Shooting Against a White Background: A Step-by-Step Guide
In the world of photography, shooting against a pristine white background is a timeless technique that can make your subject pop and create a clean, professional look. In this blog, I'll provide a step-by-step guide on creating white background images that captivate.
Equipment and Setup
Backdrop: Choose a seamless white paper roll, fabric, or canvas. Ensure it's wrinkle-free and wide enough to cover your subject. Backdrop Setup: Hang your white backdrop, ensuring it extends to the floor or tabletop with a seamless bend at the join of the surface and the wall.
*Advanced Tip: If your product is white and you plan to remove the background later, consider opting for a grey backdrop to provide contrast to your product.
Lighting: I recommend using artificial light over natural light. A single light source positioned in front and slightly to one side of your product at a high angle creates a pronounced angular shadow that adds dimension.
Decide whether you prefer hard shadows or soft shadows. For soft shadows, employ a diffuser over your light. This could be an umbrella, a softbox, or a DIY piece of diffusion cloth to soften shadows.
If you have a second light, position it on the opposite side of your product, directed at the backdrop. This not only illuminates the backdrop but also creates a rim light effect on your subject.
If a second light isn't available, use a white bounce card angled on the opposite side of your key light to reflect some light back onto your product.
Tripod: Ensure stability for consistent framing and sharp images. Consider using a shutter release cable, Bluetooth controller, or timer to trigger the shutter remotely without touching the camera.
Camera: Any camera will suffice, from DSLRs to smartphones. Mount your camera on the tripod and align the lens with the center of your product to achieve a balanced perspective and avoid distortion.
Shooting Techniques
Subject Placement: Position your subject a few feet away from the backdrop to prevent shadows or reflections. Adjust the distance according to the subject's size.
Exposure: Adjust your camera settings to achieve an optimal exposure for your product. Avoid overexposing the image to maintain a white background. Some loss of light is inevitable, resulting in a slightly greyish background. You can correct this during editing or embrace the subtle softness of the image. Consistency in lighting across images is vital for a cohesive collection.
Editing
Editing Software: Utilize photo editing software to refine your images. Adjust exposure, contrast, and brightness while ensuring your product appears true to life, without excessive edits.
Advanced Option: Whiten the Background: If needed, enhance the background's whiteness by cutting out the background (including shadows) and replacing it with pure white during editing.
In the video below I’m sharing the entire process from start to finish so you can see it all in action. enjoy!