It might sound like the simplest of studio backgrounds to work with but getting a black background to be 100% pure black in camera is trickier than it sounds. The same is true for the opposite color. A white background makes for great portraits but to make a 100% pure white background needs careful lighting.

Gavin Hoey steps up to the challenge of creating both background colors, starting with black. But as he explains, black fabric on its own isn’t going to guarantee you a true black background. Gavin shows how minimizing the flash-to-subject distance and controlling reflections is the secret to getting deep, dark black backdrops.

Next, Gavin uses the white wall of his small home studio as a background for portraits. Once again it’s the distance of the key light that controls the brightness of the background but as Gavin shows, if you want a true white background without shadows, you need to light the white. Adding a background light with just enough power to blow out the background but not your model's features is the aim.

To compliment both the pure black and pure white looks, Gavin uses a Flashpoint AK-R21 projector with a selection of gobos. This is attached to a Flashpoint eVOLV200 flash and creates dramatic lighting effects on his model, Chloe.

Timestamps and Chapters
0:00 Intro
1:10 Camera settings for black and white backgrounds
1:43 Making a true black portrait background
3:22 Setting up multiple flashes with grids
5:18 Adding the AK-R21 Projector + Gobo
5:55 Pure black background portrait session
6:30 White background with one flash
8:24 Lighting for a true white background
9:25 Adding the AK-R21 Projector to the white scene
10:15 Pure white background portrait session
10:56 Conclusions and Subscribe

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✘ PRODUCTS USED:

OM SYSTEM OM-1
www.adorama.com/iomom1.html

OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro II
www.adorama.com/iom1240pb.html

Lexar Professional 1667x 64GB SDXC UHS-II/U3 Memory Card
www.adorama.com/ilxsd64g1667.html

Flashpoint XPLOR 300 Pro
www.adorama.com/fplfx300ptb.html

Flashpoint eVOLV 200 Pro
www.adorama.com/fplfev200pk1.html

Flashpoint R2 Pro Transmitter
www.adorama.com/fprrr2proo.html

Kupo 20" Master Raiser C-Stand
www.adorama.com/kuks703712.html

Westcott 5x6.5' Collapsible 2-In-1 Backdrop, Black & White
www.adorama.com/we335.html

Flashpoint 10’ C-Stand and Grip Arm
www.adorama.com/fplsc.html

Tether Tools Pro 16' USB 2.0 Active Extension Cable
www.adorama.com/ttcu1917.html

Glow S2 Round Flash S-type Bowens Mount Bracket
www.adorama.com/glbdsm02pro.html

Sekonic L-308 Flash Meter
www.adorama.com/sksk401305.html

Glow ParaSnap 36" Octa Softbox With Bowens Mount
www.adorama.com/glsbps36.html

Flashpoint AK-R21 Projection Attachment Kit
www.adorama.com/fplfakr21.html

Flashpoint AK-R24 50mm Lens for AK-R21
www.adorama.com/fplfakr24.html

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Follow Gavin Hoey on
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Model: Chloe
www.instagram.com/chloekmodel

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THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING!