5 tips for getting a white background in photography

The white background in photography is one of the basics of propaganda photography and obtaining it is a basic desire for every photographer, whether it is to take propaganda photos, or for any type of image that you want to include easily with presentations, web pages, social media ... so knowing the correct way For a white background in photography provided that it is pure can be very beneficial to every photographer.

Some photographers believe that relying on the use of cardboard, paper, white cloth or wall is sufficient for this. However, as we will see in today's article, these tools cannot guarantee a completely white background. There are some additional tips that should be put into practice and applied continuously. Want to know the best tips for getting a white background in photography? Do not miss today's article, then read to the last.

Use a white substance to get a white background. It is only the first step.

White background - is the supporting element, in having white background in photography, it is very useful to have a substance to use as a white background.

You can also get white backgrounds if you can make a big difference in exposure between background and foreground elements. For example, in backlit images, the light source means that it is installed behind the subject (without neglecting to properly illuminate the elements provided with the use of the flash), however, it is a more sophisticated technology and not accessible to all photographers.

So, if you want to take pictures with a white background in your photography, the first thing you should do is to get a background in this color, whatever material is used in this regard.

1- The background is not enough. You must handle the lighting properly in order to achieve a white background in photography :

Once you finish setting the background that you have chosen, if you start shooting, you'll see how this whiteness can turn into a gray tone in your photos, even though the background chosen is white. In many cases, the background appears uneven. That is, they show different differences and tonalities.

White background in photography - without using the backlight

In the previous image, the position of the girl near the background and with illumination is 45 degrees for the girl, both in the horizontal plane and in the vertical plane. As for the imaging parameters: 85mm, f / 4, 1/250 sec, ISO 100, ON TTL flash.

2-Separating the subject from the background and lighting the background correctly is important to achieve a white background in photography :

In the previous image there were two main errors: poorly lit background and target ghosting appearing on the background. How can this be corrected? Very simple, put a second light source and leave more space between the target and the background.

The difference in this image consists mainly of the previous image, in removing the child a little more than half a meter from the background and adding a second light source behind the child in order to light it from the back. The power of this second light source is 1/32 of its total power.

3-Sound background lighting is essential to have a white background in photography :

Although the previous image has improved compared to that taken via the first point settings, we did not get the white background that we were looking for. Since it is still not pure enough. So what to do to get it? Well, the intensity of the light source that we used in the backlight increased.

In this article, we will refer to flash lighting, but the same steps can be taken with continuous lighting by LED or lamps.

The intensity of the flash affecting the background must be calculated on the basis of the experimental error, in order to achieve the desired result. In the next film strip, all parameters (85mm, f / 4, 1/200 seconds, main flash ISO 100, TTL) are preserved, except for the intensity of the flash used in the backlight, which varies from 1/1 to 1 / 8.

White background - with backlight - variable

In addition to achieving the desired goal of a white background, it will also be necessary to prevent the background from becoming a light source the moment you start using the light (by reflecting part of the light on it), supposing that the foreground elements have been illuminated too much.

In the top bar, the settings used helped to get a white background, but only 1/4 and 1/8 power settings for the secondary flash which does not affect the foreground elements.

4-Complete the main source of lighting for a white background in photography :

The results of the last two photos of the top bar seem to be perfect, right? However, there is still one aspect that can be improved and relates to the strong shadow visible on the child's face. To correct this and achieve a smoother and more natural result, we can choose one of the following options:

• Using a third secondary flash completes the work of the primary flash.
• Use a reflector on the sneezing side of the primary light source to try to soften the shadows.

Since it is not usual to have three flashes (main flash, backlight, and complementary secondary flash), the lampshade has been selected. Here you can see the result: white background - with lighting and lampshade.

The image was taken according to the following settings: 85mm, f / 4, 1/200 seconds, ISO 100, TTL main flash, 1/8 rear flash, light reflector against the main source of illumination. Do you have doubts about the lighting scheme used? Well, I leave you a drawing of that , and on your right is a “studio” image.

• Lighting scheme with the intention of achieving a white background in photography

It has already become clear how the photo was acquired with a white background, right?

5-What if I offered you a video clip to dispel any doubts you have about getting a white background in photography?

Though, I think I was quite clear about what to consider: white background, proper backlight (no extra or virtual lighting). Separate the background, foreground elements, and lighting compensation to avoid strong shadows. There could be something missed from you.

If so, here's a very full video clip by Tony Northrop, with these important tips and more to get a white background in your photos. Although it is in English, if you do not have enough fluency in this language. I hope that with what has been said so far and a little imagination you can follow it without problems.

I think you are now able to get white backgrounds in your photos with our previous tips app.

Why not give an opportunity for high-level photography?

Although we have already finished the tips for getting a white background, I think this recommendation could be very helpful for this type of photo.

Do you know high-level photography? did you try it before? Having a white background is essential for this type of photography, so take advantage of the fact that you already know how to create a completely white background.

The top image was created by the image with the exposed background, desaturation, and a slight increase in brightness. What about the result? It's beautiful, isn't it?

Find out how to obtain this type of photography and the characteristics of this type of photography.

Put it into action and tell us about your conclusion.

So far all I can tell you. Now is the time to apply everything we discussed and share your experience by sharing your photos with us.

You might think I left something important, related to the tips for getting a white background in photography that we covered in this article about getting a pure white background, leave us your inquiry in the comment box below

Note: The baby pictures used in this article are the property of dzoom