Photography secrets

Photography – Muslin backdrop problems !!?

I purchased a Photo Studio Kit which included lighting, Backdrop Support, and a black muslin backdrop. Everything is fine, however, the “black muslin backdrop” is like a bed sheet and it appears kind of off black in the pictures. Is this how it’s supposed to look? I thought it would be jet black on the camera. I have fluorescent daylight bulbs. No matter what I set the white balance on, it still looks like a cheap sheet. Also, positioning the subject (person) as far from the backdrop as I can helps, but barely. I’ve also tried the lighting in different positions. Any suggestions?

what perki is saying is that your lights are lighting the subject and the black background as well.

Often, the lighting is positioned high and pointing lower. So if it were a flashlight, it would be start above the subject, and the light would hit the ground behind the subject, not hitting the muslin (this also replicates the look on the subject of the sun – is it is natural looking).

If the bulbs don’t have a “modifier” on them – something like an umbrella, barn doors, etc, the light is probably spreading 180 degrees.

You need to put something between the light and the background to keep the light off. If you are shooting in a basement, try hanging a sheet or cardboard.

You can take a cereal box and put it around the light to give it some directionality.

Give it some thought, plenty of ways to do this.

Outtakes-The Invisible Black Backdrop