Author Topic: How to Get Pure White Background when Isolating? (Read 14478 times)

pixel8 · « **on:** March 26, 2015, 13:15 »

Just wondering what is the best way to get pure white when isolating an object in studio? Currently I take my photos into Photoshop and use the pen tool to create a path and take the background to pure white with a grey scale shadow.

However days of editing each photo is taking its toll on my mouse hand. I have tried blowing out the background with a strobe but the light reflects back onto the object and creates all sorts of problems.

So I assume that I need to increase the distance from my backdrop to the object to cut down the reflective light from blowing out the backdrop, My question is not only will that work but in general about how far does the object need to be from the backdrop so that the reflective light won't be a problem?

Thanks

Uncle Pete · « **Reply #1 on:** March 26, 2015, 13:19 »

Flag?

Quote from: pixel8 on March 26, 2015, 13:15

Just wondering what is the best way to get pure white when isolating an object in studio? Currently I take my photos into Photoshop and use the pen tool to create a path and take the background to pure white with a grey scale shadow.

However days of editing each photo is taking its toll on my mouse hand. I have tried blowing out the background with a strobe but the light reflects back onto the object and creates all sorts of problems.

So I assume that I need to increase the distance from my backdrop to the object to cut down the reflective light from blowing out the backdrop, My question is not only will that work but in general about how far does the object need to be from the backdrop so that the reflective light won't be a problem?

Thanks

pixel8 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 26, 2015, 13:24 »

Quote from: Uncle Pete on March 26, 2015, 13:19

Flag?

Yep, I have tried flagging so for instance, I have my object on the table with my white paper backdrop but the object is only maybe 2 feet or less from the backdrop. and so if I use a flag the light hits the white backdrop and then bounces toward the object and camera.

Is there a certain way to light the backdrop in terms of light angle with inclusion of a flag? Maybe my angle of the lighting needs to be more from the side?

ComfortEagle2095 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 26, 2015, 13:35 »

Flagging can help but it won't solve the problem. You need to move your subject far enough away from the backdrop so that when you meter from the back of your subject towards the backdrop, the f-number is the same as what you meter from the front of your subject towards the camera and front lights. Or, you can reduce the light on your backdrop and also reduce the light coming from in front. The point is to balance the light hitting the subject from the backdrop and the light hitting the subject from in front. Then you don't get that flare.

BTW: this is a good tutorial (it's for portraits but the same applies for any object) https://youtu.be/IRbOZfmd7mE

No Free Lunch · « **Reply #4 on:** March 26, 2015, 13:41 »

on people shots I tend to use 4 to 6 feet away from the white background and I use GOBO's on the strobes to keep the light on the white background only. Still life I use a min of 2 to 4 feet away - containing the blow back is vital...

Uncle Pete · « **Reply #5 on:** March 26, 2015, 14:04 »

Original post had flags and gobos, but I wasn't sure since some people use that term for patterns of light projection.

You can also consider lighting the paper from behind. Or use some white fabric, light from behind. Whatever, never plastic or vinyl, unless you want excess reflections.

What they said. If you are too close, it's always going to be difficult. Inverse square law, the light falls off twice for the distance. 4 feet is one brightness, 8 feet will be 1/4. Which means the reflection will be much less. The direct light is the same, if the lights are the same distance.

So moving the backdrop back is definitely a good idea.

Quote from: No Free Lunch on March 26, 2015, 13:41

on people shots I tend to use 4 to 6 feet away from the white background and I use GOBO's on the strobes to keep the light on the white background only. Still life I use a min of 2 to 4 feet away - containing the blow back is vital...

Digital66 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 26, 2015, 14:20 »

Lighting 101 !!! Seriously!

Sorry, but I'm really tired of people who know nothing about photography and yet they get accepted by stock "agencies".

leaf · « **Reply #7 on:** March 26, 2015, 14:22 »

Quote from: Digital66 on March 26, 2015, 14:20

Lighting 101 !!! Seriously!

Sorry, but I'm really tired of people who know nothing about photography and yet they get accepted by stock "agencies".

Everyone has to start somewhere.
If you search long enough you'll find a forum post from Yuri asking how to embed metadata into a photo.

pixel8 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 26, 2015, 14:23 »

Quote from: Digital66 on March 26, 2015, 14:20

Lighting 101 !!! Seriously!

