How to Light a White Background in Photography

Studio photography consists of four main sources of light; the main or pin light, flash fill, reflected light and the background light. The background light is crucial for preventing shadows and covering up the horizon seam. Without proper back lighting, the backdrop will appear gray and display the shadow of the model or object. The key to back lighting is to position the sources level with or behind the model or object being photographed.

Instructions

Free-standing Model or Object

1

Position two light stands on both sides of the setup, either at or slightly behind where the object or model is positioned. Do not place the light stands at a shorter distance from the camera than the model.

2

Look through the camera. Reposition the light stands if they are in the camera's view.

3

Insert white full-spectrum daylight bulbs into the light stands. Do not use regular incandescent light bulbs as they cast unnatural yellow hues and will distort both the white balance and true colors of your shoot. Daylight bulbs can be found at any home and garden or construction store and average between $7 and $9 per bulb.

4

Point the lights at a downward angle toward the white backdrop. The beams of both lights should cross right before they hit the board, thus illuminating the entire backdrop. Adjust the lights as needed to get the proper angle.

Model or Object on a Stand

5

Position the stand, table or other item on which the object or model will be placed. Keep at least two feet of space between the stand and the white backdrop.

6

Set two small floor lights or short stand lights on the floor behind the stand or table. Cover them completely, as if hiding behind the stand.

7

Insert white full-spectrum daylight bulbs into the light stands.

8

Angle the lights up and inward at each other so that their beams cross before hitting the backdrop.

9

Look through the camera before shooting. Reposition the lights if they are visible in the camera's view.

---

Studio photography consists of four main sources of light; the main or pin light, flash fill, reflected light and the background light. The background light is crucial for preventing shadows and covering up the horizon seam. Without proper back lighting, the backdrop will appear gray and display the shadow of the model or object. The key to back lighting is to position the sources level with or behind the model or object being photographed.

Instructions

Free-standing Model or Object

1

Position two light stands on both sides of the setup, either at or slightly behind where the object or model is positioned. Do not place the light stands at a shorter distance from the camera than the model.

2

Look through the camera. Reposition the light stands if they are in the camera's view.

3

Insert white full-spectrum daylight bulbs into the light stands. Do not use regular incandescent light bulbs as they cast unnatural yellow hues and will distort both the white balance and true colors of your shoot. Daylight bulbs can be found at any home and garden or construction store and average between $7 and $9 per bulb.

4

Point the lights at a downward angle toward the white backdrop. The beams of both lights should cross right before they hit the board, thus illuminating the entire backdrop. Adjust the lights as needed to get the proper angle.

Model or Object on a Stand

5

Position the stand, table or other item on which the object or model will be placed. Keep at least two feet of space between the stand and the white backdrop.

6

Set two small floor lights or short stand lights on the floor behind the stand or table. Cover them completely, as if hiding behind the stand.

7

Insert white full-spectrum daylight bulbs into the light stands.

8

Angle the lights up and inward at each other so that their beams cross before hitting the backdrop.

9

Look through the camera before shooting. Reposition the lights if they are visible in the camera's view.

---

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