White Background (outdoors)

[kris142]

This might sound stupid to some of you, I want to try shooting a model outdoors, with the subject being properly metered/exposed, but the background being WHITE, how would I do this?

[themadman]

Umm... get a white background and set up supports outside... =)

[Kevin Curtis]

what would be the purpose of shooting outdoors then? just curious :-)

[kris142]

Natural light.

[asysin2leads]

Natural light.

Blow out the background and you won't need a white backdrop. Really, the purpose of shooting outdoors is to get the outdoors in the shot.

[kris142]

Blow out the background and you won't need a white backdrop. Really, the purpose of shooting outdoors is to get the outdoors in the shot.

It's not mine, You guys don't get what I'm trying to say, and I don't know how to say what I'm trying to.

Here is what I'm talking about, my friend Cameron Rad took it, he is a master with photoshop, he doesn't like to share his secrets so I have no clue if it involves photoshop, or the natural photo.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cameronrad/4267419636/

[themadman]

That photo jsut looks like exposure was set to the face and has a light source behind the head... no photoshop needed, lol.

[Jimmyhickey]

Look into high key portraiture. Its a complicated subject. Basically the background should be 3 stops brighter than the subject. Best way to achieve this is having two lights from either side evenly lighting the background. Be sure to check your exposure in the four corners and middle of the BG to ensure they are the same exposure. A broader light source of lighting is pretty good for that job. Also be sure to have those lights flagged off so they don't hit the subject. Then get your lighting ratio on your subject set correctly to 3 stops darker than the BG. If done correctly you should achieve a pure white background in camera. Be happy you don't have to learn this on a 4x5 camera:)

[swimchic]

easy peasy! Just like the others said, over-expose the bg, which should be the sky or something bright, and properly expose for your subject. It's just practice to find the perfect balance :)
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f272/swimchicjen/KS_Blog6.jpg

[ootsk]

Shoot from a dark, shaded area, into a sunlit background. Meter on her face, and the back ground will blow out to some extent.

[stsva]

Great answers - thanks for posting the question, Kris, as I learned something new here too. :D

[Stickman]

This might sound stupid to some of you, I want to try shooting a model outdoors, with the subject being properly metered/exposed, but the background being WHITE, how would I do this?



As already posted, exposure for your subject, and use something large and white behind the model. You can use almost anything that is white, including buildings or the sky in some cases.

[Jimmyhickey]

easy peasy! Just like the others said, over-expose the bg, which should be the sky or something bright, and properly expose for your subject. It's just practice to find the perfect balance :)
[IG]http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f272/swimchicjen/KS_Blog6.jpg[/IMG]

It doesn't require practice, just understanding of proper lighting ratios:)

[fotojoem]

OK, I give how did you pull that off? That is an awesome image. BTW We have the exact same equip but, I am buying a 1dMK IV as soon as I can find one in stock...You are a much better photographer though...I look at your work often, very creative!!! Keep it up. I like it!easy peasy! Just like the others said, over-expose the bg, which should be the sky or something bright, and properly expose for your subject. It's just practice to find the perfect balance :)
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f272/swimchicjen/KS_Blog6.jpg

[Doc Fluty]

sorry to hijack the thread but i think he could use the answer to this question also

while were on the subject.. and using a perfect photo (above this post) to educate.

how do you meter from a different area of the photo?

i know how you can focus in one spot and reframe the shot (holding down the shutter button halfway) but how did in this photo you meter on the lady and not the water?

i know how to spot meter but thats only 1 lil dot in the middle of the frame..did you meter in the middle and then just crop the photo for the desired frame? can you move that dot or do use a principle kinda like the refocus technique?

[kingpat]

sorry to hijack the thread but i think he could use the answer to this question also

while were on the subject.. and using a perfect photo (above this post) to educate.

how do you meter from a different area of the photo?

i know how you can focus in one spot and reframe the shot (holding down the shutter button halfway) but how did in this photo you meter on the lady and not the water?

i know how to spot meter but thats only 1 lil dot in the middle of the frame..did you meter in the middle and then just crop the photo for the desired frame? can you move that dot or do use a principle kinda like the refocus technique?Your camera has a little * button. That's the meter button. Point the camera at what you want to meter, and press the *. Then you can focus on your subject as usual.

