Another tip to get contrast, is to take a test shot w only your BG lights. Then zoom into 100% on your subject and look at the edges, especially the hair. And ensure that those edges are sharp, that your subject is a complete shadow.. You can then build you lighting on your subject.. With this in mind, the ideas in this video of controlling all the spill from BG lights is definitely valid and needs to be done as well!!
The most common root cause for low contrast in white backdrop photos is (to my optinon) that the background lights are too strong and the spill light from the background flares into the lens. To me it was eye-opening that the spill light from the surrounding has such a massive impact. Well done! Thanks for the video.
This.. The way I've always checked for this is to fire a shot with only the BG lights, and then look at the edges of my subject.. they should be sharp, w no ghosting from the BG lights. The ideas of controlling the spill is also a great tip!!
Yep, I agree, who wants to see you when Erica is there. LOL With the V-Flats the Black side is having a negative fill effect on her face shaping and contouring it.
It's great how you break down and explain the principles clearly and concisely , unlike some channels where the host seems to shout the descriptions. Thank you for clarity.
At first I thought that wide view and short subject distance were going to be an issue, but when the gobo’s came in it started coming together. The plexi is icing on the cake. Excellent once it’s all masked in Photoshop. I used to assist a Hollywood photographer in the 80s by the name of Ron Slenzak. That’s where I first saw the plexi on white look. But he had a big studio and didn’t use negative fill, which probably would’ve helped. His white background was something completely different than paper, and quite over-complicated though.
@@DavidBergmanPhoto I’ve been shooting for 51 years, last 20 all digital capture. I don’t miss film, just the smell of Kodachrome! The assignment budgets were better though. 😉
Oh wow great video David Bergman! I remember back in the 90's when I saw an image like this one done by Albert Watson for a Fashion magazine, how much would of help if we had access to videos like yours then. Thanks for all you share David Bergman and thank you ADORAMA for having videos like this one on your great channel!
this was very well explained for a simple , beginner concept for someone like me. thank u so much . also the model is very pretty and took great poses!
Thanks. Nice video tutorial. I've been thinking about hanging some ceiling mounted curtain tracks in my studio. They would be used to hang fabric (black or other colors). That way the fabric could be pushed aside when needed and be flexible. Also, fabric is easier to store. My studio is small, and even storing V-flats is a pain.
You and Erica are amazing! Thank you for this, it was the topic of a recent discussion and while we had some similar ideas this was a bit different and easier to implement. I've shared this with my studio mates so they can see an expert at work.
Another great video. Just this weekend I did a fashion session using almost exactly the same setup. I have some acrylic that I use for product photos that I thought about using but I was concerned that the model's high heels would puncture it. What thickness is the acrylic you used in the video? Erica was wearing much wider platform type heels, my fashion client wears pointy type heals.
I got very think plexiglass - 1/8" - knowing that I would have it on the hard floor. I'm sure it'll get scratched up over time, but it's relatively inexpensive at that thickness.
You can basically see at 10:06, all that needed to be done was to paint white, where the v-flats were. Or you could crop her out and paste onto a white BG.
super tuto. do you prefer transparent plexy to white plexy ? is leaking light coming from background and lights or from walls ? if comes from walls, i was wondering if we cannot make a wide cage with a black curtain on each side and, inside the cage, locate the two 105mm white umbrellas or the two lights with reflector
I prefer clear plexi because then I can use it with any color underneath. Also I know it'll always match, even if the "white" paper isn't the exact same shade of white as the plexi. And yes you could absolutely build a black cage to block out most of the bounce. I've seen it done on the beach with an open back so you can properly light the model in the middle of the day, but still have the beautiful, natural background.
Nice! The issue I have at the home studio Im using the lounge which has carpet - I did buy a large acrylic but it always ends up broken into pieces after a few sessions of models and actors in their heels - is your plexiglas a bit less brittle - although using on a hard floor is best im still looking for a better solution for refelection that doesnt crack and smash with heels on it on a carpet base! Any suggeestions of a product?
