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One of the hottest backgrounds for studio photography is a solid white background. One of the hardest aspects to employing a white background is when the topic is also dressed in white or is holding a white product. As the shutter-bug you have to separate the white subject from the white background and not tell them they cant wear their choice of clothing. Many photographers seem to never get the separation correct and if you look at adverts in many magazines you’ll see an absence of detail where the white color blends.

What you might need :

Some say you have to have lots of space so that there isn’t any reflection from the backdrop to the subject. Fine if you have the room but depending on your camera settings you might have issues even with 15 feet of space between the white background and subject. This reflection is also known as spill, wrap or flair depending on where it comes from. Irrespective of what you call it photographers want to avoid it unless you’re going for a unusual look.

What I do is light the white unbroken paper from behind my subject. I try to permit about 8 feet so I have space for my lights. I use from three to 4 lights. When using 4 lights 2 are on each side. When using three I have one on each side and one behind the model hidden from sight. I have used soft boxes and umbrellas with equal results. If using an umbrella be sure to have the black liner attached to prevent spill. A black poster can also be used if you are feeling more light blockage is necessary.

Employing a light meter placed in front of the model slightly under her chin take a reading. Point the meter toward the camera and fire all the strobes. If the reading is F11 and you are OK with that setting then move the light meter to behind the model facing the background. Take a reading of the flash and it should be one stop under. No more and no less. You can move the model closer or further away for simple adjustment or adjust each one of the background lights. At one stop or F8 in this sample you would have total separation of the white background and the white clothing worn by the model being photographed. Whatever setting you need for your subject simply make sure the background reading is one under.

A good cameraman should be able to photograph any colour of clothing with any background or light conditions. If you book a photo shoot and your photographer tells you not to wear white as it is hard to photograph I suggest you look for a new photographer. All that statement shows is a dearth of knowledge about photography lighting.

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