Using White Background For Portrait Photography
One of the hottest backgrounds for studio photography is a solid white background. One of the toughest aspects to using a white background is when the topic is also dressed in white or is holding a white product. As the photographer youhave got 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 ads in several magazines youwill see an absence of detail where the white color blends.
What you might need :
Some say youmust have plenty of space so that there isnot any reflection from the backdrop to the subject. Fine if you’ve got the room but depending on your camera settings you continue to might have issues even with 15 feet of space between the white background and subject. This reflection is sometimes called spill, wrap or panache depending on where it comes 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 continual paper from behind my subject. I try and permit about 8 feet so I have space for my lights. I use from three to 4 lights. When using four 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 equal results. If using an umbrella be sure to have the black liner attached to stop spill. A black poster can also be used if you feel more light blockage is needed.
Using a light meter placed in front of the model slightly below her jaw take a reading. Point the meter toward the camera and fire all the strobes. 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. You can move the model closer or further away for simple 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 want for your subject simply make sure the background reading is one under.
A good photographer should be able to photograph 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 snap i suggest you look for a new cameraman. All that statement shows is a dearth of knowledge about photography lighting.
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