The Best Color Photography Background For Portraits Is Gray - Studio Backdrop Tutorial

[@edwinmccracken2686]

One of the best on KZbin, no BS, no axe grinding, no endless gear talk, just great advice and tips. Your videos are made to serve the veiwer and not polish your ego. Great work and thank you.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you for the kind words Edwin McCracken ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!

[@jimnierman4017]

As a teacher of a different subject and not knowing any of this info, I show many how-to videos. This video is the best, most informed video I have ever seen.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you Jim Nierman! I appreciate the kind words and support!

[@HerculeseBaby]

This was excellent. Well done, simple and short. Perfect!

[@jamo_JonPark]

Awesome!! It's really helpful for choosing the color! Thank you very much!!

[@theJoeEdelman]

You're very welcome 자영업의 모든것! I am glad you enjoyed it!

[@MikeCianci]

16 thumbs down? You guys have a better solution? I thought this video was spot on! Thank you for your tips!

[@davidclark2635]

refreshing to hear from someone who actually knows what they are taking about - and has prepared before filming! Enjoying browsing your back catalogue!

[@PostColorGear]

That velcro tip was amazing!! Better than using tape. Thanks for the idea!!

[@theJoeEdelman]

Glad you enjoyed it The Post Color Blog (Dave's Tuts)! I appreciate the comment!

[@mosesangel1383]

the way you explain things and the tips you give are always the best. you give so much detail its great. thanks for all your help.

[@theJoeEdelman]

You're very welcome Moses Angel! Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@faizrehman6159]

I have seen tons of videos in KZbin but found Joe's videos the best. Thanks for sharing such lovely stuffs, Joe.

[@terryjstudios]

Good evening Joe, I just can't thank you enough for what you do. I know this is an old video, but I have several of your videos save and refer back to them to center my focus.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Glad you find them helpful TerryJ Photography! Thanks for the kind words!

[@LongTimeTTFan]

An outstanding presenter. Very effective and efficient. I watched this episode multiple times and I do have a couple of grey backdrops (hanging and pop up types). But I watch it just to learn how your studio uses it and how you present it. Thank you.

[@rodrigocarino5310]

You are an amazing teacher. I was going to buy dove white for my wall background but then I saw your video. Thanks!!

[@dragancete]

I follow many photography channels, some are very good indeed, but none of them teach you 'magic' tricks like this or other that I saw in this channel. Thanks!

[@theJoeEdelman]

I appreciate your kind words and comments Francisco Javier Periñán! Glad to have you along for the ride.

[@heathermtaylor7683]

Ah-ha. How fabulous were these tips and tricks. Thank you, Joe. 🥰

[@JoshLiao-y6o]

I'm a beginner in photography. Thanks for your share these tutorials and it's very useful to me!!

[@theJoeEdelman]

You're very welcome Jux Liao! I am glad you find them helpful!

[@RamssesPharaoh]

The first video was enough to subscribe. I'm grateful Joe that you share a wealth of information and wisdom with us.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thanks unity2012 and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!

[@BigEHoldings]

You are far the best teacher. I grabbed easily and smoothly your tips , Thank you

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thanks Big E Holdings and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!

[@beaudazzle449]

Awesome tutorial. Thanks for sharing. Where did you get the mannequin you used in this video. Thanks again.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thanks for the kind words Beau Dazzle! I found my mannequin on eBay! ;-)

[@beaudazzle449]

Thanks for taking the time to respond. Keep up the good work. Will subscribe and look forward to more great stuff.

[@zatoichiable]

You cant go precise and concise than that. Thank you for that tip.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you for the kind words Zatoichiable and thanks for subscribing!

[@kurt-is7740]

i am beginning to dabble in photography, and this video was very helpful in figuring out what i need.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Awesome curtis ashley! I'm glad you enjoyed it! Have you subscribed to the channel yet?

[@Candyman97]

This helped because I was trying to find what color to add to Photoshop background.

[@TheDoypids]

This video is what I am looking for, for a long time. Thank you.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thanks Fred Corral and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!

[@takgrillo]

A grey background looks awesome in black and white. sounds funny when out of context hehe

[@theJoeEdelman]

LOL Yerko Rodriguez! 🤣

[@Cjcool03]

hey man you are the best and i love watching all your tutorial ...Thx so much Joe Edelman...

[@theJoeEdelman]

You're very welcome Chijioke Ezeh!

[@byteaesx1373]

Don't you wish you had someone like yourself when you started to save you time and money? Many thanks for everything Mr Edelman.

[@theJoeEdelman]

lol Byte Aesx - I do wish there was Google and KZbin back then in the dark ages, but I was very lucky - I had a few excellent mentors and that is a big part of what I do what I do today. Thanks for the kind words!

