How to shoot black backgrounds without a backdrop | Macro & Product Photography Tutorial

[@michael-gs6kh]

I find leaving the lens cap on gives you not only a black background but a black foreground as well it' a cinch!

[@Adaptalux]

Easy peasy!

[@docneedles69]

Really?! Now I have to try that! 🤣

[@lugmanmohammed5544]

@@Adaptalux what was the actual digital camera 📸 you were using? What is the name of it, because I want to purchase it.

[@Adaptalux]

Nikon D5600

[@lugmanmohammed5544]

@@Adaptalux that is the name of the camera 📸 thanks. Can I purchase it on amazon and Argos

[@hyejin3385]

You saved me a lot of money. Thanks bro! "Pretend like u knew it" lol savage genius

[@Adaptalux]

Glad you found it useful!

[@akvilestankeviciute-Yakumama]

This video is exactly what I was looking for. Perfectly explained, extremely helpful, lovely personality.

[@Adaptalux]

Glad you found it helpful, and thanks for the kind words!

[@Xeallous]

I was about to write the same. XD

[@enbglobal9450]

great video, where can I find the control pot with the lights and diffuser cap set?

[@Adaptalux]

Learn all about the lighting at www.adaptalux.com

[@kasparsm7964]

Perfect video - understandable explanation, clear language, moderate tempo. Just perfect!

[@Snogbag]

Papa shaxx looking amazing. Thank you for this tutorial!

[@Adaptalux]

Thanks for watching!

[@gibonul33]

Good work, Guardian. Your light is strong! :)

[@albertvsmofgO9872]

awesome video thanks mate

[@Adaptalux]

Thanks for watching!

[@tysonator5433]

Very good advice in this video. I do use this technique for shooting moody portraits of people and pets.

[@Adaptalux]

Glad you enjoyed it, It's a handy technique for sure!

[@onurkoselli]

Very good explanation. Thank you.

[@marianadetuplantainterior340]

Thank you! I'm going to use it for shooting plants.

[@Adaptalux]

Glad to hear you're putting the technique to use!

[@rogue0192]

This is amazing, I can't believe what I'm seeing

[@Adaptalux]

Thanks for watching!

[@stephenstevenson1900]

Great video Ben! Thanks for sharing.

[@Adaptalux]

Cheers Stephen, thanks for watching!

[@anotheralternative7585]

just awesome! Time to play with my dslr.

[@Adaptalux]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@LottsYT]

Thank you so much! I understand now! :) I've got one question, where did you get the lightning thing?😜

[@Adaptalux]

Www.Adaptalux.com

[@lifebylost6682]

Thank you for this, the most useful video I have seen regarding this subject!

[@Adaptalux]

Glad it was useful for you, thanks for watching!

[@petestokes9727]

Well done thank you for the tutorial. Cannot wait to get the Adaptalux and take advantage of all the opportunities it provides macro photographers!

[@bradleyb.5496]

I love Destiny. I’m subbed now, you got me

[@Adaptalux]

Welcome to the channel!

[@feilu9199]

very useful technique!

[@Adaptalux]

It is indeed, let us know if you put it to use!

[@History-beneath-your-feet]

Really informative

[@Adaptalux]

Glad it was helpful to you Edward.

[@stevestephen1049]

Can you tell me what mini tripod you are using?

[@Adaptalux]

This is a Manfrotto Pixi Evo 2, we sell a similar version on our store at www.adaptalux.com/shop/

[@hansdegebruiker1968]

I love that led lamp with flex arms. Gonna get me one.

[@Adaptalux]

It's great for lighting small subjects like this!

[@jaybird6262]

Shaxx, do I win? Great vid, thanks for the info. Going to be trying this with a microscope objective. 😁

[@Adaptalux]

You win! Let us know how you get on with your shoot!

