Help with normal background

Hi all,

I have been doing a lot of high and low key stuff, which isn't a problem as you either blow out the background or leave it so dark nothing is picked up.

My issue is now with how you get a good normal background shot i.e. I have a dark red background that I want to use - what settings should I have the background lights on? I have four lights, of which I mainly use only three - two for the back, and one with a massive octobox for the front, alongside a reflector on t'other side.

Any help is greatly appreciated,
Saqib.

First try setting the bckground lights to give you the same exposure as your main light. Then if you want a darker, more saturated red you can reduce the exposure by a stop, or lighten the color by over exposing a stop. Adjust to taste.

Hi,


Thank you for your reply. One of the things that is causing me bother is the fact that it is a satin sheet so has a shine to it - it is reflecting more than I thought it would. So I guess its more playing around than anything else .

Once again thanks for the reply.

They sell a red seamless paper that had a frock to it you can buy or order at any professional camera store, or online, made by one of the major paper companies, Savage I think. It won't reflect light like satin or even regular red paper, or you can get a material with a nap to it.

Thanks - I actually used to use rolls but they are a bi**h to transport whereas cloth is easier. I managed to do ok with some product photography but still working on the using it for people.

Thanks for the info in any case.