[@TauroFitness]

hey Joe I don't have fancy setup like you BUT I have ingenuity lol..I would like to have the same background as your using and like the one that is advertised in description but not sure how I would suspend that in my condo? I have a green screen setup already but not sure if this is too heavy for that rig, any suggestions would be most appreciated...

[@ramonenriquemendezyanez542]

Hi Mr. Edelman. I want to thank you, your videos are a great motivation for me.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thanks Ramón Enrique Méndez Yáñez and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!

[@davidrumleyphotography1330]

Great vid and tips. So glad I went with a 50% grey backdrop. so versatile!

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you David Rumley Photography! Glad you like the grey!

[@yamakawa511]

That's an excellent explanation and demonstration. Thanks for posting this.

[@noelwhitman1788]

The best photography channel on KZbin.

[@paulocontente9993]

Great video as always.Your enthusiasm is contagious,thanks.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you so much for the kind words +Paulo Contente !

[@west4coast77]

Very informative and well produced. The video quality is excellent. Kudos and thanks.

[@theJoeEdelman]

You're very welcome Ken Stewart! I am glad you enjoyed it!

[@blackfistnyc718]

I'm building a multipurpose studio in nj.. I needed to hear this

[@JosePotes]

Thanks Joe! , always the best way to learn, direct and concise. Can some help me to decide between Thunder Gray or Charcoal seamless paper?, (Im focus in get colored background than get a white background. THANKS )

[@P2MediaLA]

Great presentation! Clear, concise, and informative.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you! P2MediaLA Glad you enjoyed it!

[@biancamoya5795]

Hi Joe I love your video! What kind of camera lens do you use?

[@mamiyapress]

Great information Joe, thank you, you are one of the very best.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you so much mamiyapress and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!

[@justinzaff]

You are a great teacher Joe. Sharing your knowledge for free , thanks mate . I love how you turned your home into a studio . Its my dream to do the same and leave my tedious day job .

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you for the kind words +Justin Frog Keep shooting - you will get there! Also - stay tuned - in the next few weeks, I will be doing a video about setting up a home studio.

[@justinzaff]

Can't wait to see it . Do you offer a service giving 1 on 1 tuition ? I'd like to know if you think you can help me get to the next level . I have been trying hard but i think i am a bit stuck evolving . This is my website . I hope you have the time to have a look and let me know what you think . www.jzaffphotography.com/Portrait/i-3QJKgH4

[@theJoeEdelman]

I do +Justin Frog - visit this page: www.joeedelman.com/photography-tutorials/ for more details. You might want to start with a one hour consult and we can review your portfolio and goals.

[@justinzaff]

Great , i will book you for an hour , we just have to work out a time . I live in Australia , so it could be a bit tricky.

[@theJoeEdelman]

No worries +Justin Frog - I am flexible.

[@ronaldwarren7850]

Joe, you've got a great channel here. Great tips, great DIY, concise personable presentation. Good on ya, brother.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thanks Ronald Warren and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!

[@harrymandel9782]

Fantastic! You cut right to the chase and very helpful.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you +Harry Mandel! I am glad that you found it useful. Please be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!

[@bala1000mina]

I cannot thank you enough for this great video that added a lot to my photography knowledge! You're amazing Joe! Thank you so much, Stay always well, God bless you!

[@Argyll9846]

Love the enthusiasm of your videos.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you +Nicholas Fox and thanks for subscribing - it's great to have you along for the ride!

[@phillt9134]

Just found your videos, brilliant, all info easily understood with no bull. Thanks

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you for the kind words Phill T ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!

[@RezaMolavi]

Thank you Joe, Could you please make a video for using color gels, speedlites, distances from the background, and power setting on them. I seem to blow the color and never achieve the deep colors you are demonstrating here. Thank you in advance.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you +Reza Molavi ! There are so many variables that it is difficult to provide generic answers that will work for everyone, so at least tell me a bit more about your gear and setup. What kind of speedlites and are you using them on manual, tel, auto? And what color background?

[@krmdas81]

You are a very good teacher. Wonderful personality & great advice!

[@raulflores9524]

Saludos. Tus tutoriales son extraordinarios y de gran ayuda, además de estar con subtítulos en español. Agradezco mucho tu aportación.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Gracias por las amables palabras Raul flores!

[@ryannolan1142]

Great video. I may have missed it or just haven't found it just yet. Can you do a video on your lighting rigs. I like the fact they are off the floor and seem to look like they are quite moveable on tracks. Is that the case?

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you +Ryan Nolan ! Here is a video that shows how they were made: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXOzdYZ4eNSBaMU Watch the rest of the playlist to see some videos of similar fixtures with T2 bulbs that show some great shooting techniques. Please excuse the sound quality and the fat guy in the videos - that was a long time ago. Be sure to subscribe - next week I will be posting a new video on similar fixtures made with LED lights!