Sorry, but I'm really tired of people who know nothing about photography and yet they get accepted by stock "agencies".

Im self taught and we all have to start somewhere, so why so harsh I'm sure you knew nothing too in the beginning!

No Free Lunch · « **Reply #9 on:** March 26, 2015, 14:27 »

I got these a while back and they really helped me out- I know nothing about lighting at the time (2011)

http://www.amazon.com/DVD-Strobist-Lighting-Layers-David/dp/B004YG7JPK

pixel8 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 26, 2015, 14:38 »

Quote from: No Free Lunch on March 26, 2015, 14:27

I got these a while back and they really helped me out- I know nothing about lighting at the time (2011)

http://www.amazon.com/DVD-Strobist-Lighting-Layers-David/dp/B004YG7JPK

Thanks

ruxpriencdiam · « **Reply #11 on:** March 26, 2015, 14:51 »

Hundreds of way to do isolation's.

Metedata EXIF info and more in many ways depending on camera.

rimglow · « **Reply #12 on:** March 26, 2015, 15:13 »

"However days of editing each photo is taking its toll on my mouse hand."

I use a tablet, (no toll taken). I found that I would spend more time correcting the problems from shoot to shoot, trying to achieve a white background, than it would take to mask it off with the pen tool. That's my tool of choice, plus you can save the clipping path….a good selling point. My other alternative, on rough edges, is to use the Quick Mask tool and then modify it with the Mask Edge. I'm fast, and I have gotten quite good at it.

etudiante_rapide · « **Reply #13 on:** March 26, 2015, 17:53 »

why not just light the objects properly, then use layers in PS replace backgroundcolor to white.

fritz · « **Reply #14 on:** March 26, 2015, 19:22 »

Quote from: pixel8 on March 26, 2015, 13:15

How to Get Pure White Background when Isolating?

Very easy!

No Free Lunch · « **Reply #15 on:** March 26, 2015, 20:46 »

Just thinking of my mistakes and what I would recommend before jumping into this business-

1. Learn to light - studio environment to me is the biggest area since you can shot there year around
2. Produce high quality images only- don't try to play the volume game anymore.
3. Study the best images and take notes on what you observe from that particular image (i.e., type of light, what commercial areas)
4. Don't rush into this business
5. Keep it simple at first ( one object)
6. Don't be afraid to post your image here for our comments- yes, you might get some curt feedback but learn to use those comments positively
7. Ask yourself why you want to be in this business? What can you bring to the table?

And finally remember therre are too many so-so images flooding the business- take your time to master elements (basics first) than move on to more advanced images.

Sebastian Radu · « **Reply #16 on:** March 27, 2015, 01:24 »

Quote from: rimglow on March 26, 2015, 15:13

I use a tablet, (no toll taken). I found that I would spend more time correcting the problems from shoot to shoot, trying to achieve a white background, than it would take to mask it off with the pen tool.

What kind of tablet ?

Thx

Painter · « **Reply #17 on:** March 27, 2015, 03:49 »

Quote from: pixel8 on March 26, 2015, 13:15

However days of editing each photo is taking its toll on my mouse hand.

I have no answer to your main question but I have a tip: If you have problems with your mouse hand, I do recommend some kind of ergonomic roller mouse:

http://www.contour-design.com/international-summary

It takes some days to get used to these, but when you have learned to use them you work much faster and your hand will heal.

Perry · « **Reply #18 on:** March 27, 2015, 07:02 »

Also when you flag you should
1) use the flag in the correct distance between the subject and background. The flags should be closer to the background (with no ligh hitting them!) than you realize, do some tests.
2) not overexposure the background more than you need. You need to have the background just barely brighter than the subject.

samards · « **Reply #19 on:** March 27, 2015, 07:20 »

Quote from: Digital66 on March 26, 2015, 14:20

Lighting 101 !!! Seriously!

Sorry, but I'm really tired of people who know nothing about photography and yet they get accepted by stock "agencies".

Being accepted by a stock agency doesn't mean that you know much about photography...

