White background problem

Chrisnjord

Chrisnjord

Suspended / Banned
Messages
150
Edit My Images
Yes
My white background turns greyish when I auto correct the raw file in elements 6. This creates an issue as it's a pain to create a white background around hair strands. I am currently using AWB, would custom white balance solve this problem?
 
Are you telling elements to correct the colour balance automatically?
 
I have to overexpose the pictures to create a white background. The photos in question where taken in a local studio which I go to a couple of times per month. The only solution I can think of is increasing the background light in the studio, any other ideas?
 
You hit the nail on the head! White backgrounds need more light than on the subject. Are you using one light to do both?

Background light should be around a stop brighter although you'll get people telling you anything from 2/3rd to 2 stops over.....
 
Last edited:
Common problem, but you're correct.

Just fire more power at the rear or back off the front lights and take a meter reading with the front lights reduced power. There's a load of examples on my website (no spam intended) just trying to help.
 
I am using 4 lights, I will have play around Tuesday. Thanks for the tips : )
 
ScottUK said:
There's a load of examples on my website (no spam intended) just trying to help.
Click to expand...

You need to AT LEAST double your prices! Some nice work there
 
EOS_JD said:
No bother - You see many nowhere near that level charging more!
Click to expand...

Tell me about it!

This is what I do, I'm self employed and I'm making a living at doing something I love.

I know my prices are cheaper than usual, there is method to my madness (which I don't want to go into publicly).

I do have other photography income coming in, such as commercial and editorial work but my days are usually full with portrait work.
 
ScottUK said:
Tell me about it!

This is what I do, I'm self employed and I'm making a living at doing something I love.

I know my prices are cheaper than usual, there is method to my madness (which I don't want to go into publicly).

I do have other photography income coming in, such as commercial and editorial work but my days are usually full with portrait work.
Click to expand...

No wonder at those prices :)
 
ScottUK said:
If you don't mind me asking how did you find my site?
Click to expand...
How very dare you :)

I was reading a studio thread, and you posted about your Garage studio. I checked the link you posted and when I saw the prices I checked to see you weren't near me :D
 
Scott, your work and your site in general is very nice!

For the original question, I correctly expose the background for f11, so the white is its bright white colour, then i prepare my lights in front on the subject at f8 - and shoot the shot @ f8.

The background is 1 stop overexposed, and usually results in most if not all of it being blown pure white with little or no spill.

My 2c,

Rich
 
Exactly how I shoot studio but my subject exposure is usually around f9 :D
 
It's what i learnt form a very knowledgable dude on here (JonathonRyan) and sometimes im around 7.1 or 9 too, but the simple method just works.

I dont have a studio, I just set it up in my living room and I now know the settings off by heart since the light never changes - it seemed complex to me when I started, but now its quite straight forward.

I'm still reading every page of your site Scott, bookmarked for later reference too. Although you have a beastly looking baby picture on there that scares me!

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