[@mohammedismail441]

That is One great video. very helpful. And also Can you please explain how to shoot full length shots, rather than just portrait or head shots by adding gel to the background

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you! ismail mohammed Glad you enjoyed it!. Shooting full length is really no different than shooting headshots. Place your lights - with the gel at a distance that the flash will cover the background.

[@shiannehogan5653]

THAT WAS AWESOME! CAN'T BELIEVE IT TOOK ME A WEEK OF SEARCHING TO FIND A VIDEO THAT didn't say a lot BUT SAID A LOT! ;-) GREAT JOB!

[@paulsell9144]

Thanks Joe for an other video full of useful tips.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you for the kind words +Paul Sell !

[@mnash3]

Nice video... I wish I would have saw it first and maybe I would have just bought a grey background...long story... The good new is that I have a black background and I can get fall to black, black, grey, and white backgrounds. After watching your video, I do now see the benefit of gels...lol.... Maybe that will be my next purchase. Thanks again for sharing your experience.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you for the kind words mnash3 ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!

[@TheYFlyer]

Great video and much appreciated Joe.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thanks Michael Sullivan and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!

[@jennyluvsfood]

i was looking for a backdrops for my music/cooking channel ..this was v helpful ...thank you 😀

[@theJoeEdelman]

You're very welcome jennyluvsfood! I am glad you enjoyed it!

[@SeraphineClarisse]

its amazing trick,thanks dude

[@theJoeEdelman]

Glad you enjoyed it kl bn! I appreciate the comment!

[@52701970]

Perfect Joe..just what I needed

[@theJoeEdelman]

Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it Derrick Spurrier! I appreciate the comment!

[@droppingcoconuts]

I just found you a few days ago. been binge watching since. thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@theJoeEdelman]

You're very welcome bill taylor! Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@AstroDenny]

Hi Joe! You're a neat guy and I like your videos. They're informative and very well presented. Keep up the good work.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you for the very kind words +Dennis Ruzeski ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any!

[@swisherfpv]

Great video... Great channel! Thanks for all the advice

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you for the kind words A C ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!

[@moshe6501]

Great tips for saving money ! Can you show us some tips on how to shoot long exposure both at night and bright sunny day?

[@FuseicEntertainment]

Making a video studio and will paint walls grey. Can you suggest what lights I'll need to put on the back walls?

[@cathlainetea]

I've been looking for nice backdrop I prefer black and gold Fabric and i found your video. This is great ideas.

[@cathlainetea]

Thanks for sharing

[@move1071]

Great video! I've been just thinking what color of the background to buy

[@salimguzeyer8950]

Great tutorial , thanks a ton .

[@MatthiasLenardt]

Really good! Thank you

[@theJoeEdelman]

You're welcome Matthias Lenardt I appreciate the comment!

[@MatthiasLenardt]

@@theJoeEdelman ... will also buy grey ... alias: I already bought ... now it's only putting on the wall ... this is really fun! ... and different color lights will make the rest ... and this becomes so natural ... much better than green screen a.s.o. ... 😉👍🏼

[@Pablo-vu8sy]

Hello Joe, this video was very usefull for me. Thanks. What do you think to use a green chroma key as backdrop then using any editing software you can isolate the model and add any backdrop you want.? Thanks for your time.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Don't use green Pablo Costa. It is very difficult to light a green screen and not pick up a green cast on your subject. You can use any color. I use a medium gray for most of my composites. www.joeedelman.com/composites

[@randybenemerito7834]

Hi Joe. Love your video specially for me whose planning to buy a backdrop for my photoshoot. How about a gray backdrop having a grunge texture. Is it ok rather than having a plain gray backdrop? What is your advise. It will be highly appreciated.

[@matthewcheung5136]

This is amazing! Great video and explanations!

[@BobbyJackShow]

Wow. Your Philly (Allentown) accident is thick. Nice! Great video, btw. Watching it via Chromecast.

[@theJoeEdelman]

LOL - Thanks gigfydotcom - I grew up in a suburb of Philly. THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!

[@BobbyJackShow]

Thanks, Joe. Great videos. I'm already taking notes. Great transformation, health-wise from your older videos. Good job! I'm already plotting out turning my basement into a studio based on your suggestions. I grew up in Philly, the (formerly known as) Great Northeast.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Yeah gigfydotcom - the Great Northeast isn't what it used to be. Have fin with the basement studio - let me know how it turns out. My next few videos will also feature some cool little gear pieces that will come in handy so Stay Tuned!

[@inpoweryou-rayw6743]

Thank you. This was very helpful

[@Tilbard]

you just got yourself another sub! Great tips!

[@theJoeEdelman]

Awesome Jon Page (Alpacallama) ! Glad to have you as a subscriber!

[@yaniquelove5685]

Love your videos by the way there super helpful.

