How to Get the White Background Look

Several of you have asked how to light for the "White Background" or "Apple" look and here's a quick overview of how to do the lighting and exposure to make this clean look.

It works best if you can set your camera exposure manually, but don't let that scare you, we cover exactly how to do that.

Some of the gear mentioned in this video to help get the white background look:

Savage White Paper Backdrop/Background, 107 inches by 12 Yards:

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Clamp light (10.5 inch):

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Kino Flo 26 Watt CFL Bulbs (95 CRI):

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Lastolite EzyBalance Gray Card:

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Foamcore Boards (to flag off your background lights and prevent spill):

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ePhoto 4500 Watt 3 Softbox Lighting Kit:

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Linco Background Stand:

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This episode shot with the following gear:

Nikon D600
Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8 AF-D Lens
Nikkor 20mm f/2.8 AF-D Lens
Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 AF-D Lens
Zoom H1 Handy Recorder
Giand Squid Audio Labs Omni Mono Lavalier Mic
ePhoto 4500 Watt Softbox Kit
Clamp Lights
BlueMax 50 Watt CFL Light Bulbs

Music Copyright 2013 Curtis Judd

[RustyTube]

The f-stop numbering makes perfect sense when one knows what those numbers represent. They represent a value by which the _radius_ of the circular aperture is multiplied to double the amount of light passing the (typically) circular aperture. Now, the radius is one-dimensional but the _area_ of the circular opening (the aperture) is two-dimensional. And since the area of a circle is πr², to double it, and with it the amount of light passing through the aperture, the radius of the circular opening must be multiplied by the _square root_ of 2, which is roughly 1.4. So, to double the light from f-stop = 1, we need to multiply the radius by (roughly) 1.4, hence the next f-stop = 1.4. To double that, again we multiply the (roughly) 1.4 by another (roughly) 1.4 to get f-stop = 2, etc.

That is why every _other_ f-stop is a power of 2 (so, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, etc) and the rest of them are the previous one multiplied by (roughly) 1.4. The non-integer values are printed rounded down to two significant digits. Knowing that completely removes whatever mystery there may appear to be when it comes to f-stops. And thus we get 1, 1.4, 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, etc.

[jrarsenault]

Curtis, unlike most of the annoying, sophomoric 'how to's' here on YouTube - you always get right to the heart of the matter in a concise, professional manner. I enjoy your vids a lot, and hope you keep posting. Nicely done!

[TheMinishKid]

Curtis, I have a whole new respect for what you (and other photographers) do. I am a dentist by trade and NOT a videographer...I'm trying to record some post-op instruction videos for my patients using the method in this video. It seems I've tried everything but can't get the same "pop" and clarity you have in your videos. Thank you for all the work you put into your videos, you are brilliant.

[gerryyaum]

Thanks Curtis...I have been doing white background stuff for years in
still photography but found your explanation the best I have heard. Got it
all and understood it all, thanks. Your a great teacher.
Gerry

[edwardscruggs]

I just wanted to say how much I appreciate the clarity of your explanations. Formidable camera and pedagogical skills. Thank you!

[tiffanyschooley]

I had a lighting professor teach me this, but after watching your video I actually understand it and can replicate it. THANK YOU!!! :)

[SamuelRiveraFilms]

Hi Curtis! Any recommendations on achieving this looks with a LED light kit? I learned a ton from this video but would like to light the talent with LED’s. Any help on this would be highly appreciated!!

[BaoNguyen-ivzx]

Curtis Judd, I just love you man. Thanks for everything over the years.

[TheLoveMessages]

@curtisjudd can I just use a white wall?

[NYmanNY]

Your video is old, but the single BEST ONE OUT THERE! If I could get a course from you, I would def. take it!
Thank you so much for this. I have studied it for 6 times or so.
I keep upgrading and practising to get to your level.

[TargetAcquisition]

Excellent information. I shot my first infinite white wall this past week. Following your tips, I got it right the first time! The clients were beyond impressed, especially since they paid someone previously to do the same shoot and he butchered the whole thing. I'd love to send you the unedited photos for some feedback.

[DinoJagOfficial]

hey thx for your video! very informative for someone like me just preparing to make a start with creating my own live music videos from home. I'm just in the process of getting a three-light softbox setup which all use fluro lights.. but these won't address the white background effect.. I'd like to achieve that white "apple" background look.. Are there any fluro lighting setups that you would recommend for lighting the backdrop area? thx again :~)

[opedromagico]

That was INCREDIBLY helpfull and well made-explained. Thanks man =)

[cveme]

Thank you for your video.  Full of information and finding every little bit helps.  Off to buy more lights now.

[patriciajoseph]

Hi Curtis. Helpful video thanks...however, not seeing the links to purchase the lights, etc.

[jammindesigns]

Hey nice presentation... I want to make videos on my iphone I'm not going to film a large area as you did in the video. So can you give me a list of not so expensive equiptment?

[AspectRatioPolice]

Great info, and even better Groovy Orca track.

[muppetfanman]

Curtis is There a way to achieve this white background look with a rounder lighting on your subject like in your videos with the black back drop ... Again thanks for all your help and enjoy your videos very much thank you!

[bmm]

Could you also give info on how to adjust the camera settings for a newbie? Also what microphone do you use? Thanks again

[ninjamotorcyclemaintena]

Thanks. I learned a lot. Can I buy regular fluorescent bulbs at the store that are cheaper ($4/bulb) or do I have to get expensive ones designed for the studio? Also, I noticed that some bulbs give off a yellowish color, even if they say white light on their purchase package. To achieve a white background, should I try to stick with the ones that give off white light, or will this not matter when the light hits the white sheet? Also, the packages that the bulbs come in say "to replace a 100 watt bulb, 23 bulb." Is the second number the number that you are quoting? when you a say 26 watt, is it a bulb that usually replaces a 100 watt condescent?