Contrast on White Background | Ask David Bergman

Amazing this was, thanks.

Another tip to get contrast, is to take a test shot w only your BG lights. Then zoom into 100% on your subject and look at the edges, especially the hair. And ensure that those edges are sharp, that your subject is a complete shadow.. You can then build you lighting on your subject..
With this in mind, the ideas in this video of controlling all the spill from BG lights is definitely valid and needs to be done as well!!

That plexi i didn't see coming

The most common root cause for low contrast in white backdrop photos is (to my optinon) that the background lights are too strong and the spill light from the background flares into the lens. To me it was eye-opening that the spill light from the surrounding has such a massive impact. Well done! Thanks for the video.

Thanks. Nice video tutorial. I've been thinking about hanging some ceiling mounted curtain tracks in my studio. They would be used to hang fabric (black or other colors). That way the fabric could be pushed aside when needed and be flexible. Also, fabric is easier to store. My studio is small, and even storing V-flats is a pain.

Plexiglass hack is genius!

Great video

Nice tutorial! Nice job with the plexi glass - she’s now anchored down with her shadow!

Erica is a very beautiful woman.

Excellent explanation David!! so subtle but soooo important to get the shot right. Those little details transform a photo from good to great!

Another great video. Just this weekend I did a fashion session using almost exactly the same setup. I have some acrylic that I use for product photos that I thought about using but I was concerned that the model's high heels would puncture it. What thickness is the acrylic you used in the video? Erica was wearing much wider platform type heels, my fashion client wears pointy type heals.

Love the plexiglass...and the photoshop for the total white...nice simple, striking capture! And of course- the gorgeous model helps!

Love this, great video 🙂

super tuto. do you prefer transparent plexy to white plexy ? is leaking light coming from background and lights or from walls ? if comes from walls, i was wondering if we cannot make a wide cage with a black curtain on each side and, inside the cage, locate the two 105mm white umbrellas or the two lights with reflector

People always ask me why I'm in socks in the studio. If you know you know lol. Great video!

You and Erica are amazing! Thank you for this, it was the topic of a recent discussion and while we had some similar ideas this was a bit different and easier to implement. I've shared this with my studio mates so they can see an expert at work.

this was very well explained for a simple , beginner concept for someone like me. thank u so much . also the model is very pretty and took great poses!

At first I thought that wide view and short subject distance were going to be an issue, but when the gobo’s came in it started coming together. The plexi is icing on the cake. Excellent once it’s all masked in Photoshop.

I used to assist a Hollywood photographer in the 80s by the name of Ron Slenzak. That’s where I first saw the plexi on white look. But he had a big studio and didn’t use negative fill, which probably would’ve helped. His white background was something completely different than paper, and quite over-complicated though.

❤

Nice! The issue I have at the home studio Im using the lounge which has carpet - I did buy a large acrylic but it always ends up broken into pieces after a few sessions of models and actors in their heels - is your plexiglas a bit less brittle - although using on a hard floor is best im still looking for a better solution for refelection that doesnt crack and smash with heels on it on a carpet base! Any suggeestions of a product?

With the flash pointing at the background at an angle, does it not create a light/dark gradient on the white background?

Great episode!

Yep, I agree, who wants to see you when Erica is there. LOL With the V-Flats the Black side is having a negative fill effect on her face shaping and contouring it.

great video, then a nugget at the end! i learned alot...

Awesome stuff David. I have a question.
1) How are you booming your softbox with a light stand as opposed to a c-stand?

Thanks David. What material is your background ? I bought the Westcott X-Drop. Their white is a fuzzy blanket type material. I would like a little more reflection with my sport portraits. Thanks. Edit: should have waited until end. Acrylic is a great idea, not sure how portable. Still want info on material … 18 high schoolers and my white floor was filthy. Would like something you can bush off. Was thinking of heavy duty nylon. Thanks again.

Smashing

love it men

This was highly valuable info and a solid tutorial 👌

How thick is the acrylic sheet?

Great and useful video David. Interesting how you got even white background with just one light...

It's great how you break down and explain the principles clearly and concisely , unlike some channels where the host seems to shout the descriptions. Thank you for clarity.

Sweet Plexiglass tip! BTW, nice to see one of the original "Adorama Angels" back modeling for you guys. Cheers!

perfect timing! doing the same thing at my home studio and running into same issue. great guide

Great work David. Love from India 🇮🇳

Great video. Maybe a video on how you edited the final image?

Plexiglass was a great option

Plexiglass link please?

AWESOME!

That looks like Daniel Norton's studio. No wonder the images look so amazing....... LOL

Cool!

Thanks ! Your vidéo and explications are perfect to let us understand how to aim to this fantastic and contrasty look.

Excellent video, very useful info. Thanks David and Erica.

Oh wow great video David Bergman! I remember back in the 90's when I saw an image like this one done by Albert Watson for a Fashion magazine, how much would of help if we had access to videos like yours then. Thanks for all you share David Bergman and thank you ADORAMA for having videos like this one on your great channel!

Loving the Plexiglass. Nice work all round...................Great Video thanks

Thank you David. I always love your work

That acrylic bonus was 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