Backdrop Dilemma

[Dazb75]

To start with, I'm not a professional tog, and therefore don;t have access to a studio.

A few of the paid shoots I get mostly involve me visiting clients and photographing their babies / children. I currently have a collapsible backdrop:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002QFU4SK

I have two problems with it: the white and black backdrop is too thin and constantly creases; and it's held up by one support and if the kids stand back too far, it falls on them.

I need something portable that I can take to clients homes and easily set up.

I was considering getting a variable width support system to hold up white muslin, http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0037U6KO0 but I'm now tempted to splash out and buy a hi-lite and train.

I only have two flashes. Can you light the interior of the hi-lite with one flash? Can you use the hi-lite as just a plain background.

To be honest, I would only use the train for full length portraits or to get shots of the kids lying down. Is there an alternative to buying the train to go with the hi-lite?

Thanks for reading.

 

[Fulhair]

Hi,
I too am a newbie but just got a hi-lite last week and yet to use it so can't yet comment from experience but would ask what size are you considering getting? I've got the 6x7 and it's bigger than I thought it would be! More like a wall than a background

I've seen plenty of comments that these are hrad to handle but based on my very limited experience it is easy to erect and collapse. Few minutes at most and gose into a 3ft bag. So you could consider the time saving as a benefit.

The hi-lite has a black back which I think you can use for a background with limited effect. If you want a specific colour you can buy a 'bottle top' to go over it.

Have a look at this thread for some more details:
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=243779

 

[JonathanRyan]

I only have two flashes. Can you light the interior of the hi-lite with one flash?

Yes. However, you will find it easier with more.

Lighting with one light will require overlighting in one area to push enough light elsewhere. That's not a problem if you have enough space but can cause issues with wrap.

Most pictures I see with a hilite have excessive wrap. Many people manage very well with it and I believe the difference is largely down to the space around it.

Can you use the hi-lite as just a plain background.

Yes.

However, the black side is kind of shiny which makes it less useful for jet black b/g than you think. The front is some cunning translucent cloth. If you throw light at it (light it like a traditional b/g) it's harder than using ordinary vinyl.

IMO the train isn't great. Though I've never actually used one.

One option might be to use a hilite and clip fabric to the front. The hilite makes a fairly good (very expensive) freestanding background stand.

 

[Bilko]

I was looking at one of these pop up back grounds due to ,lack of space and taking it to friends' places. Not sure what to do now.

 

[Garry Edwards]

Jonathan has given you a very good answer. I would go further, and say that most of the shots taken with a Hi-Lite tend to also have the problem that the photographer has the power set far too high, with the result that all the fine edge detail, e.g. hair, has been destroyed. The only way around to avoid that (other than to use the bare minimum of power in the Hi-Lite) is to light it very evenly, and that definitely needs 2 lights. Oh yes, one other thing - if you do get one, please ignore the Lastolite suggestion of having the Hi-Lite lit 2 stops brighter than your subject, it's nonsense. 0.7 stop more is about right.

If you do get the train, you will need another 2 lights just to light that properly.

The Hi-Lite is a brilliant solution for people who have to work in a limited amount of space, but you need to be aware of the need for precision and you need to be aware of its limitations.

Or you could just accept that if you want white background shots it's much easier to get good results if you have plenty of space and plenty of lighting - you can achieve stunning portraits using just a plain wall, or using the ordinary family home as a backdrop, there is nothing especially professional about having a pure white background.