How to Use Cardboard as a Studio Background | Take and Make Great Photography with Gavin Hoey

This could be the cheapest physical background ever! On the face of it, using a brown cardboard box as a background might not sound like the smartest idea. Metal staples, parcel tape, and labels are just three of the things you really don’t want to see in the background of your portraits but when you use recycled cardboard packaging, they’re hard to avoid.
That’s where photographer Gavin Hoey can help. He breaks down how to backlight a sheet of cardboard (with hand-made holes) to create a bokeh effect. Gavin explains how to light your model, not the cardboard, and how to maximize the circles of bokeh.
But Gavin isn’t done there. Next, he turns the cardboard into a star-filled background by turning the holes punched into the cardboard into miniature four-pointed stars of light. The secret is a low-cost “starburst” filter that he attaches to his lens.
Finally, Gavin switches the set-up around and uses the cardboard as a cookie or gobo. By shining light from his Flashpoint XPLOR300 through the holes, Gavin can project the pattern of the holey cardboard onto the wall of his studio.
Timestamps and Chapters
0:00 Intro
1:24 Getting the best bokeh effect in camera
4:41 Bokeh cardboard background session
4:28 Beam of light photo session
5:30 Keeping the holes of light small
6:48 Transform points of light into stars
7:29 Starburst cardboard background session
8:10 Turning the background into a cookie or Gobo
9:40 Projected light dots portrait session
11:01 Conclusions and Subscribe
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✘ PRODUCTS USED:
Olympus M.Zuiko 45mm f/1.2
www.adorama.com/iom4512.html
Flashpoint XPLOR 300 Pro
www.adorama.com/fplfx300ptb.html
Flashpoint eVOLV 200 Pro
www.adorama.com/fplfev200pk1....
Flashpoint R2 Pro Transmitter
www.adorama.com/fprrr2proo.html
Flashpoint 10’ C-Stand and Grip Arm
www.adorama.com/fplsc.html
Glow S2 Round Flash S-type Bowens Mount Bracket
www.adorama.com/glbdsm02pro.html
OM SYSTEM OM-1
www.adorama.com/iomom1.html
OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro II
www.adorama.com/iom1240pb.html
Tether Tools Pro 16' USB 2.0 Active Extension Cable
www.adorama.com/ttcu1917.html
Flashpoint Snoot Kit
www.adorama.com/fplfsnb.html
Glow EZ Lock Collapsible Silver Beauty Dish (25")
www.adorama.com/glbdez25s.html
Glow EZ Lock Collapsible Silver Beauty Dish (42")
www.adorama.com/glbdez42s.html
Hoya Four Point Cross Screen Glass Filter (4X)
www.adorama.com/hy62s4.html
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Follow Gavin Hoey on
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Model: Chloe Kerley
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THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING!

[@happymystic9800]

This video is the proof that it does not take expensive gear to be creative. Fantastic video, thank you for that. Cheers.

[@omnirhythm]

That stand itself is probably upwards of $150 :) Photography, esp studio photography is always expensive, so saving up with a bit of cardboard is hardly felt.

[@bobbullethalf]

100%

[@TherealPOM]

Yes the card board isn’t expensive but the creativeness is just the tip of the iceberg. You still need the basic equipment: light sources, modifiers, stands (standard and boom) and don’t forget the wide aperture lense that doesn’t come cheap. A great video nonetheless!

[@klausnielsen7111]

Yeah, it's such a great tip to use inexpensive materials to make a great shoot. Only thing though, is that it had me thinking (and realizing) that I "only" needed 3 x Godox Ad300's or 200's, 3 x tripods for the lights, 3 x softboxes, 1 x snoot, 1 x trigger, 1 x camera and some standard equipment as SD-cards, backup batteries for the lights and cameras etc.... So suddenly I realized, that the ”inexpensive setup” wasn’t quite as inexpensive as I thought in the beginning 😉 But hey, most of us photographers do need an excuse to purchase new equipment… mine is, that I’ll wait buying the equipment “next year” 😉

[@SaitoGray]

The final picture needed 3 strobes with modifier. I would argue that 's expensive.

