Three ways to light a background in the photo studio

In this video, you will learn three key strategies for lighting backdrops in the studio and see the results from a test and in a real world photoshoot. Whether you're using a paper backdrop for a fashion shoot, or a painted canvas for portrait photography, lighting and in this case gels, can make all the difference.
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[@spechtdesigns]

Thank you John! I've had some issues lighting my background in my small space and the v-flat method is a perfect idea!

[@JohnGress]

Thanks Matt! Glad it helped!

[@kevinyounger7854]

Thanks for the video John. Some interesting options there that I haven’t tried. One modification of the umbrella technique you showed for people to try out- use two strip boxes (the taller the better) instead of the umbrellas. Aim them at the opposite edge of the backdrop so they feather across, the same way we’d do it for a subject if we’re looking for very soft light, and it creates a very evenly lit background.

[@JohnGress]

Thanks Kevin. Funny you should mention that, because that is exactly what I set up yesterday to save space for a shoot I have next week.

[@carlesmiro]

Thank u so much John! i was desperate in finding a solution about having an uniform light on the background for my stock photography. I will try it! :D

[@JohnGress]

Thank you! Glad I could help!

[@jackhowdeshell2529]

Very informative, thank you.

[@JohnGress]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks!

[@RemiManWithVan]

That was interesting to see the fraction of this process

[@JohnGress]

Thanks. I hope it helped!

[@WahidFayumzadah]

Thank you! Really just needed something like this. Was about to do it myself, but this saves a bit of time.
For me though, my client wants the backdrop to be lit, not perfectly even, it can go darker on the outer edges.
And they want their shadow to be slightly visible on the backdrop. Think I know how to achieve it now :)

[@JohnGress]

Thanks! That is great to hear!

[@Mowikan]

Thx. Great tips!

[@JohnGress]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks Billy!

[@st1m1988]

Thank you!

[@JohnGress]

You’re welcome! Thank you!

[@MotionMedia7]

Like it like it like it!!!☑️

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much!😊😊😊

[@apehands4481]

Awesome vid , found your channel recommended by James Quantz jr, subbed!

[@JohnGress]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@rickjbradbury]

Solid info John, thank you. I keep looking at the V-Flat World V-Flats but man they are pricey for what they are, might DIY some instead.

[@JohnGress]

Thanks! ! hear ya. Insulation can work too. How much are the V-Flats?

[@rickjbradbury]

@@JohnGress $380 plus shipping. No idea what that is in £ other than .. far too expensive for what they are.

[@JohnGress]

Hmmm, this is the distributor for Europe, maybe shipping from the Netherlands wouldn't be so bad. www.bbplight.nl/contents/en-us/p34590_V-Flat-World-Foldable-V-Flat-Kit-(Black-White,-2-Pack)---2.html

[@rickjbradbury]

@@JohnGress Thank you John. But that's still £305 for two flats. Silly money really. Will DIY some in the new year.

[@Herkulez1981]

Great video . Mote videos About utsikt your lights in a creative way Would be appreciated . And videos About gels to, tried it a couple of times but i cant get that saturated Nice look maybe i use to Much power . But yeah this was a great video Will try some of the tips on monday

[@JohnGress]

Thanks for the ideas! These tutorials on my subscription site may help. There is a three day free trial if you want to check them out. johngress.com/member-exclusive-lighting-tutorial-gels-part-1-2/ & johngress.com/member-exclusive-tutorial-a-gelled-background-series-with-model-christopher-mars/

[@naveenphoto]

how did you Mounted the Camera? Equipment demo please ...

[@JohnGress]

It's a Studio Titan camera stand. Here is a video about it - th-cam.com/video/6BJltz_49AQ/w-d-xo.html

[@rainbluephotographystudio4283]

Hi, John, if I use Elinchrom softboxes, and I want to get a very soft backdrop light for the group photo, I will use two softboxes on each side, which softboxes are you recommend? I have the 175cm, 135cm, 145cm, 90x110cm. sometimes I use 175cm and 135cm as background light, do you think I need to buy another 175cm softbox? Thanks a lot.

[@JohnGress]

Another way to do it would be two use two strip boxes in the direct method. I’m sure you could use any softbox but it feels like large octas would take up too much space.

[@DavidVelezPhotography]

Thanks, John. One question I see paper backgrounds sometimes have ripple shadows from light positioning. I mistakenly left my roll in the garage, and due to the weather, there was high humidity in the garage. When I unrolled the paper, the ripples were more significant than I had ever seen. No matter where I placed my lighting, the shadows were prominent. The only safe place was behind my subject. I can see the ripples from the test shots in your video, but when your final images are captured, they are not present. I assume because of the distance from the lights to the backdrop. If you are limited to floorspace; How would you address it?

[@JohnGress]

Move to Phoenix. =) I think they are seldom wrinkle free and like you noted, the ripples aren't too prominent because of the distance and the f-stop (5.6). V-flats or soft boxes should give you the least shadows. I currently have two strip boxes on my lights for a shoot I am doing Monday. Of course I didn't think of that one when I was making this video. While not idea, you can always fix the problems in photoshop.

[@fmrff70]

@@JohnGress Phoenix doesn't sound bad😆

[@JohnGress]

Now that August is over ;)

[@ajaxrodriguez8956]

How do you have the model lights on without melting the gels?

[@JohnGress]

They are LED

[@zrowedaartistviews2278]

video is solid..... getting your gear reimbursed isn't as easy as portrayed

[@mab4296]

John, what are the dimensions of your studio?

[@JohnGress]

I think about 25x35. This may help. johngress.com/home/chicago-hourly-rental-photo-studio-with-gear-included/

[@drkjedi28]

Shouldn't it be PPOA?

[@JohnGress]

no

[@sidyk]

I’m subscriber, give thumbs up 👍🏻 Now I writing this comment…

[@JohnGress]

Ha! Thanks!

[@sidyk]

@@JohnGress you welcome John. U make me inspired in term of lighting ❤️ hope you someday come to Europe with your workshop, or simply visit an old continent.

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much! I hope to do one post COVID in London and Paris.

[@sidyk]

@@JohnGress Paris sound great :) it’s not far from The Netherlands

[@pianoman6639]

Love the video what I saw of it .. too much selling for my liking .. sorry

[@JohnGress]

Thanks! For a commercial free experience, please check out The Academy with John Gress johngress.com/academy/