Digital66 · « **Reply #20 on:** March 27, 2015, 08:32 »

Quote from: pixel8 on March 26, 2015, 14:23

Quote from: Digital66 on March 26, 2015, 14:20
Lighting 101 !!! Seriously!

Sorry, but I'm really tired of people who know nothing about photography and yet they get accepted by stock "agencies".

Im self taught and we all have to start somewhere, so why so harsh I'm sure you knew nothing too in the beginning!

You're wrong! I studied photography several years and long before I joined stock.

Digital66 · « **Reply #21 on:** March 27, 2015, 08:33 »

Quote from: leaf on March 26, 2015, 14:22

Quote from: Digital66 on March 26, 2015, 14:20
Lighting 101 !!! Seriously!

Sorry, but I'm really tired of people who know nothing about photography and yet they get accepted by stock "agencies".

Everyone has to start somewhere.
If you search long enough you'll find a forum post from Yuri asking how to embed metadata into a photo.

That was many years ago, when amateurs and people who knew nothing about photography had a chance to succeed in this business.

I understand you need new members for MSG (many of the old ones have gone), but honestly, are you happy with all these wannabe photographers flooding good work with their crappy and copycat images?

Digital66 · « **Reply #22 on:** March 27, 2015, 08:38 »

Quote from: samards on March 27, 2015, 07:20

Quote from: Digital66 on March 26, 2015, 14:20
Lighting 101 !!! Seriously!

Sorry, but I'm really tired of people who know nothing about photography and yet they get accepted by stock "agencies".

Being accepted by a stock agency doesn't mean that you know much about photography...

That's precisely the problem.

Digital66 · « **Reply #23 on:** March 27, 2015, 08:43 »

Quote from: No Free Lunch on March 26, 2015, 20:46

4. Don't rush into this business

Completely agree!

BaldricksTrousers · « **Reply #24 on:** March 27, 2015, 09:06 »

Why get mad? The guy doesn't - yet - know how to do it. That's not your problem, it's his. And if someone produces bad images and sites accept them, that's not the supplier's fault, it's the agency's. Istock's dropped its bar so low because it wants all this stuff. If someone asks for help and you don't feel like helping, why not just ignore it?

etudiante_rapide · « **Reply #25 on:** March 27, 2015, 10:58 »

Quote from: BaldricksTrousers on March 27, 2015, 09:06

Why get mad? The guy doesn't - yet - know how to do it. That's not your problem, it's his. And if someone produces bad images and sites accept them, that's not the supplier's fault, it's the agency's. Istock's dropped its bar so low because it wants all this stuff. If someone asks for help and you don't feel like helping, why not just ignore it?

bravo, well said BT.
i recall a long time ago, a lad named Yuri Arcurs and a lass named Lise Gagnon
the latter resume reveals how she walked into a used camera store to buy her first camera. haven't a clue what to do with it, but she wanted to be a stock photographer.
and today we all know who they are??? Lise is even more the nicest person to speak with
as a newbie, as she is always so encouraging to anyone who wants to be as great as she is.
fine lady.
no need to say any more...

ArenaCreative · « **Reply #26 on:** March 30, 2015, 09:06 »

Dodge tool, set to highlights... and 10-12%

mojaric · « **Reply #27 on:** March 30, 2015, 10:53 »

@Digital66 an Engineering degree doesn't make you and Engineer exactly like a Photographic school makes you a Photographer.

Salgado was an economist.
Pellegrin didn't finish his architecture school.

Someone should really be brave to say that they are not photographers

I don't know why to blame someone asking some technical questions, while most professional don't even use this exposure perfection (mostly like : +2° layer ps highkey + mask)

pixel8 · « **Reply #28 on:** March 30, 2015, 11:41 »

Quote from: Digital66 on March 27, 2015, 08:33

Quote from: leaf on March 26, 2015, 14:22
Quote from: Digital66 on March 26, 2015, 14:20
Lighting 101 !!! Seriously!

Sorry, but I'm really tired of people who know nothing about photography and yet they get accepted by stock "agencies".

Everyone has to start somewhere.
If you search long enough you'll find a forum post from Yuri asking how to embed metadata into a photo.
That was many years ago, when amateurs and people who knew nothing about photography had a chance to succeed in this business.

