Fstoppers Lighting Diagrams: Creating Gradient Backdrops

This week, we are exploring how to create a white-to-grey backdrop using strobes. Though this technique can be done somewhat efficiently with two lights, three is optimal. And as in last weeks post, I want you guys to try out this technique and share your results. I will post my three favorites in the next lighting post. I shot all of these images on a white sweep, with the figures about ten feet off of the background. I placed one Canon 430EX speedlite on the ground on either side of the backdrop, closer to the backdrop than the subjects. I then set the backdrop lights to the same output as the main light. Note, if you only have access to two strobes, your main obstacle is getting your sole background light to spread as evenly as possible. It will gradate either way, but may not look as smooth as if you were using two lights on the backdrop.

I triggered my strobes using a Canon ST-E2 and a Radiopopper Px transmitter.

Lessons like this one as well as 25 other lighting diagrams are available in my new e-book, RGLR, The Run & Gun Lighting Resource for $10.

In last weeks post, Shooting Products on Black, I asked readers to try out the technique and post their results. Here were three of my favorites:

 

Image by Paul Monaghan

 

Shot by Jason Colledge

Shot by Steven Leung