Black Studio Set up?

MartinM

MartinM

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Guys,

Give me some advise!? My first post so excuse me if this has been covered elsewhere!?

I'm trying to figure out how best to set up a studio environment so that I can take

a. full length portraits and
b. close up / 'baby' photos

against/on a black background?

I already have good black backgrounds for adult 3/4 or closer shots by keeping the subject and light source away from the background etc.

I am currently trying a softbox as the main light source to the side of the subject pointing towards the otherside of the camera. With a reflector on the other side of the subject. Again this works ok but the light spill onto the background black muslin material discolours it so that it is not as black as I would like and it shows the material texture. ( I'm talking about the lower 25%
of the shot!?

Surely any light directed onto the feet! of the subject will effect the background!? Are there better backgrounds available? I heard a rumour that Lastolite were gonna release a very black vinyl!? Don't quote me!

Is there a better way of lighting the subject to keep black, black!?

Hope this makes sense?

Any suggestions appreciated!

Martin
 
The best black background is black velvet (real velvet, not 'velvet finish' or similar which is pretty useless) which ony reflects about 5% of the light that falls on it when the pile is vertical, reflects much more where, for example, it curves at the floor. Black cotton is the next best choice. Vinyl and paper are way down the list, because both reflect far more than they should.

But your real problem is your lighting. You need to control it to avoid light spill, period.
 
Thanks Gary, appreciate the reply!?
Love the videos by the way!

So how would you suggest I get the whole subject lit?
My white set up has improved dramatically since watching your videos but it's this keeping the black black that I can't get my head round.
As I said it's the light falling on the lower leg/feet area that I'm not sure of!?
I'm aiming at a straight evenly lit subject rather than a grid covered high positioned strobe for instance!
How would you approach this?

Thanks for your help

M.
 
Probably easier to do than to explain...

But basically you need to control the lighting in such a way that it can't spill on to the background.

A honeycomb, or barn doors, should be enough to ensure that very little light is spilled. Or you could use black flags (cinefoil or black card) to restrict light spill.

Another method might be to have the light pointing at the feet/legs from behind/side (honeycombed to avoid flare) with a reflector in the opposite position to bounce some light back.

Another method is to stand the subject on a 'box' (which is covered by the background material) so that any light spilled is limited to the box itself, which if you can't avoid it altogether is more easily retouched out.
 
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