[canonnoob]

OK, I give how did you pull that off? That is an awesome image. BTW We have the exact same equip but, I am buying a 1dMK IV as soon as I can find one in stock...You are a much better photographer though...I look at your work often, very creative!!! Keep it up. I like it!

no offense but why would you worry about buying the top of the line camera when you cant deal with proper lighting ratios? :rolleyes:

just a thought..

Anyway it seems that you have your answer on how to do this.

[stsva]

sorry to hijack the thread but i think he could use the answer to this question also

while were on the subject.. and using a perfect photo (above this post) to educate.

how do you meter from a different area of the photo?

i know how you can focus in one spot and reframe the shot (holding down the shutter button halfway) but how did in this photo you meter on the lady and not the water?

i know how to spot meter but thats only 1 lil dot in the middle of the frame..did you meter in the middle and then just crop the photo for the desired frame? can you move that dot or do use a principle kinda like the refocus technique?

It's pretty easy if you use spot or partial metering mode and shoot in manual - point the center of the viewfinder where you want to meter, half-push the shutter button (or the back button if using that for focusing/metering) to get a reading, adjust the shooting settings from the meter reading as appropriate, then re-compose for how you want the image to look without changing the exposure settings. The other approach is to do the same thing except in one of the semi-automatic shooting modes (Av, Tv, P) and use exposure lock once you've taken the meter reading, then re-compose.

[fotojoem]

Oh, I am sorry I forgot to tell you. It's because I am a young reired musician who understand how important good equipment is and because I can afford it, was there any other ignorant questions you would like to ask? Just a question. I am in here looking at other photographers work and getting C & C on mine to become better at my hobby.

You must be a pro and a genius so what are you doing in here besides being a smart $$%? no offense but why would you worry about buying the top of the line camera when you cant deal with proper lighting ratios? :rolleyes:

just a thought..

Anyway it seems that you have your answer on how to do this.

[canonnoob]

Oh, I am sorry I forgot to tell you. It's because I am a young reired musician who understand how important good equipment is and because I can afford it, was there any other ignorant questions you would like to ask? Just a question. I am in here looking at other photographers work and getting C & C on mine to become better at my hobby.

You must be a pro and a genius so what are you doing in here besides being a smart $$%?

now now.. chill out.. it was a legitimate question.. you didnt understand the basics and the learning curve of a 1d body is much harder than a much simpler camera.. so that being said i would look into a more appropriate body.. until you get a hold of the basics.

[Gatorboy]

how do you meter from a different area of the photo?

A light meter is one alternative.

[puzzle]

Although many photog's don't use them these days, when using external flash for staged shots, I would recommend going down the light meter route. For spontanious out and about shooting, I would normally use spot metering in manual mode to meter on specific area's but embarassingly enough, never read up before what the * button's function really was so now I have a new button to play with. 1 of these days, I should really take some time out to read the manual ;)

[Doc Fluty]

I figured that out!

thanks for the tips guys.. man i should read my manual more carefully

[drdiesel1]

now now.. chill out.. it was a legitimate question.. you didnt understand the basics and the learning curve of a 1d body is much harder than a much simpler camera.. so that being said i would look into a more appropriate body.. until you get a hold of the basics.


Sorry, but I disagree with all these lesser purchase statements from everyone.

If someone has the money to buy what they want, what is it you think they will learn from buying a less capable body ?

I had an XSI and was not happy with it's focus capabilities, everyone blamed me for the cameras short comings. I replaced that POS with a Nikon and have been happy with it's focus system.
I have not had any focus problems.
My 5DMKII works well also, but to tell someone to buy a cheaper/less capable camera because they don't know how to perform certain techniques is just crazy.
Buy what you like. It's your money. Enjoy :cool: Others always seem to be just a little jealous about gear around here IMO.

