Heather Brady Cameras and Photography

When shooting videos, the backdrop can make a great deal of difference in your video lighting.  Whether you are buying your backdrop or using a bed sheet, the color and pattern on a back drop will change the light effects and mood of your video.

A light grey backdrop can be used to excellent effect.  By using colored gel films on lights pointed at the backdrop, you can change it to any color you wish.  White backdrops reflect too much light and will not give you the same video lighting effects as light grey.  Light to medium brown backdrops will give gelled colors more depth and a richer appearance.  With the proper video lighting effects, a medium brown backdrop can be made to appear nearly black.

The best materials for video backdrops are heavy muslin or light weight canvas.  Wrinkles on the material create texture which adds interest to your background.  The material also needs to be light enough to drape over objects.  Larger backdrops give you greater versatility for videos.  The way in which you hang your backdrop will change the character of your video.

When choosing the lighting for your backdrop, keep in mind the effect you are trying to create.  Your video lighting can make the scene dramatic or light.  If you are using a red colored gel, keep in mind that it should be a dark red, as brighter reds tend to bleed on the screen.  Cool blues and greens can be very good colors for backdrops.

Painting your backdrop with video lighting using colored gels is a great technique.  You can use two different color gels on two different video lights and overlap them to create a tri-color background.  If you are using this technique, make sure you don’t allow your white video lights to hit the backdrop.

Another technique for creating warmth in you video is to use reflected ambient light.  A gold reflector will make your backdrop glow.  Reflectors in other colors will create different moods.

You should use backdrops effectively whether you are in your studio or on location.  Always bring your gels and reflectors with you when you are shooting a video on location.  The light at the location cannot take the place of your video lighting effects.

To create an ethereal effect, you may choose to use a smoke machine.  Using colored gel lights behind the smoke will create an almost mystical backdrop.  It’s important not to let your white video lights hit the smoke from the front since that will ruin the effect.

You can also create shadows on your backdrop by using objects, like lace or a leaf in front of your video lights.  This effect can be used with or without colored gels.  Using an object to create a shadow is called cucalorus or cookie.  The closer you place the cookie to the light, the sharper the edges will appear.

Video lighting and backdrops set the mood of your video.  Experiment with different techniques and you will find the ones that are perfect for whatever type of video you are shooting.

About the Author:

To find out more about backdrops and video lighting visit the website for Smick. This is a one-stop destination for all your video and photography lighting needs.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – The Importance Of The Backdrop In Video Lighting

Photographic Chroma Key Instructional Video by Savage

3.75 Muslin Clamps, Bag of 6 $4.00 These nylon clips grip the background paper or grip the background cloth to the backdrop stand. These nylon clips are easy to use and may grip anything, thickness reaches 30m/m thick. 1 bag of 6pcs…

The Ravelli Full Size 10′ x 12′ Background Stand and Two Prism 10′ x 20′ 100% Cotton Muslin Backdrops $115.99 This Kit includes the following: 1 – Ravelli Full Size 10×12.3′ Background Stand Complete with Carry Bag 1 – Prism 10×20′ White 100% Cotton Muslin Backdrop With Carry Bag 1 – Prism 10×20′ Black 100% Cotton Muslin Backdrop With Carry Bag Ravelli Backdrop Stand The Ravelli Model ABS model background stand is 10′ tall by 12.3′ wide. It is comprised of two tripod stands and four 3′ cross bar section…

Prism Backdrops 10X20′ Black Muslin Photo Video Backdrop Background $21.69 This is a professional muslin backdrop made from a heavier 100% cotton material. The 10X20′ size (actually about 9X18′ after shrinkage) weighs 5.7lbs. The 10×20′ size units also come with a black carry bag to protect your backdrop from dust and stains between uses. The carry bag includes a color window to identify the color of the backdrop inside. Prism premium cotton muslin backdrops are offered …

Lumiere L.A. 10×20-foot White Muslin Backdrop $86.49 Draping backdrop creates desirable scenario for your product or personal portrait picture Muslin fabric enhances overall detail and coordinates with lightBackdrop’s ability to expand and fold allows ease of carrying

Lumiere L.A. 10×20-foot Black Muslin Backdrop $85.99 Draping backdrop creates desirable scenario for your product or personal portrait picture Muslin fabric enhances overall detail and coordinates with lightBackdrop’s ability to expand and fold allows ease of carrying

Lumiere L.A. 10×20-foot Grey Muslin Backdrop $84.99 Capture the best shots with a muslin backdrop from LumiereBackdrop is the perfect addition to any photo studioPhoto equipment is available in a grey color option

Lumiere L.A. 10×20-foot Blue Muslin Backdrop $85.99 Draping backdrop creates desirable scenario for your product or personal portrait picture Muslin fabric enhances overall detail and coordinates with lightBackdrop’s ability to expand and fold allows ease of carrying

Lumiere Photo Stand and Grey Backdrop $164.99 Lumiere 10-foot stand and muslin grey backdrop is a great accessory to add to your photo studioPerfect for creating a desirable scene for your product or personal portraitPhotography accessory is fully-adjustable

Lumiere Photo Stand and Blue Backdrop $164.49 Enhance your photographs with this blue backdropPhotography accessory features a hand-painted background with muslin fabricOptical device enhances overall detail and effectively coordinates light

Digital Backgrounds Washed Muslin Series DVD $39.95 Savage Digital Backgrounds Washed Muslin Series DVD FeaturesTake your digital photos to the next level using Savage Digital Backgrounds. Easily remove & replace backgrounds using the FREE video tutorials included on this disc!Included are 48 original 300dpi Digital Backgrounds that are sized to 2400×3000 pixels and 5 FREE video tutorials! Included Video Tutorials:Photoshop: Key Out Backgrounds, Photo Touch Ups and Added Floor EffectAdobe Elements: Key Out BackgroundsFXhome Photo Key: Key Out Backgrounds

BPR Background Paper Rack $138.94 Portable background paper stand adapts to either 5-foot or 9-foot rolls of background paper. Sets up in seconds & folds down to the length of a light stand. Raises to 9 ft. high. Steel construction. Matte black finish provides protection from reflections

BACKGROUND NOISE SUPPRESSOR ACCSNO RETURNS NO CREDITS $5.7 BACKGROUND NOISE SUPPRESSOR ACCSNO RETURNS NO CREDITS

Polevault Background Stand $139.95 A freestanding portable background support stand made from 7/8 and 1-inch tubular steel. Professional locking collar for easy adjustment from 4-ft 3-in. to 8-ft. 6-in. in height and 60-inches to 115-inches in width. Only 14 lbs. and requires no tools for assembly. This three piece unit is ideal for supporting 53 or 107-inch background paper, quilts, drapes, display panels, etc.