I understand you need new members for MSG (many of the old ones have gone), but honestly, are you happy with all these wannabe photographers flooding good work with their crappy and copycat images?

You don't know my portfolio!

Copidosoma · « **Reply #29 on:** March 30, 2015, 13:14 »

I found part 1 and 2 of this tutorial very useful. Even if you aren't working on people-sized subjects in a large (ish) room, the principles are the same. Light the back ground and foreground separately. Distance between the two (or flagging) makes the job easier. Cleanup in post tends to be very easy if done correctly.

http://zackarias.com/for-photographers/photo-resources/white-seamless-tutorial-part-1-gear-space/

pixel8 · « **Reply #30 on:** March 30, 2015, 16:35 »

Quote from: Copidosoma on March 30, 2015, 13:14

I found part 1 and 2 of this tutorial very useful. Even if you aren't working on people-sized subjects in a large (ish) room, the principles are the same. Light the back ground and foreground separately. Distance between the two (or flagging) makes the job easier. Cleanup in post tends to be very easy if done correctly.

http://zackarias.com/for-photographers/photo-resources/white-seamless-tutorial-part-1-gear-space/

Yep, My problem I think is that my studio space is too small as I don't have allot of room to place between the object and the backdrop so when I flag its still bouncing back onto my object thus making it harder to get that pure white background and so I end up doing it in Photoshop.

Digital66 · « **Reply #31 on:** March 30, 2015, 16:40 »

Quote from: pixel8 on March 30, 2015, 11:41

Quote from: Digital66 on March 27, 2015, 08:33
Quote from: leaf on March 26, 2015, 14:22
Quote from: Digital66 on March 26, 2015, 14:20
Lighting 101 !!! Seriously!

Sorry, but I'm really tired of people who know nothing about photography and yet they get accepted by stock "agencies".

Everyone has to start somewhere.
If you search long enough you'll find a forum post from Yuri asking how to embed metadata into a photo.

That was many years ago, when amateurs and people who knew nothing about photography had a chance to succeed in this business.

I understand you need new members for MSG (many of the old ones have gone), but honestly, are you happy with all these wannabe photographers flooding good work with their crappy and copycat images?

You don't know my portfolio!

You mean this portfolio http://www.shutterstock.com/gallery-1451831p1.html ? Or this one http://www.dreamstime.com/pixelrobot_info ?

Mostly copycat photos!

pixel8 · « **Reply #32 on:** March 30, 2015, 23:29 »

Quote from: Digital66 on March 30, 2015, 16:40

Quote from: pixel8 on March 30, 2015, 11:41
Quote from: Digital66 on March 27, 2015, 08:33
Quote from: leaf on March 26, 2015, 14:22
Quote from: Digital66 on March 26, 2015, 14:20
Lighting 101 !!! Seriously!

Sorry, but I'm really tired of people who know nothing about photography and yet they get accepted by stock "agencies".

Everyone has to start somewhere.
If you search long enough you'll find a forum post from Yuri asking how to embed metadata into a photo.

That was many years ago, when amateurs and people who knew nothing about photography had a chance to succeed in this business.

I understand you need new members for MSG (many of the old ones have gone), but honestly, are you happy with all these wannabe photographers flooding good work with their crappy and copycat images?

You don't know my portfolio!

You mean this portfolio http://www.shutterstock.com/gallery-1451831p1.html ? Or this one http://www.dreamstime.com/pixelrobot_info ?
Mostly copycat photos!

Sounds to me that you are a disgruntle person who does not like any competition, someone else takes a photo of an ordinary everyday object and you feel you should be the only one to photograph it! Let me guess you were the first person to photograph a pencil from the top view or maybe it was the angle view and since there are only so many ways to photograph a simple object your feathers are all ruffled because many other photographers realize the same thing and take a picture of a pencil from similar angles.

Please post your portfolio and lets compare!

Digital66 · « **Reply #33 on:** March 30, 2015, 23:39 »

Quote from: pixel8 on March 30, 2015, 23:29

Quote from: Digital66 on March 30, 2015, 16:40
Quote from: pixel8 on March 30, 2015, 11:41
Quote from: Digital66 on March 27, 2015, 08:33
Quote from: leaf on March 26, 2015, 14:22
Quote from: Digital66 on March 26, 2015, 14:20
Lighting 101 !!! Seriously!

