Two light setup with Gel

I'm trying to shoot with 2 = AB400s. One has the 7' reflector and a red gel wrapped around it. The other has a medium softbox. Well no matter what I can't get a good red background and have the subject lit properly. I always get either dark subject, red background, or vice-versa.

Does anyone have any pictures of their setup with gels for the background?

What color is your background before you start throwing light on it? A black background will give you a deeper red than a white background will. Check out THISthread.

Also, make sure that the softbox is further away from the background. If its light is striking the background, it will wash out the red color.

Can you describe or show us your setup? That would help us help you

I would start with the light about 10 inches from the BG, hiding the light behind the subject.

The subject should be at least 7-9 feet in front of the BG light to separate the softbox light and keep it off the BG, as said above

It also helps to angle the softbox wider to avoid spill light on the BG.

I have a medium gray BG that i think takes the gels the best.

I'll try to post some picture tonight after work. After looking at Todd's link and the 'huge' file there I think it's an issue with have a gray paper background.

Hi themirage,

It's more an issue of how it's lit and the subject to background distance. Separation of background from the subject is often the culprit in this type of scenario.