Lighting White Backgrounds For Photo Shoots
May 27th, 2010One of the hottest backgrounds for studio portrait photography is a solid white background . One of the most challenging aspects to using a white background is when the subject is also wearing white or is showcasing a white or near white product, such as platinum wedding bands. 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 seem to never get the separation correct and if you look at ads in many magazines you’ll see a lack of detail where the white color wash together .
Many Say you’ve got to have a lot of distance so that there is not any reflection from the backdrop to the subject. Fine if you’ve got the room but depending on your camera adjustment and lens you may have issues even with 15 feet of space between the white background and subject. This reflection is often referred to as spill, wrap or aptitude depending on where it originates from. Regardless of what you call it photographers wish to avoid it unless you’re going for a unusual look. What I do is light the white seamless or paper from behind my subject. I try and permit about 7-9 feet so I have space for my lights. I use from three to five lights. When using four lights two are on each side and if required the fifth in the middle hidden from the camera. This is useful for extra wide backgrounds. When using 3 I have one on each side and one behind the model concealed from sight. I have used soft boxes and umbrellas with equal results. If using an umbrella be sure to have the black liner attached to prevent spill. A black poster may also be used if you feel more light blockage is required.
Using a light meter placed in front of the model slightly below her chin take a reading. Point the meter toward the camera and fire all of the flash unites . If the reading is F11 and you are satisfied 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 as one is all that is required for detail seperation. You can move the model closer or further away for simple adjustment or adjust each 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 need for your subject just make sure the background reading is one under.
A good photographer 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 as it is hard to photograph i suggest you look for a new cameraman. All that statement shows is a dearth of knowledge about photography lighting. In addition if you would like more information on marketing ideas for photography please follow this marketing photography link.