Sorry, but I'm really tired of people who know nothing about photography and yet they get accepted by stock "agencies".

Everyone has to start somewhere.
If you search long enough you'll find a forum post from Yuri asking how to embed metadata into a photo.

That was many years ago, when amateurs and people who knew nothing about photography had a chance to succeed in this business.

I understand you need new members for MSG (many of the old ones have gone), but honestly, are you happy with all these wannabe photographers flooding good work with their crappy and copycat images?

You don't know my portfolio!

You mean this portfolio http://www.shutterstock.com/gallery-1451831p1.html ? Or this one http://www.dreamstime.com/pixelrobot_info ?
Mostly copycat photos!

Sounds to me that you are a disgruntle person who does not like any competition, someone else takes a photo of an ordinary everyday object and you feel you should be the only one to photograph it! Let me guess you were the first person to photograph a pencil from the top view or maybe it was the angle view and since there are only so many ways to photograph a simple object your feathers are all ruffled because many other photographers realize the same thing and take a picture of a pencil from similar angles.

Congratulations on your very original angles! Wish you could also have original concepts. These images (among others) from your portfolio are nothing but a copy of very successful images (not mine) from an iStock exclusive. http://www.shutterstock.com/portfolio/search.mhtml?searchterm=news+headline&x=0&y=0&media_type=images&search_cat=&searchtermx=&people_gender=&people_age=&people_ethnicity=&people_number=&color=&lang=en&search_source=search_form&version=llv1&anyorall=all&safesearch=1&submitter=1451831&photographer_name=Mega+Pixel&search_group=&orient=&commercial_ok=&show_color_wheel=1&sort_method=popular

pixel8 · « **Reply #34 on:** March 30, 2015, 23:46 »

Quote from: Digital66 on March 30, 2015, 23:39

Quote from: pixel8 on March 30, 2015, 23:29
Quote from: Digital66 on March 30, 2015, 16:40
Quote from: pixel8 on March 30, 2015, 11:41
Quote from: Digital66 on March 27, 2015, 08:33
Quote from: leaf on March 26, 2015, 14:22
Quote from: Digital66 on March 26, 2015, 14:20
Lighting 101 !!! Seriously!

Sorry, but I'm really tired of people who know nothing about photography and yet they get accepted by stock "agencies".

Everyone has to start somewhere.
If you search long enough you'll find a forum post from Yuri asking how to embed metadata into a photo.

That was many years ago, when amateurs and people who knew nothing about photography had a chance to succeed in this business.

I understand you need new members for MSG (many of the old ones have gone), but honestly, are you happy with all these wannabe photographers flooding good work with their crappy and copycat images?

You don't know my portfolio!

You mean this portfolio http://www.shutterstock.com/gallery-1451831p1.html ? Or this one http://www.dreamstime.com/pixelrobot_info ?
Mostly copycat photos!

Sounds to me that you are a disgruntle person who does not like any competition, someone else takes a photo of an ordinary everyday object and you feel you should be the only one to photograph it! Let me guess you were the first person to photograph a pencil from the top view or maybe it was the angle view and since there are only so many ways to photograph a simple object your feathers are all ruffled because many other photographers realize the same thing and take a picture of a pencil from similar angles.

Congratulations on your very original angles! Wish you could also have original concepts. These images (among others) from your portfolio are nothing but a copy of very successful images from an iStock exclusive. http://www.shutterstock.com/portfolio/search.mhtml?searchterm=news+headline&x=0&y=0&media_type=images&search_cat=&searchtermx=&people_gender=&people_age=&people_ethnicity=&people_number=&color=&lang=en&search_source=search_form&version=llv1&anyorall=all&safesearch=1&submitter=1451831&photographer_name=Mega+Pixel&search_group=&orient=&commercial_ok=&show_color_wheel=1&sort_method=popular
And no, they are not mine

Well post the similar stock exclusive! Because I know when I made those headlines for my newspaper that I sat around thinking of what to put on them, I don't need to look at someones else's photo to think up a headline.

