If you work in a small studio and have only one color background, which should you choose? Photographer Gavin Hoey is here to convince you that gray is the top color background and he proves it be demoing four simple lighting tricks that create very different background effects.
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Photos by Gavin Hoey
Like, share, and comment on the video below…let’s get the conversation started!
If you have questions, please share them below.
I know this video is a few years old. But what is the name of the light meter you used and brand? Looking for one as yours that is easy to use.
Gavin what do you think about a white background using color gels to change the color?
Wow. It’s incredible what you can learn just by watching other people work for a few minutes. This was so informative and helpful. Thank you for sharing this!
I'm shooting on a black background tomorrow but I was wondering if I could just use my grey background, that way I could do some shots on black and some on grey? Yikes, I might try to do a test today so I'll be ready tomorrow.
Thank you so much for this help.
Green screen vs Gray for background image substitution? Video vs still methods?
Thanks for the great informative video Gavin. I'm going to give this a try today.
Incredibly helpful Gavin. Thanks.
Thank you! I'd love to take an entire flash course from you. I don't understand using a light meter or flash yet :(, but I'd love to set up a small home studio to capture my children before they are grown!!!
Wow this was so helpful. I just ordered a Savage sky gray background. I can't wait to try out these tips.
Can this work with just a soft box without a speed light?
what kind of paper was used as a backdrop? where do u get this?
I learned so much, thank youu
In making the grey background go black, can this be done with a speed light and an umbrella or will this only work with a soft box?
Great Tip, will get Gray! Thanks!
Thank's Gavin, great video for showing how the inverse square law works.
Wow man, the end result is like a magic.
Very Good tips
GREAT
Wooow i love that ..i wish i can put 100 like👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Ok, so im confused, do you have a light in the softbox? Or is it a flash?
Amazing
you are great!
what is the power of a lamp with a honeycomb?
What light meter are you using in this video? I’d like one that wirelessly controls my Flashpoint R2 (TT685N) like that.
Does this work with continuous lighting? At least the black portion?
I do not understand why somebody would dislike this video. Was there something wrong in what he did? Did he share any false information?
Loved the photo with the rid reflection in the glasses, thanks for your easy to understand video!
Hay another great video can I ask that when you mention another video you link it in description, I am trying to find the one about how to make white backgrounds really white, and well there are lots of white background videos showing up 🙂
🙂
you're the best Gavin
which grey back drop are you using
thanks for information but your model is damn ugly 😛
I could see how the back light was set. To the left sight or to the gray background
What if I dont have light meter, what would be the best starting point to know the proper amount of light that my flash should deliver?
Great video Gavin! Well done as always!
I watched this when it first came out, now I only travel with my grey backdrop and a set of gels. One thing I’ve learned though, when working with linen and gels is to leave space between your subject and the background. I’ve noticed you can pick up the texture of the linen with a strange grey tint to it if your subject is too close to it, especially if, like me, you work with small still life subjects.
I LOVE YOU, THANKS!
Is the principle applied similarly for continuous light and video shots?
Hello Gavin, I appreciate your videos. I have an indoor night event and I only have a speedlight and an Xplor 600 as light sources. So this video helps me work with what I have. I do not have a flash meter though. What type were you using in this video? Thanks.
Amazing Video
Great! I like the way you hang your camera on you…