never out-do the subject. It’s best when there is minimum contrast between the backdrop and the subject. For example, you can’t photograph an individual in green against a green backdrop.
Photo : John Hong
In the case of white or very light photographic backdrops, shadows are the primary problem. The biggest question is how to incorporate a flash. Most experts will tell you to avoid using a flash, and change the configurations on your digital camera to optimize the shot. There are certain circumstances where a flash is essential, so attempt to minimize shadowing as best as you can. It also helps to eliminate the backdrop, and simply re-arrange the subject matter in a way that would allow for optimal camera exposure.
If you’re unable to make a firm decision regarding which photo backdrop is best, experiment with several of them. This works best with digital cameras because nothing is wasted, and all pictures that don’t come out correctly can be deleted right away. Through use of a digital camera, too, you’re able to see immediately which seamless backdrop works the best, thus speeding up the session. As a photographer, you’re going to quickly learn that changing supplies, as well as studio photography equipment is going to happen frequently throughout your career. Simply welcome these changes, and how they improve your career!