I am interested in seeing your portfolio to see how many copycat photos you have, as if you have nothing but all original ideas that no one has ever done?

But I am guessing you are afraid what will be revealed when you do.

Also I don't think a stack of newspapers, a rolled newspaper, folded newspaper etc is an original concept, those are pretty basic and common things.

Digital66 · « **Reply #35 on:** March 31, 2015, 00:10 »

Quote from: pixel8 on March 30, 2015, 23:46

Quote from: Digital66 on March 30, 2015, 23:39
Quote from: pixel8 on March 30, 2015, 23:29
Quote from: Digital66 on March 30, 2015, 16:40
Quote from: pixel8 on March 30, 2015, 11:41
Quote from: Digital66 on March 27, 2015, 08:33
Quote from: leaf on March 26, 2015, 14:22
Quote from: Digital66 on March 26, 2015, 14:20
Lighting 101 !!! Seriously!

Sorry, but I'm really tired of people who know nothing about photography and yet they get accepted by stock "agencies".

Everyone has to start somewhere.
If you search long enough you'll find a forum post from Yuri asking how to embed metadata into a photo.

That was many years ago, when amateurs and people who knew nothing about photography had a chance to succeed in this business.

I understand you need new members for MSG (many of the old ones have gone), but honestly, are you happy with all these wannabe photographers flooding good work with their crappy and copycat images?

You don't know my portfolio!

You mean this portfolio http://www.shutterstock.com/gallery-1451831p1.html ? Or this one http://www.dreamstime.com/pixelrobot_info ?
Mostly copycat photos!

Sounds to me that you are a disgruntle person who does not like any competition, someone else takes a photo of an ordinary everyday object and you feel you should be the only one to photograph it! Let me guess you were the first person to photograph a pencil from the top view or maybe it was the angle view and since there are only so many ways to photograph a simple object your feathers are all ruffled because many other photographers realize the same thing and take a picture of a pencil from similar angles.

Congratulations on your very original angles! Wish you could also have original concepts. These images (among others) from your portfolio are nothing but a copy of very successful images from an iStock exclusive. http://www.shutterstock.com/portfolio/search.mhtml?searchterm=news+headline&x=0&y=0&media_type=images&search_cat=&searchtermx=&people_gender=&people_age=&people_ethnicity=&people_number=&color=&lang=en&search_source=search_form&version=llv1&anyorall=all&safesearch=1&submitter=1451831&photographer_name=Mega+Pixel&search_group=&orient=&commercial_ok=&show_color_wheel=1&sort_method=popular
And no, they are not mine

I don't need to look at someones else's photo to think up a headline.

Just to find "inspiration"?

Pauws99 · « **Reply #36 on:** March 31, 2015, 01:21 »

I wonder if Ansel Adams knew much about doing isolations?

BaldricksTrousers · « **Reply #37 on:** March 31, 2015, 03:12 »

Quote from: Pauws99 on March 31, 2015, 01:21

I wonder if Ansel Adams knew much about doing isolations?

If you read his book The Negative, specifically Chapter 3 : Exposure, and Chapter 4 : The Zone System, I think you will find that he knew an awful lot about what is needed for isolations, though he didn't refer to them specifically because isolated on white wasn't his genre (Page 164 "lighting a cube" also refers).

Pauws99 · « **Reply #38 on:** March 31, 2015, 04:04 »

I stand corrected! But I still think that not being fully up to speed on what is a fairly specialised, and rather uninteresting technique doesn't mean you know nothing about photography

Digital66 · « **Reply #39 on:** March 31, 2015, 04:13 »

Pixel8,

In response to the private message you sent me:

Do you want your situation to change? Then start working on your own ideas! Stop copying what others have done, even if it's just an isolated object on white. That's not ethical, and it's not good for your karma. Today, you are only able to copy isolated objects on white and some simple concepts like the highlighted texts with yellow/green marker, and the shots of the newspaper headlines. What are you going to do tomorrow? Copying the best photos you find?

Do you want to be a photographer? Copying and selling what others have done is not the right way to learn.