Maybe try thicker plexiglass? Or get something more solid like a large piece of wood flooring to put down over the carpet. You could even try that cheap soft stuff that make for kids that comes in panels. Then thin plexi on top of that (with the white background paper in between).
Thanks David. What material is your background ? I bought the Westcott X-Drop. Their white is a fuzzy blanket type material. I would like a little more reflection with my sport portraits. Thanks. Edit: should have waited until end. Acrylic is a great idea, not sure how portable. Still want info on material … 18 high schoolers and my white floor was filthy. Would like something you can bush off. Was thinking of heavy duty nylon. Thanks again.
@@JohnMacLeanPhotography thanks. Was looking for something other than paper. My plan is to continue using X-Drop frame with the material. Would probably make holes and grommets to hang it by.
I got a very thin one - 1/8 inch - because I knew it was going to be on a solid surface. If you need it to support any weight, I'd definitely go thicker than that.
That acrylic bonus was 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾
Another tip to get contrast, is to take a test shot w only your BG lights. Then zoom into 100% on your subject and look at the edges, especially the hair. And ensure that those edges are sharp, that your subject is a complete shadow.. You can then build you lighting on your subject..
With this in mind, the ideas in this video of controlling all the spill from BG lights is definitely valid and needs to be done as well!!
Plexiglass hack is genius!
Nice tutorial! Nice job with the plexi glass - she’s now anchored down with her shadow!
The most common root cause for low contrast in white backdrop photos is (to my optinon) that the background lights are too strong and the spill light from the background flares into the lens. To me it was eye-opening that the spill light from the surrounding has such a massive impact. Well done! Thanks for the video.
This.. The way I've always checked for this is to fire a shot with only the BG lights, and then look at the edges of my subject.. they should be sharp, w no ghosting from the BG lights.
The ideas of controlling the spill is also a great tip!!
Love the plexiglass...and the photoshop for the total white...nice simple, striking capture! And of course- the gorgeous model helps!
Yep, I agree, who wants to see you when Erica is there. LOL With the V-Flats the Black side is having a negative fill effect on her face shaping and contouring it.
It's great how you break down and explain the principles clearly and concisely , unlike some channels where the host seems to shout the descriptions. Thank you for clarity.
Great work David. Love from India 🇮🇳
At first I thought that wide view and short subject distance were going to be an issue, but when the gobo’s came in it started coming together. The plexi is icing on the cake. Excellent once it’s all masked in Photoshop.
I used to assist a Hollywood photographer in the 80s by the name of Ron Slenzak. That’s where I first saw the plexi on white look. But he had a big studio and didn’t use negative fill, which probably would’ve helped. His white background was something completely different than paper, and quite over-complicated though.
Everything was more complicated in the old days! :) No room for error when shooting direct to slide film.
@@DavidBergmanPhoto I’ve been shooting for 51 years, last 20 all digital capture. I don’t miss film, just the smell of Kodachrome! The assignment budgets were better though. 😉
Sweet Plexiglass tip! BTW, nice to see one of the original "Adorama Angels" back modeling for you guys. Cheers!
Excellent explanation David!! so subtle but soooo important to get the shot right. Those little details transform a photo from good to great!
People always ask me why I'm in socks in the studio. If you know you know lol. Great video!
Don't want to scuff up that paper! :)
Oh wow great video David Bergman! I remember back in the 90's when I saw an image like this one done by Albert Watson for a Fashion magazine, how much would of help if we had access to videos like yours then. Thanks for all you share David Bergman and thank you ADORAMA for having videos like this one on your great channel!
Great episode!
this was very well explained for a simple , beginner concept for someone like me. thank u so much . also the model is very pretty and took great poses!
Thanks. Nice video tutorial. I've been thinking about hanging some ceiling mounted curtain tracks in my studio. They would be used to hang fabric (black or other colors). That way the fabric could be pushed aside when needed and be flexible. Also, fabric is easier to store. My studio is small, and even storing V-flats is a pain.
You and Erica are amazing! Thank you for this, it was the topic of a recent discussion and while we had some similar ideas this was a bit different and easier to implement. I've shared this with my studio mates so they can see an expert at work.
perfect timing! doing the same thing at my home studio and running into same issue. great guide
Thanks ! Your vidéo and explications are perfect to let us understand how to aim to this fantastic and contrasty look.