[@jaybird6262]

@@Adaptalux woohoo and I'm totally not a year late either! All my gear is gonna be sunset now so I'll have to grind for some more. ;)

[@NMA_NoMoreAmmo]

Was wondering for a while. Nice tips, thanks.

[@Adaptalux]

Thanks for watching Nemo

[@oskrfabio]

Great video, very explanatory....I wonder about the lighting equipment, would You mind to share the name or refeerence as well the specs of what You had used

[@Adaptalux]

Glad you found it useful, the lighting is our own product, you can learn more about it here - adaptalux.com/studio/

[@DeeceeChung]

What brand is the light setup? Great video!

[@Adaptalux]

It's ours! Check it out st www.adaptalux.com

[@svwestendorp]

Ben, is that a Novoflex tripod and ball head you’re using? Which one is it? Thnx.

[@Adaptalux]

Yes it is, I'm not sure of the exact model sorry!

[@jordie3381]

Destiny 2 Lord Shaxx been a fan of Destiny since xbox 360 days haha Thanks for directing me to this video! as always it's helped me tons!

[@Adaptalux]

Glad you found it useful Jordie! Shaxx FTW!

[@Dogdogdoga]

Thank you

[@Adaptalux]

You are welcome!

[@ramipo1]

which lens did you use here?

[@Smart-wh4oe]

Thanks. I learned something new

[@Adaptalux]

Glad to hear it Shanoor, thanks for watching!

[@PedroVenancio72]

Cheers Ben nice tutorial video, thanks

[@Adaptalux]

Thanks Pedro!

[@nancypeplau9747]

Thanks Ben! This has inspired me to play around this weekend!

[@Adaptalux]

Let us know how you get on Nancy!

[@Artchick1972]

Great tips! I don't have those lights but i will see what else i can do

[@Adaptalux]

Same technique can be done with any artificial light that's bright enough and can be controlled so as to not hit the background :)

[@wakingsun334]

Thank you for this wonderful video . I really want to try this . really nice and I am a beginner . so its easy from to seeing your tutorial . I love macro photos with a black background ❣❣❣❣

[@Adaptalux]

Glad you found the video helpful!

[@wakingsun334]

@@Adaptalux yes

[@sivasparkel8603]

Plz tell... how to set camera settings for this..

[@Adaptalux]

It's all in the video.

[@sarahmcbeth9156]

This was an excellent video; thank you SO very much. Could you tell me where I can buy your adjustable lights and the light tubes you used?

[@Adaptalux]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! They are available at www.adaptalux.com

[@garydomninic9159]

You explained very well. I tried other video and not helpful. Thank you

[@Adaptalux]

Glad you found it helpful, thanks for watching Gary!

[@bluefilmsltd]

I like it, I like the way you sum it up - deceptively simple. I like you and your style. Nice one, mate.

[@Adaptalux]

Deceptively simple indeed, thanks for watching!

[@BennyBenBen7]

Really helpful and clear video. Thank you very much for making such a great tutorial!

[@Adaptalux]

Glad you found it useful Ben, thanks for watching!

[@johnd.3686]

You're awesome! Thanks for your tips, i subscribed and liked the video! This concept helped me to understand more about lights! Hugs from Brazil

[@Adaptalux]

Hi John, glad the video was helpful, welcome to the channel!

[@ИльяПухаев]

Hello there. can you tell me what light source you are using?

[@Adaptalux]

The lighting is the Adaptalux Studio, you can learn more here - adaptalux.com/studio/

[@ResponsiblePledge]

what adaptalux light is that? Where can I buy?

[@Adaptalux]

www.adaptalux.com/shop/

[@RackFocusMedia3]

Brilliant!

[@drnimish333]

Beautiful way of explaining the concept. Thank you for sharing this. Keep it up 👍

[@foxonthemove6619]

Deeply appreciated your tutorial, that's what exactly the solution for my product shooting, Once again, Thank you .

