Tutorial: Seamless Black Background
Example 1: Overhead Profoto D1 1000W light with a softbox, light cutter, Black seamless paper.
In this tutorial we run you through a few basics steps when shooting a black seamless background:
Black Backdrop: First of all you will need to start with a black backdrop, in this shot we used a seamless black paper roll however a pure black fabric will also work well.
Separate the subject from the background: For the black background to be pure black you will need to seperate your subject from the background, the reason behind this is you don’t want any of the light on your subject falling onto the background.
How to Light? This is one of the most frequently asked questions and there is no right or wrong answer. The most commonly used would be a side or overhead light which reduces the lightfall on the background however if you follow this one key concept you can light the subject as you please. The key concept is you don’t want any light on your background.
Ways to reduce light fall on the background: There are numerous ways to reduce the lightspill on the background such as:
Placing the light source close the subject with a lower output which in combination with separating the subject from the background will reduce the spread of light .
Another option would be to reduce the spread of the light source by either channeling the light through a grid or reducing the size of the light source. This will allow the light to hit your subject and not your background.
The last option is to use a flag to cut the light. What’s a flag you ask? Essentially it is anything that will block light, just think of it as a sun visor in a car cutting the light off your face. The idea is to place the flag at the top and in front of the light source, allowing light on your subject and reducing the light spill onto your background.
Example 2: Front Light Profoto D1 1000W, Light Cutter, Black seamless paper.
Example 3: Natural Window light at Studio Tropico, Black seamless paper, Black Box made with Polyboards.
Natural light shot at Studio Tropico