how to make background white?&no shadows.?

Question

hi. im a beginner in photography..

i tried out curtains and sheets as a backdrop.
i took pictures of my nephews on a white backdrop..

when i uploaded them onto the computer, the backdrop wasn't as white.. more like a creamish color.

If photographers use adobe photoshop to make the backdrop more white, and take off the shadows.. can you please tell me how to do that?.. or a tutorial link?

Answer 1

The way most people do this is through the in-camera process. That is, through their own knowledge of lighting. In many professional studios, photographers will have their subject sit in front of the white backdrop. They will then illuminate the subject with a few soft boxes, or umbrellas to make it stand out. At the same time, they will have a light source illuminate the background to "blow" it out; making it white.

There is not a sure-fire way to replicate this in Photoshop, as a few people will have you believe. The only way is through lighting and your own knowledge.

Answer 2

It can be done in photoshop, unlike some would have you believe, but to do it well requires some skill with layers and masking. However, since you are a beginning photographer, you really should learn how to do it in the camera.



The 'secret' to white backgrounds with NO shadows is to light the background evenly and separately from the subject. Most often this will be around 2 (maybe a little more depending on the camera) stops over exposed from the subject lighting. With most digital cameras, this should drive the background to about 255 if you look at the histogram/info in photoshop. Even if you subject lighting casts a shadow on the background, it won't show in the image.



Light your subject to get the look and exposure you want and there you go.



Vance

Answer 3

Hello!



You can change the "white balance" to make the sheet more white, either in camera or in Photoshop RAW.



What type of camera are you using? This can make a difference.



I'm a professional photographer and can help you with your photography questions. Unfortunately without knowing the make of your camera it's hard to help you with specifics, but if you can figure out how to change the white balance on your camera, I'd do so. This will make the sheet appear more white.



In photoshop, to remove shadows, usually this is using the Lasso tool to isolate the subject and then delete the background.



If you have more specific information, feel free to email me at [e-mail], or kalbaxecnailla on DeviantART, if you have one.

Answer 4

two ways.

1 overexpose the back drop... itll go white believe me

2 shop it. create a mask around the area and either paint it white, or use a brush, or adlust the brightness/contrast levels...