How to get the background white?

12 years 5 months ago #158848 by 520snic
I thought I would try my hand at stock photography over the weekend. I had a white background, but the background was coming up grayish no where near as white as the background was. So how do I get the background to be white?


,
12 years 5 months ago #158849 by Baydream
Are you using auto white balance?

Shoot, learn and share. It will make you a better photographer.
fineartamerica.com/profiles/john-g-schickler.html?tab=artwork

Photo Comments
,
12 years 5 months ago #158856 by 520snic
no, I was using my onboard flash, so I set the white balance to flash.


,
12 years 5 months ago #158858 by ladydawg
check your exposure compensation.


,
12 years 5 months ago #158877 by Pixelchix
The only way I have ever been able to get a white background is to have some kind of lighting pointing at the background. I've used my off cam flash for this and have had good results.


Attachments:
,
12 years 5 months ago #158896 by 520snic

ladydawg wrote: check your exposure compensation.


That was at 0. Should I be changing that?


,
12 years 5 months ago #158898 by 520snic

Pixelchix wrote: The only way I have ever been able to get a white background is to have some kind of lighting pointing at the background. I've used my off cam flash for this and have had good results.


Thank you. So I have to have light facing the background to achieve a white background. Alright. BTW, nice shot. That is what I am taking about...white like that.

Can I use any light? or does it have to be a flash? Because I don't have an external flash at the moment.


,
12 years 5 months ago #158969 by rmeyer7
The thing that may be tough about using just any light is that it will have a different color temperature than your camera's flash. I'm thinking you might end up with a funny tint. If you can light the entire thing with identical light, making the light even and avoiding shadows on your white background, that might give you a better result.


,
12 years 5 months ago #159046 by photobod
If you use tungsten lights to flood the background then set your W/B to tungsten if you use flash set your W/B to flash and so on and so on.

The only way to get a fuly white backdrop is to flood it with light but you must try to make sure none of that light falls back onto your subject as it may cause some washed out products, the main subject shoul be lit with a diffused light, unless you go out and buy a light tent that you sit your subject in. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

www.dcimages.org.uk
"A good photograph is one that communicate a fact, touches the heart, leaves the viewer a changed person for having seen it. It is, in a word, effective." - Irving Penn

,
12 years 5 months ago #159222 by Henry Peach

520snic wrote: ...but the background was coming up grayish no where near as white as the background was. So how do I get the background to be white?


You need to increase exposure in the camera and/or add more light to the background.

Exposure compensation might work. The camera meter normally tries to make things middle gray tone, so dialing in a few stops extra exposure will make the background brighter. But it would also make the subject brighter.

To make the background brighter without increasing subject brightness add light only to the background.

White balance is about color. This sounds like an exposure problem to me.
,

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Latest Reviews

The Leica SL2-S is an attractive, premium mirrorless camera with photo and video specs that are sure to impress. And with the legendary Leica name, you know this camera exudes quality!

Mar 26, 2024

The Sigma fp L is a compact full-frame camera with a 61-megapixel sensor, 4K video capabilities, in-body image stabilization, and weather-sealed construction. What’s not to like?!

Mar 19, 2024

The Canon 1DX Mark III is a big, burly professional camera packed with top-end features. Is it worth the investment in 2024? Find out in this detailed review!

Mar 04, 2024

In the OM-1 vs OM-5 debate, which camera comes out on top? Though they’re different cameras for different purposes, comparing them head to head clarifies which is best for your needs.

Mar 01, 2024

Forum Top Posters

Latest Articles

Time management is a critical skill to master when you’re a photographer. But how do you get the most out of the limited time you have? Check out this guide to learn a few tricks!

Mar 27, 2024

The Leica SL2-S is an attractive, premium mirrorless camera with photo and video specs that are sure to impress. And with the legendary Leica name, you know this camera exudes quality!

Mar 26, 2024

Opening a photography business means undertaking various photography marketing strategies to promote your work. But you don’t want to do the same old thing - try these unique ideas!

Mar 22, 2024

The Canon EOS 80D might be a few years old, but it’s nevertheless a quality camera to invest in as a beginner or enthusiast looking for a mid-range DSLR with tons of lens options.

Mar 22, 2024

Wedding consultations are a critical part of a wedding photography gig. It’s when you learn about the couple and their wants, and present them with how you will meet those desires.

Mar 22, 2024

If you're looking for the best metal print of 2023, you'll find it from Artbeat Studios. After months of testing, Artbeat Studios beat out the competition!

Mar 21, 2024

Getting the best video shots on your camera or smartphone requires you to understand the fundamentals of composition and video editing. It helps to have the appropriate gear, too!

Mar 20, 2024

It’s easy to lose your inspiration behind the lens, especially as a beginner. These creative photography projects can help inspire you to try new techniques and improve your photos.

Mar 20, 2024