[Doc Fluty]

i have a 5d mark ii with a 85mm 1.2L ii lens and i didnt even know how to meter from a different area.. now i do though lol

[swimchic]

It doesn't require practice, just understanding of proper lighting ratios:)

haha, ya or that :) He seemed to be new though, so practicing is the best way to learn :)
And you don't need a light meter either, I've never used one. I just learned lighting and exposure, and shoot in manual all the time. In fact, I have never once shot my current camera on anything but manual. When I know what look I want, I just know how to expose for it with the light around me - like I said, practice is the best way to learn, just make yourself shoot on manual no matter what, and you'll know how to expose for any situation in no time :)

[canonnoob]

Buy what you like. It's your money. Enjoy :cool: Others always seem to be just a little jealous about gear around here IMO.

I doubt Im really all that jealous (looks at my sig)

[drdiesel1]

I doubt Im really all that jealous (looks at my sig)


That wasn't my point. My point is, what do you think he will learn by buying a less expensive, less capable camera that he can't learn with the one he's wants to buy ? Is there some magic learning book in the cheaper camera box :lol:


I would really like to hear the explanation on this theory :confused: Or is more thinking because you don't know how to operate your current camera, why do you need a TOTL body.
Learning with a POS or a TOTL body is not the same and you'll learn more with a more capable TOTL camera IMO. The camera body capability is the only limiting factor of what you can learn.

[canonnoob]

That wasn't my point. My point is, what do you think he will learn by buying a less expensive/capable camera that he can't learn with the one he's wants to buy ? Is there some magic learning book in the cheaper camera box :lol:


I would really like to hear the explanation on this theory :confused:

learn the basics of photography then moved up. the 5d/1d series takes alot of getting used to compared to a rebel. It is much easier to learn on a rebel or xxd body than a professional body. The question asked in the OP was a pretty simple question and if they didnt understand that then I would wonder if they really needed the 1d body over the skills learned.

[Doc Fluty]

well maybe by using less expensive gear in the beginning he could find out his style of shooting and figure out what he needs before making large purchases.

case in point... me buying a 70-200 2.8 IS because everyones opinion on what i needed.

but after extended use i found what i needed was about an 85mm...

had i bought cheaper gear to begin with i wouldnt have wasted a lot of money buying the 70-200 and then selling it at a loss only then to spend more buying what i needed.

of coarse this isnt a end all be all explanation... just something i wish i did before i ended up buying a bunch of lenses based on what other told me i should have instead of finding out what fits my needs on my own.

[drdiesel1]

learn the basics of photography then moved up. the 5d/1d series takes alot of getting used to compared to a rebel. It is much easier to learn on a rebel or xxd body than a professional body. The question asked in the OP was a pretty simple question and if they didnt understand that then I would wonder if they really needed the 1d body over the skills learned.


That's a very limiting way to look at things IMO. If someone had the money to buy a 1DMKIV as a beginner, then why would you care. Do you really think it would change how someone learns or cause them to not learn.
This is why I say others around here have gear jealousy, because this type of thinking it ridiculous IMO. I bought an XSI and ditched it within 5 months due to limitations, but I was following everyone's advise. It was a complete waste of time and money to follow this type of advise for me.

The only limiting factor is your line of thinking.

[canonnoob]

That's a very limiting way to look at things IMO. If someone had the money to buy a 1DMKIV as a beginner, then why would you care. Do you really think it would change how someone learns or cause them to not learn.
This is why I say others around here have gear jealousy, because this type of thinking it ridiculous IMO. I bought an XSI and ditched it within 5 months due to limitations, but I was following everyone's advise. It was a complete waste of time and money to follow this type of advise for me.

The only limiting factor is your line of thinking.

now now.. no reason to insult me by using that last line. Just because it didnt work for you does not mean that it wont work for the op. save money in the long run vs spending more money in the long run. about 85% of people do what I am suggesting.... (okay I just grabbed that number out of my rear end, but you get my point.) If you are going to continue to insult people from behind your keyboard then there is no need to take this any further.

