White Wall issue!

jgastelb

jgastelb

Well-known member
Ok. One thing that I have been trying to work aroung a little bit are the white walls in some locations. I know that white reflects too much light and it's simply just bland for most looks. Besides painting the walls or trying to frame as little of it are there any other tricks? For example, would white balancing to a light skin color help get a slightly different hue on those darn walls without making things look too weird? Any thoughts or comments?
Jgastelb
 
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Cast shadows on the wall using a cookie.

Use gelled lights to change the color, almost as you suggested.

Hang a painting.
 
The problem with white walls isn't necessarily their color, its that they are really boring. Deny the walls light as you can and create a shadow pattern (cookie) that simulates a multi-pane window or foliage from outside, anything to make if more interesting.
 
I make my own cookies from foam core, easy as pie. I good option for the blinds is a wire frame then just add strips of gaffer tape across it. Put as close or far from the light as needed for best effect.
 
These are good tips. I'll have to try using a cookie. Thanks!

ncje,
When using the foamcore, do you then try using one light for the wall and a different one for the talent that's more controlled? Sometimes I need the talent to be close to the wall and this proves to be difficult. Just wondering.
Oh, and you mean you simply carve a certain pattern onto the foamcore with scissors?
Jgastelb
 
You will most likely need multiple sources for both your talent and the wall behind. Try to place your key and fill in such a way so they don't contribute much to the wall and if necessary, flag off any spill that might come from these sources. If necessary, cheat your talent forward. Use a different source for illuminating the back wall; typically a hard source is much better for this purpose.

Another item that you can use for a cookie is a small Venetian Blind. You can push light through it and vary the effect by changing the distance to the light source versus the wall and by changing the amount the blind is open.
 
jgastelb said:
ncje,
When using the foamcore, do you then try using one light for the wall and a different one for the talent that's more controlled? Sometimes I need the talent to be close to the wall and this proves to be difficult. Just wondering.
Oh, and you mean you simply carve a certain pattern onto the foamcore with scissors?
Jgastelb
Click to expand...

What khmuse said.

. Try to place your key and fill in such a way so they don't contribute much to the wall and if necessary, flag off any spill that might come from these sources.
Click to expand...

In a small space a good option is to use only one light for both jobs. Aim your key across your talent onto some foam core, the reflection from the foam core will become your fill. Let the spill from the light source become your key. You will need flags to make this work effectively. Match your light height to the natural light source.
 
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I used a fake plant with some lighting behind it and a fan to simulate outside moonlight and wind swaying the trees. The white walls definitely did not look bland anymore. Also, I used an adjustable practical lamp pointing down and to the side of the subject so as not to illuminate other parts of the wall. Thanks for the advice. This excercise has taught me a lot for future projects.
Jgastelb
 
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