BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Studio Techniques Using Digital Cameras

Jessica Johnston

Getting a White Backdrop

I have a white backdrop and am having trouble getting absolutely white results. I have tried to take a blank white photo and set the custom white balance, but it still turns out kinda gray. I want a bright portrait with a stark white background. My photos are in my gallery so you can see what I'm talking about. I have a canon 20D, and two softboxes right now that I've been using. Any help??

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April 26, 2007

Debby A. Tabb

Jess,
Are you using a backlight? You will still need one for that High Key look. I hope this helps,
Debby

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April 26, 2007

W.

I [want] a bright portrait with a stark white background.Then you need about 2.5 stops more light on the background than on the subject.
Oh, and FYI: The background has got nothing to do with "white balance"!

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April 26, 2007

Jessica Johnston

How do I get 2,5 stops more light on the background than on the subject?

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April 26, 2007

W.

"How do I get 2,5 stops more light on the background than on the subject?"

By pointing more wattseconds – i.o.w. more light, more power – at the background than onto the subject (you meter and expose for the subject, of course).

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April 26, 2007

Pete H

Jessica,
Most of the responses are correct here. You need more light on your backdrop. One light is rarely enough.
What caught my eye was your subject-to-backdrop distance. Too close. You will throw shadows and never get a white backdrop.
The shadows need to fall outside the image frame. Some will argue, and will be correct in saying a blown-out white background will override shadows falling on the background. Try to avoid this, as it will bring on more problems - blue casting, etc.
Get your subject at least 5 feet in front of the backdrop. You will probably need both softboxes to light the backdrop ... OR ... Just one that is hidden low or blocked by your subject that faces up, fired at full power.
This method, when on a budget, has the added effect of bouncing some light from the ceiling back down to the subject's hair and shoulders, helping to separate them from the backdrop.
Final note Jessica: It looks like you might have some dust on your sensor. Nothing to do with your exposure, just thought you might want to know. :)

Oh, one more idea if you know how to use editing programs. You can always mask off your subject and use levels to "bring up" the back drop.
Here's a sample shot demonstrating the last method.
All the best,
Pete

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April 26, 2007

Michael McCullough

I might simply expose for the white like you would when shooting a snow scene +1/2+1 1/2 of overexposure might be a help.

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May 01, 2007

Jamie~Lynn Klesmith


	Anamarie Rose, 4 years old Side lighting only Jamie~Lynn Klesmith

I went into Jessica's gallery to view the pics she was referring to, (which are very nice btw :) ) and I have had similar experiences... I found that lighting the backdrop with a third light really does make a difference! Altho, sometimes by mishap, some beautiful portraits can come out of not lighting it too...like this one I took (and that was a white seamless backdrop-with only side lighting on the subject).

PETE~ I also have a canon 20D...any recommendations on cleaning that sensor? I've recently noticed a similar effect on a few pics of mine, and think it is probably the same things..dust!

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May 01, 2007

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