[@hankypanky9380]

Great video! Thanks a lot very helpful.......cheers from Amsterdam

[@Adaptalux]

Thanks for watching :)

[@andream..]

Hi Ben, this is great advice. I’ve just been using a piece of black card. Time to experiment more with my camera settings 😁 Andrea

[@Adaptalux]

I'd keep the black card too, just to make things easier to get the background underexposed. Make sure there's no light on it or it will start coming out as grey!

[@err1638]

whats the min n max of the iso sensitivity

[@Adaptalux]

There's no min or max really, it depends entirely on your own environment and the capabilities of your camera. I usually wouldn't want to go over 3000 ISO under normal circumstances though, it will just introduce too much grain.

[@married2dastreets]

F13 deeper depth of field ?? Wouldn’t that be the opposite since it’s a smaller aperture?

[@Adaptalux]

The smaller the aperture (larger f number) the deeper your depth of field.

[@OriginalAnonymous1]

What lens were you shooting with? Very clear and sharp!

[@Adaptalux]

Tokina 100mm f2.8 Macro

[@johnmac4181]

Shax lol love it, subbed

[@Adaptalux]

Welcome to the channel John!

[@kgtstudios4850]

Nice vid!

[@Adaptalux]

Thanks!

[@misstravel6443]

I was wodering what the lighting set up is called that you have where can I buy it and roughly cost please? Love your work and easy for me to learn from you, Thank you xx

[@Adaptalux]

The lighting is the Adaptalux Studio, you can learn more here - adaptalux.com/studio/

[@bio7021]

Great video! Thank you👍

[@Adaptalux]

Thanks for watching Kim :)

[@roth1998]

Amazing. I was literally searching for this type of video earlier! Thank you!! 🙌🏼

[@Adaptalux]

You are welcome, glad you found what you were looking for!

[@andreisebe2999]

Just subscribed simply because the explanation is in depth and simple. I just need to know the name of the led lamp with flex arms. Never seen one before like that.

[@Adaptalux]

Welcome to the channel, glad you enjoyed the video! We make the lights, it's the Adaptalux Studio, you can learn more here - adaptalux.com/studio/

[@pembunuhkatak6620]

Thanks a lot

[@Adaptalux]

Most welcome :)

[@charlesking5312]

Lord Shax, that’s awesome! I’m a Destiny player so you just got a sub, fellow Destiny player & photographer

[@Adaptalux]

Welcome to the channel Guardian!

[@shermskys]

Incredibly clear, concise, and informative. May I ask what lights would you recommend for small product photography for online selling of small antiques and objet d'art? Thank you

[@Adaptalux]

Hi Lee, glad you found the video helpful! I'd definitely recommend 3 or 4 white arms with diffusers. Selling online is usually best with a white background and you will be able to achieve this easily with small objects. We have a video on it here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJbZpY2ul7mdbbs

[@shermskys]

@@Adaptalux Hi, I was thinking along similar lines. Are the brighter white arms better for my needs or a mix of the two white options?

[@Adaptalux]

The Arm-S is brighter but with a more narrow beam angle. More power for better settings on smaller subjects but a bit less versatile due to the regular arms having that wide beam. A mix is a good way to go to give yourself a range of options while shooting.

[@Gregs_Camera]

Nice video.

[@darronbroughton2413]

Great video you've just helped me to understand lighting in photography and to produce the shots I was looking to take 👌🏻👍🏻

[@Adaptalux]

Glad you found it useful Darron!

[@darronbroughton2413]

As I have just started using a DSLR recently I found it most useful thank you it’s shown me importance of lighting and how to use it properly in just the one video 🙂 looking forward to going through your other videos as I like the simple but effective way you explained that 🙏🏻

[@videogamesare1]

Super helpful, thanks a ton for the advice.

[@artaudit]

Great! What's exactly used lightning? Thank you

[@Adaptalux]

The lighting is the Adaptalux Studio, you can learn more here - adaptalux.com/studio/

[@369ranch]

Great video thank you

[@Adaptalux]

Thanks for watching Brian!

