One of the most well liked backgrounds for studio photography is a solid white background. One of the hardest aspects to employing a white background is when the topic is also wearing white or is holding a white product. As the paparazzo 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 mags youwill see a scarcity of detail where the white color blends.

What you could need :

Some say youmust have a lot of space so that there isnot any reflection from the setting to the subject. Fine if you’ve got the room but depending on your camera settings you continue to could have issues even with 15 feet of space between the white background and subject. This reflection is sometimes called spill, wrap or flair depending on where it comes from. Irrespective of what you call it photographers need to avoid it unless you’re 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 three to four lights. When using four lights two 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 equal results. If using an umbrella be certain to have the black liner attached to prevent spill. A black poster may also be used if you’re feeling more light blockage is required.

Employing a light meter placed in front of the model slightly under her chin take a reading. Point the meter toward the camera and fire all of 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 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 need for your subject simply 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 photographer tells you not to wear white because it is hard to photograph I suggest you look for a new cameraman. All that statement shows is a lack of knowledge about photography lighting.

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  2. How To Create A Crisp White Photography Background!
  3. The Photography Background – Alter YOUR Photography From Blah To TaDAA!

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