White background at DVinfo.net

Bryan Adamez · April 27th, 2004, 11:36 AM

Could someone please direct me to a thread on the topic of shooting against backgrounds; specifically white. I found a little bit of info but would like some specifics. I'm new to this site and it takes me a little longer than most to find what I need.

Thanks

-Bryan

Ken Tanaka · April 27th, 2004, 02:33 PM

I can't point to a thread specifically on the subject. But, in general, if you're trying to shoot a subject in front of a white background you'll need to basically ignore the background and set your exposure for the subject.

It's that simple, if I'm accurately interpreting your objective.

Bryan Adamez · April 28th, 2004, 07:18 AM

Thanks Ken!

Casey Visco · May 3rd, 2004, 01:19 PM

If I can throw in my two cents, I would recommend trying to flag light OFF of the white wall. The trouble with white or light gray is that they can quickly become VERY bright and overpower your subject if you let too much light spill onto them.

I often like to shoot against middle gray, but I always flag as much light as possible off of the backdrop typically, and light the wall to a specific IRE value so as not to detract from the focus of the image, the person!

I, personally would caution against "ignoring" any element in your frame.

April 27th, 2004, 11:36 AM	#1
Bryan Adamez New Boot Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Hagerstown, Maryland Posts: 19	White background Could someone please direct me to a thread on the topic of shooting against backgrounds; specifically white. I found a little bit of info but would like some specifics. I'm new to this site and it takes me a little longer than most to find what I need. Thanks -Bryan __________________ -Bryan

April 27th, 2004, 02:33 PM	#2
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	I can't point to a thread specifically on the subject. But, in general, if you're trying to shoot a subject in front of a white background you'll need to basically ignore the background and set your exposure for the subject. It's that simple, if I'm accurately interpreting your objective. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

April 28th, 2004, 07:18 AM	#3
Bryan Adamez New Boot Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Hagerstown, Maryland Posts: 19	Thanks Ken! __________________ -Bryan

May 3rd, 2004, 01:19 PM	#4
Casey Visco Major Player Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 280	If I can throw in my two cents, I would recommend trying to flag light OFF of the white wall. The trouble with white or light gray is that they can quickly become VERY bright and overpower your subject if you let too much light spill onto them. I often like to shoot against middle gray, but I always flag as much light as possible off of the backdrop typically, and light the wall to a specific IRE value so as not to detract from the focus of the image, the person! I, personally would caution against "ignoring" any element in your frame. __________________ Casey Visco Glidecam Industries, Inc.