How to Create a Black Background Anywhere

A black background is a popular and timeless look for a wide variety of applications, but depending on where you are shooting, you might not actually have access to a literal black background. This excellent video will show you how to create one no matter where you are.

Coming to you from Westcott Lighting, this great video will show you how to create a black background no matter where you are. This is a great trick to have in your pocket, as it will not only provide you alternate styles, but also give you a way to simplify a busy background if you do not have control over it. The technique relies on killing the ambient light in the scene, then lighting your subject with a flash. What is important to remember is that this technique relies on not spilling any light on the background, so if you are in an open area, you do not need to worry, but on the other hand, if you are in an enclosed space, be careful to pay attention to the distance from your subject to the background relative to the distance from you to them. Check out the video above for the full rundown. 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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