What lights should I get for white backgrounds?

5 Responses to “What lights should I get for white backgrounds?”

1. StudioLighting.net Says:
   January 31st, 2006 at 8:52 pm

   It's more the placement of the lights than it is the type of light that will help you photograph objects against a white background. Almost any studio light can provide enough light to wash out a light background. You will find it much easier to do this, however with more than one light.

   Placing one light behind the subject aimed directly at the backdrop such that it meters one or two stops brighter than your main light should give you a nice white background.

   The second light would be used as the main light on your subject. You can either use a third light, or a large reflector for fill. Look around the site for articles and lighting setups.

   Firing studio lights with your F828 is most easily done using it's hot shoe and a hot shoe sync adapter. This adapter knows when you press the shutter release and sends a signal to the strobes by wire. You will want to have your camera set on manual and use a flash meter to get exposure correct.

   Finally, there is a camera that will provide you with terrific images and allow you to use your Nikon lenses. In fact, there are several since Nikon has kept the same lens mount for decades. I own the Nikon D50 and have several friends that own the D70, both are reasonably priced DSLR cameras with great features. If you really want to get serious, you should consider the Nikon D200 or D2X which are more aimed at professional photographers. All of the Nikon DSLR cameras have a good reputation for quality.

2. Duane Says:
   April 14th, 2006 at 11:04 pm

   Hello - Be careful though or at least understand that if you use older manual focus lens with the D70 or D50 you loose A LOT of the metering features and will end up shooting everything manual. It is just a pain and something you need to know. The D200 and D2x will use any Nikon lens and meter with them - though if there are not Af lenses they will only manually focus. I did this for a while with my older Nikkor lenses until I sold them all for newer AF and AFS lens.

3. Frank Says:
   July 29th, 2006 at 9:08 am

   Hi wondering if someone could shed some light on my set up. I have a studio main, fill, and hair snoot all strobes. I'm using a Nikon D2X and/or D70. My question is should the camera be set to Auto ISO, White Balance to SUN, Manual mode: 60 at F8 - F16. The white background apears a light gray. Some photos are a little grainy.

   Am I using the correct camera set up?
   Thanks,
   Frank

4. Dave Says:
   March 6th, 2007 at 5:49 am

   Using 2 Hensel 500 pro plus strobes. Camera set to ISO 100 all the time. I use the cameras color temp (K) and set it to about 6000 or 6500. This gives a nice warm tone. If I shoot against a white backround I can keep it white by keeping the subject closer to the backround or using the strobes at higher power. If I move the subject further away or use less strobe power the backround will turn grey. Depends on what your looking for as the result. As stated you can always light the backround and use a fill reflector.

   Experiment and get creative …

   "Don't get stung by the bee …"

5. ashish Says:
   June 12th, 2009 at 11:35 am

   actually i have nikon d40x camera two softbox studio lihgt no23 made of simpex co and my studio is 6inch lenth 5inches in width tell me wat the aperture thatgives me good portfolios

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