Backgrounds... choices, choices, choices...

marts_uk

marts_uk

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Martin
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Now I'm setup with studio lights and speedlights, I'm now looking for background options.

Heres what I have so far;

Bowens twin 500R kit (2 lights, one umbrella, one softbox etc)
Canon 580 II Flash
Yongnuo 460 II Flash
80cm 5in1 Reflector
2 x lightstands
1 x white umbrella

I want to be able to create a setup that would work in small places such as other peoples homes, my house etc.

I think I'm looking at one of the following options;
1. 6x7 Hilite plus a super black bottletop.
2. Lencarta backgound support, plus paper/muslin background.

...then either light the background/hilite with the speedlights, and use the Boewns for lighting the subject(s) or vice versa.

I'd like to have as many options as possible with one of the options above. I looked at different colour gels to change the background in the Hilites, but I don't feel they offer anything more than a pastel colour!

Any advice greatly appreciated

thanks
 
I bought a heavy duty background stand set for a fraction of a hilite cost and it has proved to be very versatile.

I find that if i have a useable background already on location or somewhere else i can hang my backgrounds (curtain rail in front of patio doors for example) i can use the stands and crossbar as a 'boom' to hang lights off or just use the extra light stands.

For portable backgrounds I carry 2 rolls of leatherette everywhere in my car. It has a gorgeous texture to it and is available from Dunelm mill off the roll. Its 1.4m wide which is enough for a family of 4/5 to fit on and at just over 2m long they cost me £15 each bit. Its available in several colours but i got a white one (that i can make any colour with Gels) and a shocking red one (cos i didnt have any red gels at the time lol). Its no good for full length but perfect for indoor portraits.

Good luck with whatever you choose :)
 
milspec78 said:
I bought a heavy duty background stand set for a fraction of a hilite cost and it has proved to be very versatile.

I find that if i have a useable background already on location or somewhere else i can hang my backgrounds (curtain rail in front of patio doors for example) i can use the stands and crossbar as a 'boom' to hang lights off or just use the extra light stands.

For portable backgrounds I carry 2 rolls of leatherette everywhere in my car. It has a gorgeous texture to it and is available from Dunelm mill off the roll. Its 1.4m wide which is enough for a family of 4/5 to fit on and at just over 2m long they cost me £15 each bit. Its available in several colours but i got a white one (that i can make any colour with Gels) and a shocking red one (cos i didnt have any red gels at the time lol). Its no good for full length but perfect for indoor portraits.

Good luck with whatever you choose :)
Click to expand...

How on earth do you fit a family of 4/5 on a background 1.4m wide??
 
The23rdman said:
How on earth do you fit a family of 4/5 on a background 1.4m wide??
Click to expand...

Can you please post up the pic?

Lencarta support system and 2.72 sky blue or dark grey paper roll. Good all rounder.
 
Very slighty reflective but if you have the background light low firing up or 2 background lights raking across the background all the reflections go in a harmless direction!

Setup shot attached shows the effect with the background light low and fired up. For this setup the strobe has a stofen on it so you get a hotspot and then fades off.

Hope this helps
Rgds, T

MG_3753.jpg
 
milspec78 said:
Very slighty reflective but if you have the background light low firing up or 2 background lights raking across the background all the reflections go in a harmless direction!

Setup shot attached shows the effect with the background light low and fired up. For this setup the strobe has a stofen on it so you get a hotspot and then fades off.

Hope this helps
Rgds, T

MG_3753.jpg
Click to expand...

How do you get five people in that?
 
The OP asked for suggestions of things that will fit in small spaces like a normal family home. 2.7m paper roll wouldnt fit in most of the homes i have shot in so far tbh.

My suggestion is no good for full length, like i already said, but is compact and can fit in even the smallest space in someones house.

In this image i have cropped it to 16x12 ratio to get the correct proportions for the frame they wanted the image in but had maybe another 12" left of dad and 8" right of son.

It is close but workable for a tight crop.

MG_2992.jpg
 
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