One of the hottest backgrounds for studio photography is a solid white background. One of the most challenging 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 adverts in several mags youwill see an absence of detail where the white color blends.

What you may need :

Some say you have to have lots of space so that there is no reflection from the backdrop to the subject. Fine if you have the room but depending on your camera settings you continue to may have issues even with 15 feet of space between the white background and subject. This reflection is also known as spill, wrap or aptitude depending on where it comes from. Irrespective of what you call it photographers need to avoid it unless you’re going for a strange look.

What I do is light the white continual paper from behind my subject. I attempt to permit about 8 feet so I have room for my lights. I use from three to four lights. When using four lights two are on each side. When using 3 I have one on each side and one behind the model hidden from sight. I have used soft boxes and umbrellas with equal results. If using an umbrella be certain to have the black liner attached to stop spill. A black poster can also be used if you feel more light blockage is needed.

Employing 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 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 straightforward 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 just make sure the background reading is one under.

A good cameraman should be able to image 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 lack of knowledge about photography lighting.

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