French Flags or are they

[Keltic Ice Man]

Hi folks

I have problems with my background lights spilling light onto my subject, even though the subject is quite some distance from the background. I thought I might try some french flags.

Well I think thats what they are called!

The things that might block out the light from spilling.

I wondered if anyone had tried making some, what out of? How did you attach them? or is there a cheap source?

Also I use softboxes for the background but thinking about it do I really need to diffuse light going on a background? In which case would I be better using barn doors?

Thanks

Allan

 

[Garry Edwards]

It isn't French flags you want for this, just the genuine British variety - watch yourself or I'll report you to Al Murray

All that a flag does is to block unwanted light so yes, you can make them. Plywood/hardboard painted matt black, black art board as sold in art shops, anything really as long as it's black and not shiny. Blackwrap is the standard professional choice, sold under the trade name of Cinefoil. Basically thick cooking foil, coated matt black and sold by the roll. A multi-purpose tool that can be used to make gobos, snoots and so on too.

Lighting on the background doesn't need to be diffused but it does need to be even if you want the so-called 'high key' effect.

 

[Keltic Ice Man]

Ah fancy getting my flags wrong

Thanks for the advice Garry, I think I'll try some black art board first, (as it might be cheaper).

I'll try to get even light without the softboxes. I have used umbrella's and other things but had so much light spilling it was messy.

Anyone got any pictures of flags they have used that might help my DIY?

 

[Rob.Marsh]

Ah fancy getting my flags wrong

Thanks for the advice Garry, I think I'll try some black art board first, (as it might be cheaper).

I'll try to get even light without the softboxes. I have used umbrella's and other things but had so much light spilling it was messy.

Anyone got any pictures of flags they have used that might help my DIY?

I am in the process of using some "fab foam" (neopreme type foam sheets) to make my flags. I'm attacheding velcro so I can attach them to my flash, and also as its foam, they can be rolled up, velcroed round the head to double as a snoot.

£3 for a meter of velcro, £0.99 per A3 sheet of "fab foam" from hobby craft. Bargain!

 

[Keltic Ice Man]

thats a good idea Rob.

I'll look for that, so far only seen it as A4