[@josekunhardt]

Nice to see Lord Shaxx on here.

[@Glutzz]

great video

[@jaymehta2560]

Thank you ❤

[@Adaptalux]

You are welcome, thanks for watching!

[@RaraAvis27]

Fabulous video ! Thank you so much for sharing it ❤️

[@Adaptalux]

You are welcome, thanks for watching!

[@arthurtaylor1864]

What is the name of the lights that you used?

[@Adaptalux]

It's the Adaptalux Studio, you can learn more here - adaptalux.com/studio/

[@ka-graffycstv1894]

Nice bro.

[@Adaptalux]

Cheers Raffy

[@usernamemykel]

So, the time to obtain focus (manual focus, Live View for us macro guys) is when the camera is on the tripod, while there is the initial ambient light, because once you underexpose a la the histogram, you'll lose the ability to see the image at all in the LCD, UNTIL you re-light the subject (Adaptalux or not). Are you not going to address flash power?

[@Adaptalux]

Exactly, you can either focus before you change your initial settings, or once you add some light back into the image. There's obviously some big differences in workflow when using flash, but the joy of LEDs is that you can see what your image looks like as you set up your lighting again. Using flash, you're going to need to do some trial and error exposures to get the correct flash power for your scene and make sure no light is spilling onto the background. There's no one answer for the correct settings or flash power, it will all depend on your subject, shooting environment and ambient light. Still set your settings to be totally dark, then choose the right flash power and placement to bring the subject back to a suitable brightness.

[@usernamemykel]

@@Adaptalux Thank you

[@jadenpaber1952]

Thanks so much for the tutorial :) I saw the Stormtrooper and the tie fighter at the shelves, hence I subbed :) Im just doing some macro shots of my toys to pass the time while quarantine and just using what light I have available here at home

[@Adaptalux]

Welcome to the channel, thanks for the sub! It's good fun to see what you can do with toys and some light, you can get really creative with it! Have you seen out LEGO videos?

[@jadenpaber1952]

@@Adaptalux not yet. i was just browsing around bout macro photo and ur vid came up :) will def check out ur other vids :)

[@Thecharlieroc1]

I really like your work. Very talented period of a question, can you give me the Macro Light that you use the model number and what manufacturer. I would really appreciate it. Keep up the good work

[@Adaptalux]

It's our own product, you can find it on our website - adaptalux.com/

[@clarkbarrow6750]

Thank you so much for an excellent video! Well done.

[@Adaptalux]

Thanks Clark, glad you enjoyed it.

[@ralphlaurencereyesseva8319]

Hope you have for mobile photography too. Especially Androids. Thanks.

[@dudshipolito1800]

Hi Ben are you part of the team who created the ADAPTALUX?.Will you by chance going to the upcoming WPPI in Las Vegas?

[@Adaptalux]

Sure am, Sam is a great product designer. We're not going to be there this year as it's a little far for us but we're planning to attend more trade shows in the future so this one is on the list.

[@karmanyaahuja5374]

Thank you so much sir. Loved the way you explained 👏

[@Adaptalux]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@001gg8]

💧 droplet photography next 🔴❤️

[@Adaptalux]

What kind would you like to see?

[@001gg8]

@@Adaptalux background should be black ..droplet should be bright ... different shapes of droplet and with different colors...

[@001gg8]

And if you do ...shout-out my name "Naveen"

[@Adaptalux]

@@001gg8 I'll see what I can do in the future Naveen, I've got lots of plans for water drops in the future but usually, water drops benefit from having a bright background rather than a black one. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@001gg8]

@@Adaptalux do your best 🔴

[@no_seGT]

Can someone comment the settings? I got a Nikon d5100 I'm new to this and I'm really into in this type of pictures!