[@gentlegnt]

The longer I live, the more I realize I don't know and how much your videos help me to continue to grow. Thanks so much for all you do for us, Gavin. The world of photography is a better world with you in it. Thanks so much. Huie D. (Bay California)

[@GavinHoey]

Thanks for the kind words Huie and BTW, it works both ways... I owe the photography world and all of you in it so very much 😊

[@ComptonHarry]

Gav for the win again. Always finding simple thing to create something unique. Definitely one I’ll be giving a go :)

[@goo_ooze]

Great tips, I'm definitely trying them out (that b-roll of Gavin smashing the cardboard had me laughing so hard 😆)

[@JamesBoyer-plus]

Thanks Gavin! This is definately the best posible use of the leftover packaging from the Christmas season! 🤩

[@jellederaedt9628]

Thank you for all the valuable content you and the team have bought to us. Wish you and the team an even more creative 2024! Your lessons are awesome!

[@johnclay7644]

great video Gavin, interesting effect and good results Well done.

[@GavinHoey]

Thanks John 👍

[@DutchVai]

The best medicine on any given day is watching/learning from Gavin. Season's Greetings mate 🎄🎅

[@JPSingh0666]

This is AWESOME! The skill you exhibit is amazing. I will definitely be making use of this is my own home studio as well.

[@carlostochehenderson2990]

Been warching all of gavin videos the past couple days, love the content.

[@rayman5704]

Every video from Gavin is just magic!

[@visualsbysanga5523]

Star burst filter!! I remember buying one in 1978……used it on everything….. birthday candles, street lights, glittery dresses etc……loved it to bits……..

[@paulhales8369]

Yet another fantastic idea to try in the future. Just ordered my parts for a light strainer/blaster to try out with one of your previous videos with the silver walls.

[@jerrym8140]

So creative and fun! Fantastic job by you guys.

[@timd4524]

Excellent stuff Gavin and Chloe. You're going to have to get another trademark now. The Brooklyn reflector has new competition.

[@randydean23]

You are one of the craftiness people I have ever seen when it comes to photography. Endlessly entertaining whilst teaching these techniques _ you always inspire me. Thanks for all your hard work. Cheers

[@williamskellyr]

Thank you Gavin for another very clever technique and how-to video.

[@theresarice7289]

So glad to have you back! You've inspired many of our club's tech Tuesday sessions

[@BirdsandMore2376]

Fantastic! I am going to try this. When I see a Gavin Hoey video pop up I give it a like before watching since I know that it will be stellar.

[@patricepuech4566]

As usual, a truly inspiring video with some clever ideas. Congratulations and thanks for sharing!

[@neidermyer]

This is SO simple yet versatile! Cannot wait to do some creating with one of my own.

[@curthenderson8388]

Another great idea creating video from Gavin! Thanks for all you do Gavin and please keep the videos coming.

[@heathermtaylor7683]

Really enjoyed this... Thank you so much Gavin, Chloe and All ❤

[@josearevalo6998]

Hi Gavin. Thanks for every technique that you teaching, it amazing how whit simple things you take beautiful photos. Thanks

[@melviname4484]

This is such a great way to be creative. Love it!

[@franciscodeassisdacosta2503]

Gavin é sempre um show no mundo da fotografia. Parabéns!!!

[@jenshjmann3547]

This is brilliant! Thanks Gavin and happy new year!

[@msnn5291]

That was cool! Will def try it out. Thanks, Gavin!🎉🎉🎉

[@1vegasdood]

How does Gavin keep blowing this channel up with fun and funny options!

[@nollattacykel]

Gavin, you're fantastic, yet another useful video presented in such an inspirational and enthusiastic way. Thank you!

[@zaqueenateatro]

Chloe's best makeup look - absolutely amazing

[@alanroderick7153]

Super session and images. Loved the restrained use of Starburst filter and also the introduction of Light Strainer Mark III. Well done ! Happy New Year to Everyone !!!

[@GavinHoey]

Thanks Alan. It would have been very easy to over do the starburst effect, so I appreciate that comment greatly 👍

[@marcjones7486]

I tried the starlight idea with the filter and it worked great!

[@GavinHoey]

That's awesome. Thanks for the comment 👍

[@japs5607]

Another superb video. Love the way you take completely mundane objects and create superb works of art with it. Excellent.

[@user-lw5fv2mt9p]

Love this...simple, cheap, and fun!

[@deenugent473]

Always a great idea for us to try out! Thank you Gavin. Wishing you and your whole team a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year in 2024 and beyond.

[@carlossouthward8578]

You are a Bad Mannn. I luv your videos, creativity, and knowledge.