[drdiesel1]

now now.. no reason to insult me by using that last line. Just because it didnt work for you does not mean that it wont work for the op. save money in the long run vs spending more money in the long run. about 85% of people do what I am suggesting.... (okay I just grabbed that number out of my rear end, but you get my point.) If you are going to continue to insult people from behind your keyboard then there is no need to take this any further.


I'm not insulting you. I simply made a statement that your are limiting yourself with this type of thinking.

Money has nothing to do with learning ability unless you let it, or can't afford it.

[spikeystitch]

What I think canonnoob is trying to say is, if you were wanting to learn how to drive a vehicle you wouldn't buy a top of the line, 500HP done up ricer car. Most people would purchase a vehicle they could learn and understand the basics before drifting down a street.

I had my XTi for a year before I felt it was time to take on a much bigger beast of a camera body. I'm glad I took my time learning proper exposure and what aperture, ISO & shutter speed controlled as I'm now focused on creating images first instead of being frustrated with a high end & feature packed body.

I don't believe money has anything to do with it, Ive always found it's easier to learn the fundamentals before drowning in details. Just my .02

[drdiesel1]

What I think canonnoob is trying to say is, if you were wanting to learn how to drive a vehicle you wouldn't buy a top of the line, 500HP done up ricer car. Most people would purchase a vehicle they could learn and understand the basics before drifting down a street.

I had my XTi for a year before I felt it was time to take on a much bigger beast of a camera body. I'm glad I took my time learning proper exposure and what aperture, ISO & shutter speed controlled as I'm now focused on creating images first instead of being frustrated with a high end & feature packed body.

I don't believe money has anything to do with it, Ive always found it's easier to learn the fundamentals before drowning in details. Just my .02


I understand what you`re saying, but I still can't understand why someone would think a lesser body is the answer to learning a given technique.
Why would a camera with other options not allow you to learn the same thing.
It's not the same as buying a overpowered car IMO. The camera wont spin out and kill you because it got away from you while you learn how it works.

[neilwood32]

I understand what you`re saying, but I still can't understand why someone would think a lesser body is the answer to learning a given technique.
Why would a camera with other options not allow you to learn the same thing.
It's not the same as buying a overpowered car IMO. The camera wont spin out and kill you because it got away from you while you learn how it works.

But it can overwhelm by virtue of all the additional features that are added on a top line camera. Having a camera that is as customisable as a 1D can be overwhelming unless you know the basics of how to use the equipment.

My own logic with regards to gear is to upgrade when I find myself limited by the technology, not buy the top range model just because I can (I can't as it happens but I wouldnt want to atm as I dont think gear is the answer to my photography issues - more like lack of skill :D)

This is not a gear thread nor should it be an argument about gear. Canonnoob simply pointed out that the OP would be better looking at learning exposure and how to manipulate it, rather than blowing ££££ on a camera and still not knowing how to do it!

[drdiesel1]

Canonnoob simply pointed out that the OP would be better looking at learning exposure and how to manipulate


And this is the part that makes no sense to me, yet the majority of users here continue to advise others in this manner. Why would anyone think a cheaper "VS" the best camera makes a difference in the ability to learn. Because it has more options, this limits the user :confused:

[canonnoob]

And this is the part that makes no sense to me, yet the majority of users here continue to advise others in this manner. Why would anyone think a cheaper "VS" the best camera makes a difference in the ability to learn. Because it has more options, this limits the user :confused:

Its fine that you dont agree, but just drop it.. We are not going to get anywhere in this situation.

[drdiesel1]

Its fine that you dont agree, but just drop it.. We are not going to get anywhere in this situation.

That's fine, but don't tell me what to do ;)
You can't answer the question, because it doesn't make any sense to advise someone to buy a cheaper camera to learn with if they can afford to buy whatever they want :lol:

[canonnoob]

That's fine, but don't tell me what to do ;)
You can't answer the question, because it doesn't make any sense to advise someone to buy a cheaper camera to learn with if they can afford to buy whatever they want :lol:

I can answer the question but no need in filling this thread up with the nonsense that has already been created.