[@dendyprasetio9476]

What if we just using our camera phone? Dont have any dslr/mirrorless, just an iphone, could we get the same result??

[@Adaptalux]

Yes, make sure to turn off any hdr and switch to Pro mode to adjust your settings.

[@Xeallous]

Thank you for the vide. :D

[@arthurtalbot7897]

Hi from france 😉. Where i can buy your multi light? Thank you, good video.

[@Adaptalux]

Thanks, you can learn more here - adaptalux.com/studio/

[@BazAmanda60]

Watched with interest instand subscribed Want to start portrait stuff got 2 large octogan softbox and 2 oblong is that good enough Want all to be black background only got a small area to do it though any tips ? Cheers

[@Adaptalux]

Hey Barrie, The trouble you will have is keeping the light from a softbox off the background if you only have a small space. The best thing to do would be to approach it the same as in the video. Get the light source nice and close to the subject and keep a long distance between the subject and the backdrop. Look up the inverse square law, every time you double the distance from the light source, you get 1/4 of the light, so adding distance is the most effective way of making the light drop off before it hits something in the background. You can also try shooting in profile with a single light. Put the light off to the side so it's shining on the model's face but not on the background, then shoot perpendicular to the light and model. That can get some really dramatic shots and might keep the light off the walls if the space is very small. Let me know how you get on, good luck!

[@BazAmanda60]

@@Adaptalux Thanks so much for the amazingly helpful advice and quick response really appreciated. I will give it a go this weekend. My young daughter is a willing subject so I will let you know. Cheers my friend

[@Adaptalux]

@@BazAmanda60 No worries Barrie, have fun shooting!

[@finite934]

no go for me... ok iso 100, f13, 1/200. pitch black without light. but then I shine flash light on subject (quite a bit brighter than a mobil phone but not a photography light) and it's still pitch black. How many lumens would you say are a minimum?

[@cuneytgumushaneli9820]

how can you switch the lights on/off without removing them from control panel

[@Adaptalux]

You can do that via the app, or just by holding the top button for 8-10 seconds to put the pod in sleep mode.

[@cuneytgumushaneli9820]

Adaptalux but sleep mode drains batteries right?

[@Adaptalux]

@@cuneytgumushaneli9820 Very slowly, it's good for short periods.

[@cuneytgumushaneli9820]

Adaptalux why not having an on/off option on pod It seems necessary

[@Adaptalux]

@@cuneytgumushaneli9820 Taking out the arms turns off the pod automatically and you can turn arms off individually using the app or sleep mode... if you're leaving your setup in place you can keep it plugged into the wall on sleep mode and it will stay charged as it really only uses a tiny amount of power. There are not many scenarios where an on/off button would be needed to warrant another dedicated button on the pod.

[@nimishkhot]

I Saw all your videos! one word; SPECTACULAR!

[@Adaptalux]

Glad you are enjoying them Nimish!

[@KaseeSmith]

What is the name of the lights used?

[@Adaptalux]

They are our own design, the Adaptalux Studio, You can learn more here www.adaptalux.com

[@StevenCasteelYT]

Hmm, I hadn't thought about the HDR thing. Thanks for the tip.

[@Adaptalux]

No worries, thanks for watching!

[@MUHZOMBEHS]

Photography and Destiny? Literally my 2 favorite pastimes. lol.

[@Adaptalux]

It's fun to mix hobbies in together :)

[@yardmansurfer]

Nice technique,..but....could you have just added a black background canvas, dime or turn of the overhead light and put a focus light such as a flashlight????? Just asking.

[@Adaptalux]

Sure, there's loads of ways to do it, point is just to get the subject very bright and under expose the background.

[@darrenrajbal7289]

it good idea, and good examples. thank you for teach.

[@matlynwood6225]

I use the black background for portraits in equine photography with horse and rider and it turns out beautifully. It’s something that is asked 90%;

[@Adaptalux]

Oh I bet that looks really nice. Are you shooting in profile with a single light?