Amazing this was, thanks.
Love this, great video 🙂
Great video
great video, then a nugget at the end! i learned alot...
That plexi i didn't see coming
Great and useful video David. Interesting how you got even white background with just one light...
Did he have another light off camera and was doing a cross light on the backdrop?
Did you watch the video?
This was highly valuable info and a solid tutorial 👌
Thank you David. I always love your work
Smashing
Plexiglass was a great option
love it men
Excellent video, very useful info. Thanks David and Erica.
AWESOME!
That looks like Daniel Norton's studio. No wonder the images look so amazing....... LOL
Love Daniel, but this studio is all mine! :)
Another great video. Just this weekend I did a fashion session using almost exactly the same setup. I have some acrylic that I use for product photos that I thought about using but I was concerned that the model's high heels would puncture it. What thickness is the acrylic you used in the video? Erica was wearing much wider platform type heels, my fashion client wears pointy type heals.
I got very think plexiglass - 1/8" - knowing that I would have it on the hard floor. I'm sure it'll get scratched up over time, but it's relatively inexpensive at that thickness.
Great video. Maybe a video on how you edited the final image?
You can basically see at 10:06, all that needed to be done was to paint white, where the v-flats were. Or you could crop her out and paste onto a white BG.
Cool!
super tuto. do you prefer transparent plexy to white plexy ? is leaking light coming from background and lights or from walls ? if comes from walls, i was wondering if we cannot make a wide cage with a black curtain on each side and, inside the cage, locate the two 105mm white umbrellas or the two lights with reflector
I prefer clear plexi because then I can use it with any color underneath. Also I know it'll always match, even if the "white" paper isn't the exact same shade of white as the plexi. And yes you could absolutely build a black cage to block out most of the bounce. I've seen it done on the beach with an open back so you can properly light the model in the middle of the day, but still have the beautiful, natural background.
❤
Awesome stuff David. I have a question.
1) How are you booming your softbox with a light stand as opposed to a c-stand?
Just what I have in the studio for now. C-stand will be more stable and I'll eventually pick up a couple. :)
@@DavidBergmanPhoto thanks brother. Keep shooting.
Nice! The issue I have at the home studio Im using the lounge which has carpet - I did buy a large acrylic but it always ends up broken into pieces after a few sessions of models and actors in their heels - is your plexiglas a bit less brittle - although using on a hard floor is best im still looking for a better solution for refelection that doesnt crack and smash with heels on it on a carpet base! Any suggeestions of a product?
Maybe try thicker plexiglass? Or get something more solid like a large piece of wood flooring to put down over the carpet. You could even try that cheap soft stuff that make for kids that comes in panels. Then thin plexi on top of that (with the white background paper in between).
With the flash pointing at the background at an angle, does it not create a light/dark gradient on the white background?
With the two lights cross-lighting, it's relatively even all the way across.
@@DavidBergmanPhoto OK. Thanks. I actually couldn't see the second light and was confused. Now I see that you walked over and turned it on. Thanks!
Loving the Plexiglass. Nice work all round...................Great Video thanks
Thanks David. What material is your background ? I bought the Westcott X-Drop. Their white is a fuzzy blanket type material. I would like a little more reflection with my sport portraits. Thanks. Edit: should have waited until end. Acrylic is a great idea, not sure how portable. Still want info on material … 18 high schoolers and my white floor was filthy. Would like something you can bush off. Was thinking of heavy duty nylon. Thanks again.
Savage seamless background paper.
What John said. :)
@@JohnMacLeanPhotography thanks. Was looking for something other than paper. My plan is to continue using X-Drop frame with the material. Would probably make holes and grommets to hang it by.
How thick is the acrylic sheet?
I got a very thin one - 1/8 inch - because I knew it was going to be on a solid surface. If you need it to support any weight, I'd definitely go thicker than that.
Plexiglass link please?
I got it in a NYC shop called Canal Plastics.
So nice. How thick ist the plexiglas?
Erica is a very beautiful woman.