New backgrounds

2 x XMT500 flash, both left, front right with Octa. Background: Black. Unlike the below shots, this was actually taken as a practice shot. Not to show off backgrounds.

I have traditionally very safe with my background. Mainly when in studio using black and white and then occasionally using gets and smoke to create the desired effect that I have wanted. But I have been looking to get a couple of bespoke canvas background, to add atmosphere to my images.

Whilst I am still looking to get some canvas to create the backgrounds. I recently bought 7 vinyl backgrounds to give me a few extra options. The advantage of vinyl is it is easily cleaned and rolls up to put away.

So this post is really just to show some of the new backgrounds and the effect they can have on the image. It shuold be noted that not all the photos are perfect (my eye is out of focus in one of the images) but I find that I prefer to have the background slightly blurred.

All of the images were taken with the Fujiflm X-H1 with a 90mm f/2 lens, Lighting came from the Bowens XMT-500 slights, with occasionally a Nikkor SB900 speedlight set to slave as a back light. I tried to vary the look of the images and used several different background. Image shot at either f/2 or f/2.8 dependant on lighting conditions with -3 stop ND filter.

I would have liked to have a better looking model but I was the cheapest I could find on short notice. Also remembering to smile was not my priority (I was smiling on the inside.

Shot with XMT500 (Westcott Large Octa) front right and SB900 (backlight). Background: Blue Wash. Just a couple of days after the first image I had a haircut, so this is a combination new headshot/show off background shot. Image cropped onto hair on purpose.

Shot with XMT500, with Westcott Large Octa, front right. Background: Whitewash.

XMT500 (can’t remember diffuser) but probably Westcott Rapidbox Large Octa Light. front right. Background: White chalk.

XMT with Westcott Rapidbox Large octa (I think). Font Left. Background: White chalk.

Another simple background with Bowens beauty dish, front left. Background: Black Scratch.

Simple 1 light setup with XMT500 and bowens beauty dish (with Diffuser), front right. Background: Gothic Tapestry.