[@jocliff7387]

As usual a great video ...many thanks...inspirering ❤

[@stefano_campani]

Genius Gavin!!. As always great video!

[@RA-mg3ue]

thank you - it is fun - happy new year everyone

[@jessemartinez2606]

Gavin is the best and another fun video!

[@davidmason7832]

Great photo session as always hope to see many more

[@georgs5870]

Great video, thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@ninajohnson2347]

Loved this! You give me the inspiration to keep trying new, fun lighting techniques with my clients! Happy new year to you all!

[@GavinHoey]

If you have a go then I'm genuinely thrilled. That's why we do this!

[@guitarded306]

Oh my goodness, Gavin, I haven't seen your videos in years. You're looking great.

[@GavinHoey]

Welcome back, you've missed LOTS of content and yes I also lost a few lbs (found a few of the lost ones recently too!)

[@guitarded306]

@@GavinHoey that’s fantastic I still go back to your texture wrap video occasionally. The one where you wrapped the Union Jack on your hand.

[@paulbell9957]

Another enjoyable video Gavin, with beautiful images as always 👍🙂

[@GavinHoey]

Thanks Paul 👍

[@Elassyahmed]

Awesome video, as always, Gavin. The cardboard stabbing bits of the video were hilarious

[@GavinHoey]

I found the cardboard stabbing very therapeutic 😂

[@andymcgarty3099]

Really clever and creative idea. Great video.

[@mariellevaniterson3098]

Gavin, you are a wizzard! 🙌🙌💪💪

[@dunnymonster]

Fabulous as always 👍

[@geokarageorgos]

Incredible idea!!!

[@marcusprime357]

I was tinkering with this idea for a while now, but for a themed shoot. Still marvelous work Gavin Hoey.

[@GavinHoey]

Sounds like a great idea Marcus, there's lots of ways to take these simple ideas and expand them into a theme 👍

[@hetsleb]

Happy New Year Gavin!

[@yacko00]

Great walkthrough!

[@Raykenn1]

Nice inexpensive tip. Thanks for posting 👍

[@brett_s_photography]

Another awesome video! Always look forward to Thursdays

[@GavinHoey]

Thanks Brett. Next Thursday is LIVE! kzbin.infoF8ORQPmxWXo?si=IN7r-40K4kDprDhu

[@viviandaly5110]

Brilliant idea 👏👏

[@loihpatli]

Finally Gavin talks about bokeh 😊

[@MrKuronekohidoi]

thank u so much, this is so helpful, regards from colombia

[@david.arciga]

This a very good idea for different looks on portraits... maybe black foamboard would do the job and avoid that amount of reflected light. Thanks for your great videos!

[@AlanWatson]

Really enjoyed this one Gavin, thanks for sharing :-)

[@medievil2]

Great video as always Mr Gavin , greetings from the colonies (new England)

[@busternineshoes]

I don't think I've used a starburst filter since the early 80's! The Cokin ones. Threw them all away about 10 years ago. Started to but some by mistake (an eBay bid that I won but didn't really want, just trying to up the price) earlier this year. Damn you, Hoey. You've started me off again...

[@GavinHoey]

That all sounds VERY familiar... apart from the ebay bit 😉

[@JoanFeldvary]

This is just too cool.

[@MH7_256]

This is bangin!

[@photoquent]

That's like the box my collapsible background came in, who knew that the box would be a more versatile background and gobo that the expensive thing inside. Annoyed I recycled it now. Gavin thank you for all the great content this year, looking forward to all your great ideas in 2024.

[@GavinHoey]

Blimey... I think it actually WAS the box a collapsible background came in!!!!

[@carolinedaryanani1497]

Brilliant - I was just looking for fun ideas! Beautiful photos ❤️ if possible pls ask Chloe where to buy something similar to her outfit/cape, I love it 🙂

[@pattymattes7124]

Another awesome video. I will probably take more thought about cardboard boxes before I throw them out 🙂

[@GavinHoey]

Here's a fun fact Patty... I kept had that cardboard hidden away for over three months, just so I could use it for this video!

[@catassawhite2578]

So good!

[@mikeletson1962]

Interesting. I will try this. Putting colored gels on the light would be fun, especially having the model's clothing color coordinate with the gels.

[@dirkbaasch1]

Nice idea! Everyone has packaging materials at the moment 🙂

[@peteprice8476]

Well done!

