Getting high key

[ki_user]

Hi, I'm trying to produce a high key back drop in my studio/garage. I'm struggling to get lights in at the side, is it possible to high key from the top if so what could I use. Pics of the work space I have can be found here http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=241429&page=2

Was thinking of fixing something to the beams but not sure what as there isn't a huge amount of headroom. I know this is pretty impossible to give me an answer without getting in there and trying things but any (sensible) suggestion are welcome. Thanks in advence, Lee.

 

[Garry Edwards]

When you say 'high key' do you mean high key or do you mean white background?
If you mean white background, do you mean a softbox arrangement like the Hi-lite or a paper/vinyl/cloth background?

 

[ki_user]

I want an over exposed white background, I have a vinyl backdrop

 

[Garry Edwards]

In that case the ideal lighting situation is two lights front/side - lights coming from the side at anywhere near 90 deg won't provide even illumination and anyway would lose most of their effective power due to the effect of cos law, and the shinier the surface the more effective power you would lose. The same thing applies if you try to light from the top/bottom.

This video may help

 

[ki_user]

In short I'm stuffed then am I

 

[Flashman]

In short I'm stuffed then am I

All is not lost... There are much more interesting and creative backgrounds than just overexposing white!

 

[ki_user]

I'll be honest I'd rather not shoot on white, but it seems to be what everyone wants.

 

[Garry Edwards]

I'm not sure that white is in fact what everyone wants, although it's still popular it's been pretty well done to death by a lot of people doing it extremely badly.

I hate to recommend them but the best solution in your limited space is probably the Hi-Lite, which will give you reasonable results without the need for width.