How to Make the Background Black in Photography
In studio photography, a black background for your subject usually looks very classy. Black makes the subject stand out and minimizes distractions. However, nothing looks more tacky and amateur than a black backdrop that doesn't appear fully black. Proper lighting and camera settings are the key to making sure you get a solid black behind your subject rather than a wrinkled-looking gray.
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Things You'll Need
- Studio strobes
- Black backdrop
- Backdrop stand
- Practice model/subject
- Camera
- Wireless transmitter or sync cord
Instructions
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Set your camera at F11 and 1/100 shutter speed. Set the ISO to 100. If your camera has white balance presets, set the white balance to bright sunlight. Otherwise, keep the white balance settings on auto. These are general settings to use as a starting point for strobe photography, but depending on your camera and the type of lights you are using, it may require slight adjustments.
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Sync your camera to the strobes with either a wireless transmitter or a sync cord. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to do this, as it will vary from brand to brand.
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Set up your backdrop and place your subject at least two feet away from the backdrop.
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Set up one strobe behind the subject so that the light will shine behind them at about a 45-degree angle.
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Place the other strobe directly in front of the subject.
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Take a picture. The backdrop should appear black because your lights are positioned to illuminate the subject rather than the background. If the background is not black, you may not have your back light angled correctly. Change the the angle until you achieve the results you desire.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure that you are metering your subject and not the background. The goal is to illuminate the subject and leave as little light as possible on the background.
Avoid black backdrops that have a highly reflective surface. This will make it much harder to achieve perfect black.
