- This topic is empty.
Setting up a for portrait/kids shots indoors
-
Hi, I am an amateur photographer and I’m looking to set up a white floor/background for portraits and children shots. What is the most economical and effective way of doing this – just to start me off. Is it white material I need to look for or formica/similar type of substance? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thanks. Kerry
For indoors (house/apartment) the quickest and most economical is a Lastolite Hi-Lite and Train. It’s simple to setup and use and can fit easily in any house.
Everything else will break your heart trying to light it properly, keep it clean, ironing wrinkles etc etc as well as the fact that you need LOADS of space to be able to light everything properly.
Do you understand lighting? Unfortunately white isn’t white unless it’s lit properly. Have a read of this first as it will help you understand how to get a white background – http://www.zarias.com/white-seamless-tutorial-part-1-gear-space/” onclick=”window.open(this.href);return false;
I think your best bet is just a roll of white background paper , most photographers studios are really tight on space and we dont have the space for the typical high key setup the high key look is achieved verily easily with just to lights and then cleaned up a bit in photoshop.
I find when i look around at some people that use the high lite that the train never looks right, ie kids move around alot and drag the train everywhere and it looks messy.. dont be fooled into thinking you need really expensive gadgets to get a look there are many ways to do different things. Its not likely you will ever get to work in an 20×20 10 ft high room to work in , more like 8×6 if you are lucky
Hi Kerry, I have to agree with Damien, I used to work in a studio using the hi lite and white this is great to have an even background and it’s easy enough to clean, it can be quite hazardous with kids not understanding that’s not a wall and there’s a light inside, I think a paper background is the best and most economical solution, you just have to roll it down when it gets dirty and you gaff tape all sides onto the floor. A note as well that the train on the hi lite is quite shiny so it bounces light which isn’t ideal. I’d suggest you to try and find a couple of white poly boards, ideally 5inch thick or more and as high as you can manage in the room, pain one side black and leave the other side white, they can be great tools as well. Best of luck. Sylvie
I use a white paper roll aswell after trying loads of different solutions. What I did was buy a 9ft and have it cut down to 6ft which means I can fit it into the car and bring it with me if I am shooting in someones house as opposed to at home. I have a really small space here and when you go to peoples houses you have even less space. Lightroom comes in handy to clean up a bit afterwards. Until I win the lotto and can build a HUGE studio I’m stuck with that. Hope you found something that suits you :)
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
