How to shoot on a white backdrop/cyc?

S

stateofmind

Member
I am planning on doing a PSA in front of a white backdrop and want to figure out the lighting situation necessary to pull off the infinite white background.

I plan on renting all the lights, because I currently do not have any of my own.

This will be done in a decently sized garage and am trying to figure out the schematics of where I would place the lights and what kind of lights.

There would only be one subject on screen.
 
light the background seperatly than the talent. Usually a grid is used. Is the shot full body? or just from the waist up?
 
Yup, I plan on having full body shots.

I assumed lighting separately was essential. Am I correct in saying, the backdrop would be lit so as it will be blown out in the camera? I'm also assuming that the greater distance between the backdrop and the subject, the better?
 
Ok, equipment wise, what would you suggest? What kind of lights would be best to get strong and wide coverage on the backdrop?

btw, sorry for badgering you with questions. As you have probably noticed...I am a bit lost in terms of lighting.
 
stateofmind said:
Ok, equipment wise, what would you suggest? What kind of lights would be best to get strong and wide coverage on the backdrop?

btw, sorry for badgering you with questions. As you have probably noticed...I am a bit lost in terms of lighting.
Click to expand...

Depends on how big the backdrop actually is. Source 4s or PARs will get you a lot of output but they're kind of difficult to control, which is okay if you're aiming for just a wide balanced plane of light across the backdrop. If the set is smaller you might be able to get away with shooting a 5K fresnel or two through a 4x4 silk for a nice even spread.
 
For a white backdrop, just use some space lights, china balls, fresnels through silks, fluorescents, just something big and soft. And spread the lights around as far as you can.

Definitely don't overexpose the background in-camera, as cyclone said it'll ruin the edges on your subject.
 
IF you view the video on my home page. The large white cyc on it was lit with 4 6K space lights. A 5K backlight 10K through a 12X12 china silk for the key and a 5k bounced off a 8X8 bleached muslin for a fill.
 
ok, if this topic taught me any one thing, its this isnt the hardest thing to pull off. Looks like there are many methods to it and that makes me confident. As long as I get even light on the backdrop that is about 2-3 stops hotter than the subject...I should be good.
 
i shot a music video in a gargae using a white backdrop.
i lit the backdrop with (4) $10 walmart flood lights and a softer light on the subject
came out alright but after CC it was perfect.
 
steev'sHVX said:
i shot a music video in a gargae using a white backdrop.
i lit the backdrop with (4) $10 walmart flood lights and a softer light on the subject
came out alright but after CC it was perfect.
Click to expand...

do you have a sample of your video online?

My friend has two Lowell tota lights (not sure of the wattage) and an umbrella, so that should be a lot of help....but if your flood lights gave a pristine white bg...then I dont see why that would not be the route I go.
 
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