[@iainatkins7683]

Thank you for a great idea video

[@nmelcam1]

Excellent video. 🙂

[@jocliff7387]

And a happy new year

[@andrefelixstudio2833]

Great video very creative I did something similar myself but I use little LED lights in the background!

[@thomasspaythportraitdesign981]

The last set up as a background with smoke would look cool. Would probably make little shafts of light. I have a peg board in my studio ive been thinking of trying that with for very symmetrical points of light.

[@cgertzog]

Fun and easy.

[@kennethnielsen3864]

Hallo Gavin, super nice background😊

[@McSeahorse]

It’s ALWAYS the amazing Chloe. 😆

[@henri.witteveen]

You are by far my most popular KZbinr. It so happened to be that I got myself a starlight filter myself a few weeks ago. Perhaps you could demonstrate the effect of black mist filters with various strength in a future video.

[@GavinHoey]

Adding it to my "to do" list now :)

[@vagaickie]

I've been playing with my star filter to shoot Christmas lights this year - perhaps you could do a portrait shoot demo like that in future. I certainly had fun with it this year! And now I'm going to find a big piece of cardboard to play with!

[@JakeHellbach]

Great video!

[@65yorkie]

An interesting idea Gavin. I have cardboard, lights and a camera, now I just need a Chloe! BTW, did Santa bring that new flash meter? Happy New Year to you and Sam.

[@problemat1que]

Gavin for the last technique, you would probably get more directional light without cranking the ISO by replacing the snoot with a fresnel head, which converts a larger cone of light to parallel rays rather than throwing away the angled light the way a snoot does. Happy New Year!

[@GavinHoey]

That sounds plausible but I don't own a fresnal head to test the theory. .

[@dumainenoel8024]

Vous êtes un génie !

[@PeterSzaban]

Since you asked for comments: I wonder if a little smoke in the last setup would give beams of light behind Chloe. ...or maybe a constant light in the earlier setup with shutter drag while zooming would look radiant. I think I can afford to try this one myself. Thanks!

[@countrykilo]

Awesome

[@thogotoonlinemedia]

Great ideas

[@RalfWeyer]

Great video, thanks a lot Gavin 🙏. So this is the studio version of the light strainer, the first one is the mobile version 😉😂

[@GavinHoey]

More Light Strainer meets Brooklyn Reflector 🤣

[@madlawphotosbyrodneylaw4925]

Great use of Xmas boxes

[@GavinHoey]

Hopefully you have plenty of those to choose from 😉

[@ginomazzaferro8122]

thanks!

[@chromaframeyt]

When a repeatedly stabbed piece of cardboard becomes a starry night background, you're probably watching Gavin Hoey. Thank you for this!

[@susierostad9239]

You have the best tutorials Gavin❤ They are so fun to try in studio. I might have missed the answer to this but how were you shooting 1/4000th of a second? Did you have a filter on your lens or were the lights on continuous light? Thanks for your creativity!

[@GavinHoey]

Hi Susie. The only filter I had on was the starburst effect filter for the 2nd look. To work at 1/4000th sec I press the HSS button on my transmitter. If you have spare 10 minutes this video will explain why and how HSS flash works kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4OpaKKZr51-a6csi=tKLHAZcZGFZDfPkC

[@kirstyhepworth7343]

Great video Gavin

[@GavinHoey]

Thanks Kirsty 😊

[@kirstyhepworth7343]

@GavinHoey your very welcome and a happy New year to you too

[@macbaar6073]

And suddenly all over the world the cardboard waste is reduced by 98%….

[@TheRealKenFoodie]

lol!

[@ibrahimjad5455]

Adding colour gel on the background flash “behind the cardboard” makes some interesting results I guess.

[@bv95ny]

nice video

[@tjsnaps]

Old trick I learned in the 70s A piece of window screen will work as a star burst filter

[@treed3476]

You listed the products you used in the video but where did you get that hole puncher. Lol. Great idea on the cardboard background you could use any type of design on it and try different things maybe put a gel on it to change up the colors a different pattern of holes maybe even a little smoke for light ray's. Lots of cool little ideas.

[@GavinHoey]

Spoiler alert... I filmed a short "bonus tip" for an IG Reel that took this idea to a more colourful conclusion. Coming to my IG feed before the end of 2023 😉