[neilwood32]

And this is the part that makes no sense to me, yet the majority of users here continue to advise others in this manner. Why would anyone think a cheaper "VS" the best camera makes a difference in the ability to learn. Because it has more options, this limits the user :confused:

If you are going to grab quotations out of a post of mine at least have the decency to do so fully as it will make more sense.

But it can overwhelm by virtue of all the additional features that are added on a top line camera. Having a camera that is as customisable as a 1D can be overwhelming unless you know the basics of how to use the equipment.

My own logic with regards to gear is to upgrade when I find myself limited by the technology, not buy the top range model just because I can (I can't as it happens but I wouldnt want to atm as I dont think gear is the answer to my photography issues - more like lack of skill :D)

This is not a gear thread nor should it be an argument about gear. Canonnoob simply pointed out that the OP would be better looking at learning exposure and how to manipulate it, rather than blowing ££££ on a camera and still not knowing how to do it!

That is the important bit in my post - having the best camera in the world isnt going to make the slightest difference if you do not know how to use it!

The OP made a comment which implied that the only difference between setups was the camera which would make no difference to the result achieved without the knowledge of how to produce the effect.

There are literally tons of posts in the gear about" I have blah camera and need to upgrade so I can do this....." rather than understanding that a lot of effects are possible with ANY camera with some understanding of what is being done.

[drdiesel1]

If you are going to grab quotations out of a post of mine at least have the decency to do so fully as it will make more sense.



That is the important bit in my post - having the best camera in the world isnt going to make the slightest difference if you do not know how to use it!

The OP made a comment which implied that the only difference between setups was the camera which would make no difference to the result achieved without the knowledge of how to produce the effect.

There are literally tons of posts in the gear about" I have blah camera and need to upgrade so I can do this....." rather than understanding that a lot of effects are possible with ANY camera with some understanding of what is being done.


I have no idea what you`re talking about. I never grabged anything from "your" posts. So don't don't get all upset and think this is anything personal, because it's not.
It's a simple question.

Advising someone to buy a lesser camera than they want to buy because they haven't had the time to learn a technique is crazy IMO.
Anyone can learn techniques and how to create images, but to suggest the camera body is somehow to advanced for them is not good advise IMO.
If the body has limitations, then the user will too. Anyone can learn over time as long as the equipment is capable of delivering the ability to do so.

As a matter of fact, if you took the time to read my posts you might figure out I wasn't talking to or replying to you.

now now.. chill out.. it was a legitimate question.. you didnt understand the basics and the learning curve of a 1d body is much harder than a much simpler camera.. so that being said i would look into a more appropriate body.. until you get a hold of the basics.

Sorry, but I disagree with all these lesser purchase statements from everyone.

If someone has the money to buy what they want, what is it you think they will learn from buying a less capable body ?

I had an XSI and was not happy with it's focus capabilities, everyone blamed me for the cameras short comings. I replaced that POS with a Nikon and have been happy with it's focus system.
I have not had any focus problems.
My 5DMKII works well also, but to tell someone to buy a cheaper/less capable camera because they don't know how to perform certain techniques is just crazy.
Buy what you like. It's your money. Enjoy Others always seem to be just a little jealous about gear around here IMO.

[drdiesel1]

But it can overwhelm by virtue of all the additional features that are added on a top line camera. Having a camera that is as customisable as a 1D can be overwhelming unless you know the basics of how to use the equipment.

My own logic with regards to gear is to upgrade when I find myself limited by the technology, not buy the top range model just because I can (I can't as it happens but I wouldnt want to atm as I dont think gear is the answer to my photography issues - more like lack of skill :D)

This is not a gear thread nor should it be an argument about gear. Canonnoob simply pointed out that the OP would be better looking at learning exposure and how to manipulate it, rather than blowing ££££ on a camera and still not knowing how to do it!


But now that you mention it, why would you care who spends what on camera equipment they want ?

It would probably be best to remove oneself from the financial aspect when giving advise, unless they have posted a budget or price range IMO.
Otherwise you're making assumptions that have nothing to do with the real question at hand. Not everyone cares how much everything costs, but what they can eventually get from it for the money.