Event photography - The most effective background/studio set up

P

PARTRIM

Suspended / Banned
Messages
27
Name
Matt
Edit My Images
Yes
Guys,


Recently I posted a thread about how many photos I should aim to sell at a black tie, charity gig in October. I received some great advice and one of the recommendations that I will be taking up will be to have a studio area for shots, rather than resorting to the standard arrival shots at the main entrance to the event.

The problem I'm now trying to overcome is having a studio set up in a restricted place. Also, I think using my black/White background sheets that I use for my home studio basic set up, will be inappropriate e.g have I got The space.for the correct amount of lights to ensure the White is pure with no grey bits? The black background will also clash with many of the black suits.

My set up needs to be basic but effective, allowing me to capture the shot in one go without the need for loads of processing in cs4 to get the background presentable.

So, what coloured background would you use? What is the most basic set up you have used that has worked? Ideally I would like to use just one studio light to avoid slips/trips! fYI I have a canon flashgun as a back up.
 
Hi!

I can't provide any advice unfortunately, but I would be interested in any responses from people who have experience of this so thought I'd give a little bump!
 
PARTRIM said:
Guys,

Recently I posted a thread about how many photos I should aim to sell at a black tie, charity gig in October. I received some great advice and one of the recommendations that I will be taking up will be to have a studio area for shots, rather than resorting to the standard arrival shots at the main entrance to the event.

The problem I'm now trying to overcome is having a studio set up in a restricted place. Also, I think using my black/White background sheets that I use for my home studio basic set up, will be inappropriate e.g have I got The space.for the correct amount of lights to ensure the White is pure with no grey bits? The black background will also clash with many of the black suits.

My set up needs to be basic but effective, allowing me to capture the shot in one go without the need for loads of processing in cs4 to get the background presentable.

So, what coloured background would you use? What is the most basic set up you have used that has worked? Ideally I would like to use just one studio light to avoid slips/trips! fYI I have a canon flashgun as a back up.
Click to expand...

Hi

Lastolite Black velvet pop up works well, I used a shoot throw umbrella and my 580 exll with a gary thong power snoot
as a hair light
 
Black pop up background is something I'm considering, so this suggestion sounds good.

Any issues with black clothes against a black background?
 
Not wishing to be rude or insulting in any way - going by your previous thread and this one it appears that we have someone else who wants to do event photography without knowing how to do it. Contrary to what you may read in t'internet and elsewhere, it ain't as easy as you think. It's all very well asking about basic studio lighting etc but what about the complete workflow? It's all very well to get the shot but then how are they displayed to Mr and Mrs Punter, have you got staff to look after them and get the dosh, have you got dye sub printer(s), online gallery for after etc. etc.
Event photography is very specialised and has to be slick in operation. As I said in t'other thread, maybe an idea to hook up with an eventer in your area rather than, without the kit, make a complete cock-up of it.
Again - no insult intended but would hate this to be a disaster for you.
'Tin hat now placed firmly on nut'.......
 
David - completely agree and no offence taken. There is much to Event photography and the full process does need to be slick otherwise the whole process breaksdown.

I'm happy now with the other parts of my process flow, just this last bit that needs to be nailed.

Once I have completed my support for my friend's charity I think I will be returning more to my other roots in the future !!
 
The nicest background we used was a grey paper roll but paper rolls work out costly due to replacing them every 2-4 events due to heel holes and people who are slightly worse for wear falling backwards and ripping the paper.

We now use a white vinyl roll
 
Little John said:
The nicest background we used was a grey paper roll but paper rolls work out costly due to replacing them every 2-4 events due to heel holes and people who are slightly worse for wear falling backwards and ripping the paper.

We now use a white vinyl roll
Click to expand...

Why do you use vinyl as apposed to a cloth background? :| I'm asking because I am trying to decide what option I should go with :thumbs:
 
One light studio shots? Then you are going to have problems. Not really enough lights to light a white BG, and not enough lights to provide separation from a black BG. Gray is probably your best option, white would be next...Vinyl's better, especially for white as it's easier to clean and too actually make it white w/ the lighting. If you could find a light gray vinyl that's what I'd choose... You could probably even drop it to black for the occasional gray suit.

Vinyl is pretty heavy so don't get much more than you think you're going to need/use.
 
TrueLee478 said:
Why do you use vinyl as apposed to a cloth background? :| I'm asking because I am trying to decide what option I should go with :thumbs:
Click to expand...

As said above, easy to clean, it doesn't tear or require replacing every few events, heals don't go through it and pretty simple to light.

Downsides its heavy so requires a decent stand, almost 3m long which can make transporting it difficult.

We have moved on from the vinyl, we now use a 7x8 highlite on 90% of jobs for ease of use, fits in the boot of the car, light weight and yes we have the vinyl train for it.
 
I use the Lastolite Panorama. It can be used in widths of 2m,3m or 4m.
The material is crease free. Don't be frightened of black backgrounds.

This is a father and son at a small Ball last year and a standard black tie shot in black and white

_Q7W1910.jpg

_Q7W9535.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top