[mdyroolz101]

So I was recently hired to set up a small studio inside of a big dance party at a local club. I'm learning studio stuff pretty quickly but I still am having difficulty getting dark hair/clothes to expose properly without making my backdrop look like ****. I'm using a light meter and winging my own settings and have finally decided to give in after googling for advice for 3hrs now.

I have:
3 Strobes
1 Octagonal 4ftish softbox
1 Rectangular 3ftish softbox
2 Silver reflector umbrellas
1 Small light stand
3 Full size light stands
Black linen backdrop/stands.


What I've tried:
Standing the model about 4ft away from the actual back of the backdrop.
Angling fill lights to hit the hair.
Adjusting my fstops and shutter speeds


I'm kinda freaking out at this point because after nearly 3 days of trying stuff and googling everything I still can't get it quiet right.

Halp.


Oh and if worst comes to worst I can shoot without the backdrop, but I think my client would prefer stuff with it. So I'm not totally screwed... Just halfway.

[p8ntcheck45]

...just do a basic three light set up...
Key light camera right @ 45 degrees to subject
fill light camera left wherever you want
edge accent light opposite key light, snooted or barn doors, just tight

then just adjust exposure until you get what you want...

[fainerbainer]

BG color?

Usually some cross lighting from behind will help out. Having black on black is hard without having them blend.

Set up a strobe to hit the BG creating a halo type lighting behind them? That would give some variation the BG to allow the subject to stand out.

Also, is it that the blacks aren't showing up because of improper exposure or just the edges of dark clothing/hair blend in to much?

I view lighting much like a painting. Put it where you need it with how much you need it and it should help.

[Striker9]

You are shooting on a black backdrop correct?

First set up your camera so the backdrop is exposed how you want it. If its black make sure your histogram reads it all the way black.

Next bring in a model to sit in for a little. I would start with the main light and use meter. Adjust the light until the meter matches your camera settings.

Next bring in the smaller softbox for fill and set it at a good ratio to the main light.

Add hair light/kicker.

[mdyroolz101]

thanks for the quick input guys.

i'll try this stuff in the afternoon and see what happens.