WHITE VS BLACK SURFACES - CONTROLLING LIGHT SPILL

EdinburghGary

EdinburghGary

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Gary
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Related to my on going quest for zero PP, can I ask the following....

BACKDROP:
4 metre x 4 metre, lit from behind and diffused by two large ripstop nylon panels.

SIDE WALL LEFT & RIGHT:
4 metre x 4 metre WHITE curtains, with a semi reflective material.

CEILING 4 metre x 4 metre white, 4 metres from floor (obviously)....

FLOOR
2.4 x 2.4 metre RAISED floor, highly reflective white, placed on white non reflective paper (4metre x 4metre)....

The shop front which the studio opens out onto via 3.5 metre x 3.5 metre door, is all brilliant white.

My question is this, if I black out the ceiling and two studio walls, meaning I only have a white back wall and floor, would it make a NOTICEABLE difference to back light only subject exposure?

Gary.
 
No
 
:)
 
wookie6262 said:
I doubt you will ever get zero PP with kids. You would have to meter them for every shot as they move about so much.
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Or just show them where to stand and ask them in a fun manner to stay there?

"See that spot, that spot has to be stood on, you can't go too from it, it will come alive and stick to you forever if you do."
 
King_Boru said:
Or just show them where to stand and ask them in a fun manner to stay there?

"See that spot, that spot has to be stood on, you can't go too from it, it will come alive and stick to you forever if you do."
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great intheory but never in practice :)
 
You need No More Nails. ;)
 
If I'm understanding you right Gary, you want to use only the background lights and get a pure black subject silhouette.

In which case the answer is yes, quite a lot.

The ceiling is high so maybe less benefit from painting that black, but the sides and especially the front of the studio, opposite the background, need to be black for a 100% silhouette.
 
HoppyUK said:
If I'm understanding you right Gary, you want to use only the background lights and get a pure black subject silhouette.

In which case the answer is yes, quite a lot.

The ceiling is high so maybe less benefit from painting that black, but the sides and especially the front of the studio, opposite the background, need to be black for a 100% silhouette.
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I read the question as the opposite, i.e. will it make a significant difference to the brightness of the background only - in which case the answer is no.
 
EdinburghGary said:
Sorry for not being clearer. I am trying to reduce subject brightness by hiding white walls...

G.
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Ahh...
In that case no becomes yes.
And the light becomes much more controllable too.
 
Gary. You could use black vinyl. Might work out cheaper and it will come with a hanging method of your choice. rings or pole. These guys are reasonable and free delivery on a Wednesday

If you can source the material then my wife is a seamstress and I'm sure we could sort a decent deal out for you. I'll have to ask her first mind you.
 
You would need 10 of them for the area you are covering. Works out at £350. I think I would consider getting the paint brush out again. You could always paint it neautral gray like I did. Not too oppressive and not alot of bounce. Makes a nice background colour too and excellent to use for gelling a background colour.
 
EdinburghGary said:
Anyone know where I can get 25 metre wide 4 metre long heavy black curtains ? :D
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My sister is a curtain maker and has done silly massive drops (like 50 ft) before so if you want custom it won't be a problem

swanseamale47 said:
Errrr arn't these ever so slightly illegal on chilldren as well...... ;)
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well yeah, I was kidding, as it'd kill em ( or at least make a mess)
 
EdinburghGary said:
Sorry for not being clearer. I am trying to reduce subject brightness by hiding white walls...

G.
Click to expand...

I didn't realise that walls could make such a significant difference in subject illumination! Reading this thread has got me thinking. Thank's all :)
 
Guys,

(total cost £101! 35 metres of black cloth)

I now have more or less complete subject under exposure, with nicely blown backrounds, as a result of blacking off ceiling and walls. It's all very neat, and I now have a permanent low key setup too!

I will try and update the thread tomorrow (possibly in the evening) with lots of photos.

I have actually managed to get the light reduced to an extent that requires a reflector to give some fill on the other side of the face now. I am close to 100% control and ZERO PP :D

Gary.
 
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