OM · « **Reply #40 on:** March 31, 2015, 05:27 »

Quote from: Copidosoma on March 30, 2015, 13:14

I found part 1 and 2 of this tutorial very useful. Even if you aren't working on people-sized subjects in a large (ish) room, the principles are the same. Light the back ground and foreground separately. Distance between the two (or flagging) makes the job easier. Cleanup in post tends to be very easy if done correctly.

http://zackarias.com/for-photographers/photo-resources/white-seamless-tutorial-part-1-gear-space/

Such a pity that all the images have disappeared from the linked Zack Arias tutorial. That really is the best tutorial on white seamless lighting.

Copidosoma · « **Reply #41 on:** March 31, 2015, 10:40 »

Quote from: OM on March 31, 2015, 05:27

Quote from: Copidosoma on March 30, 2015, 13:14
I found part 1 and 2 of this tutorial very useful. Even if you aren't working on people-sized subjects in a large (ish) room, the principles are the same. Light the back ground and foreground separately. Distance between the two (or flagging) makes the job easier. Cleanup in post tends to be very easy if done correctly.

http://zackarias.com/for-photographers/photo-resources/white-seamless-tutorial-part-1-gear-space/

Such a pity that all the images have disappeared from the linked Zack Arias tutorial. That really is the best tutorial on white seamless lighting.

LOL, I didn't even realize that. I thought the page was just slow to load.

Definitely too bad. Hopefully he updates it.

Copidosoma · « **Reply #42 on:** March 31, 2015, 10:43 »

Updated:

http://dedpxl.com/the-many-uses-of-white-seamless-pt-1/
http://dedpxl.com/the-many-uses-of-white-seamless-pt-2/

JPSDK · « **Reply #43 on:** April 03, 2015, 06:38 »

Quote from: ArenaCreative on March 30, 2015, 09:06

Dodge tool, set to highlights... and 10-12%

Yes!
That is the way.

JPSDK · « **Reply #44 on:** April 03, 2015, 06:41 »

Quote from: Pauws99 on March 31, 2015, 01:21

I wonder if Ansel Adams knew much about doing isolations?

No, he was cheap.
Instead of isolating things in a troublesome way in photoshop, he went to isolated places in deserted continets and stood there and felt isolated all on his own, alone in the light.

Jonathan Ross · « **Reply #45 on:** April 04, 2015, 13:38 »

Hi Pixel8,

Just an idea but instead of trying to get your background to 255 on set why not get close and set an action that strips the background by adjusting the curves. If you shoot your background to almost white and it is the same on your histogram every shot then I would just make an action to reset the white to 255. Hope this makes sense.

Best of Luck,
J

No Free Lunch · « **Reply #46 on:** April 04, 2015, 13:41 »

Quote from: Pauws99 on March 31, 2015, 01:21

I wonder if Ansel Adams knew much about doing isolations?

When Ansel did his shots almost nobody was out there in the nature- now there would be hundreds of photographers with point&Shoot, iPhone 6 and high end cameras. Would he be able to even make a living? Times really have changed for sure...

Yay Images Billionaire · « **Reply #47 on:** April 07, 2015, 03:59 »

Syl Arena also has a great tutorial on lighting white seamless.

http://pixsylated.com/blog/shooting-lighting-white-seamless-tutorial/

Uncle Pete · « **Reply #48 on:** April 07, 2015, 09:37 »

Well written and useful. Gee who would have thought, flags? And this part is important: "If the subject is too close to the background, then light will flare around the edges of the subject." not that the rest isn't all part of it.

I skimmed it but for the floor boards, I might have missed this tip. Make a note, cheap white house paint, on sale. You can touch up scuffs and dirt, just paint with more flat white.

Always on the list for "when I have a million to spare" is cyclorama room.

High ceiling and no corners.

Quote from: imagesbykenny on April 07, 2015, 03:59

Syl Arena also has a great tutorial on lighting white seamless.

http://pixsylated.com/blog/shooting-lighting-white-seamless-tutorial/

jefftakespics2 · « **Reply #49 on:** April 07, 2015, 10:11 »

From my own experience of trying to shoot white backgrounds of full length people in a limited space: Don't do it! Shoot something else. It can be done, but because of the flare and uneven background lighting, it requires a lot of post production and is probably not worth it. I'm pretty sure the world does not need many more isolations in any event, but I have often been proved wrong. Just my two cents ...