[@AngeloTullio]

Great video! Thanks a lot... One question. I know that maybe it's not so Adaptalux related, but could you make some videos explaining how to use speedlights instead of continuous lights? :)

[@Adaptalux]

Hey Angelo, We have a flash version of our lights coming out soon, so we have done some tutorials with flash instead of continuous, you can check them out here - adaptalux.com/tag/flash-lighting/

[@ashstubbings2603]

Very interesting Ben, thank you! Changing the subject, do you think you might be going to the Photography Show at the NEC this year? Or is it too early to be asking? If you are I was just going to come and introduce myself and say hello that's all.

[@Adaptalux]

Yep, Sam and I will be there. Come and say hi to us on stand C139, it's just next to the food area. Thanks for watching, looking forward to meeting you!

[@ashstubbings2603]

@@Adaptalux Jolly good! You never know, I might even have my Adaptalux by then! lol

[@Adaptalux]

If not there we will have plenty of stock at the show, and live demos. Stop by either way!

[@ashstubbings2603]

@@Adaptalux Wonderful! It might actually be a better idea for me to get one at the show!

[@clubbinmag3]

How would we be able to do the same exact thing with a white background?

[@Adaptalux]

We cover how to do that in this video -kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJbZpY2ul7mdbbs

[@randyfox5317]

Great tutorial (per usual for you). But I thought you were going to give us a real tester with your subject. It was so easy, I kicked the dirt and said "aww shaxx, I know that one". ;)

[@Adaptalux]

Ha!

[@StevenCasteelYT]

That light with the bendy arms is cool. I wonder if we'll ever see a full sized human portrait version?

[@Adaptalux]

I think by the time lights get to that scale it's much easier to have them all separated!

[@buddah610]

Hello! I don't know if you will respond to this because I haven't purchased Adaptalux lights. I am not a pro and money is scarce. I have been shooting for 7 years and have a good understanding of how things work. I tried this set up and I used a Viltrox light with a macro lens and I started with these settings but tried to adjust them because no matter how close,how bright my lights were, the images were,are, to dark. I had two lights at 8500k as close as1cm to my subject and still the subject was too dark. If someone can give some advice,please do. I'm getting very discouraged. Thznks.

[@Adaptalux]

Hi Millie. I really wouldn't try to copy the settings other people use, they are unique to the situation, camera, subject and lighting and will likely never be the same for 2 people. I don't usually like to talk about settings for that reason! Having said that, the point is to get the image dark enough to comensate for whatever light is on the background. If you shoot in a dark room with very little ambient light, you will be able to get that pure darkness at a slower shutter speed, wider aperture and/or high ISO. Less extreme settings will mean that your artificial light on the subject will be easier to adjust to be nicely exposed. Think about it more as the contrast between your subject lighting and whatever light is in your background. The bigger the difference, the easier it will be on your settings. My settings will be far too strict for most situations as I was also compensating for a lot of light already in the room, including 2 large video lights for filming. Hope this makes sence and helps you achieve the results you want!

[@buddah610]

@@Adaptalux Thanks for the reply. I used the settings as a guideline. Isn't that the point of the video? I did say that in my comment that I have tried to adjust my settings accordingly. I used the video as a teaching tool and I was also in a room with a lot of light so I tried similar settings and went from there. I will keep at it because practice will hopefully make perfect and today's images looked better than yesterday's. Thanks again for the reply!! Have a great week! Oh, again, I am glad you shared the settings. If you have been shooting long enough or even a small amount of time, you should understand that no two situations will be exact. It definitely helped. 🙂

[@Adaptalux]

@@buddah610 Glad you found it helpful, I do put settings up when it's relevant, so people can use them as a guide, but I'm glad you took them with a pinch of salt. It might be that you need a brighter light source if you can't make your room darker?

[@MNd3sign]

Lord Shaxx! Noyce