[@CRXSLY]

Grey is my way to go 95% of the time! :)

[@NebulaChavez]

I LOVE THIS VIDEO Thank you so much Joe for these AMAZING TIPS - You ROCK BABY BABY BABY

[@theJoeEdelman]

You're very welcome Mike Nebula Photography! Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@xindy7126]

Those were fantastic tips! Thanks!

[@theJoeEdelman]

You're very welcome Stella Romero! I am glad you enjoyed it!

[@doncarlito6436]

joe i love your channel great videos....

[@theJoeEdelman]

I appreciate your kind words and comments Lito Velez!

[@anaislee1082]

Great tips! Thank you!

[@ericaproffer7784]

Thank you! I'm looking to paint my small studio office. it's a 10x11 room and I'd like to maximize areas in which I could get a shot. I love the gel ideas. Perhaps my back wall will be gray and my sides white. Good idea?

[@MissJill]

Thank you! I was on my way to grab some paint for my KZbin channel background while. This was exactly what I needed in order to buy the right paint! Subscribed and liked! Thank you 😊

[@marie-clarebyard8919]

Love love love your video !!! Thank you Joe !

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you for the kind words Marie-Clare Byard ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!

[@luisenriquecristerna-resen3602]

Excelente video, me encantan estos consejos, asi si aprendo al segundo y todo es posible!!!!!

[@dennydaniel8199]

Awesome as always!!

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you Denny Daniel! I really appreciate the kind words!

[@dougharhaiphotographyllc5039]

Great vid and I love your work

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you for the kind words Harhai Photography,LLC and thanks for subscribing - it's great to have you along for the ride.

[@EVAproductions]

love the cup trick

[@theJoeEdelman]

Glad you enjoyed it EVA LANDRY! I appreciate the comment!

[@KarwannaD]

What kind of color gels are you using to make the background color so colorful? Is there a particular thickness or material gel?

[@theJoeEdelman]

You can use almost anything Karwanna Dyson. From lightweight cellophane to expensive cine gels - the most important factor is how deep is the color. The cellophane is usually very transparent and will only give you a tint of color. If you can afford them - the ones made specifically for photography generally are deeper in color. Here are some examples: amzn.to/2bxIT2H Glad to have you as a subscriber!

[@TechFit360]

This was Awesome Joe! Time for my Gray Wall ! Thanks

[@skyknight6]

Fantastic tutorial Joe! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you for the kind words skyknightmm ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!

[@seansizon4072]

fantastic video! just what i was looking for! what one are you using in this video?

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you for the kind words SeanSizon! The background in the video is a Savage Thunder Gray

[@seansizon4072]

Thank you for the reply! Earned a sub!

[@jamo_JonPark]

Thanks for asking, Thanks for the answer^^!

[@t0xictearsz]

Very educative and cool video, literally fifty shades of grey :D I'm planning on buying the fujifilm xt1 with a 35 and 60mm lens, paired with either speedlites or maybe add 1 Mono + softbox as main light. I dont have a big budget so i have to paint the wall gray and use all kinds of filter and reflector panels, thanks a lot for your awsome tips !

[@jasenambio6440]

Wow!! Im amazedd,,very well explained...sir... thanks for.inspiring usss......

[@theJoeEdelman]

You're very welcome jayson nambio! I am glad you enjoyed it!

[@locoderemate]

Hi, thanks for the video, i see the studio has wooden floor that is kind of shiny, has this been a problem with the lights or strobes reflecting on the subjet or all around the room? I have the same type of floor at my home studio trailer and the roof is only 8 feet hight and is painted light beige, horrible. What would you recomend to put on the floor to not make it reflect light,,, any idea? Thanks in advance.

[@theJoeEdelman]

First of all locoderematet, the light beige ceiling will cause you more problems than the shiny floor. The wooden floor causes no issues with reflection or color cast. If you are having problems, try placing a seemless background under your subject.

[@locoderemate]

@@theJoeEdelman thanks for the reply. I will try this and will report back. Looking forward to your next video. Thanks

[@locoderemate]

I tried it and it worked, no nasty reflection on my subject skin,,,,thanks, Maestro

[@theJoeEdelman]

Awesome@@locoderemate ! Thanks for the update!

[@LucasPitcher13]

Grey-t tips! Thanks Joe.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thanks Lucas Pitcher and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!

[@cycling-john]

You're awesome! Great video!

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you John Puga! I really appreciate the kind words!

[@kencox6166]

Great tutorial, this is the first I have seen where a black flag is not used to stop gel coloring face, would this be because the subject is set away from backdrop? would you need to use flags if you moved subject and light closer to the background, or is there a trick to avoid needing flags? :)

[@theJoeEdelman]

Ken Cox, yes and yes. The trick is understanding the inverse square law. You can watch my video on it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGWUdIWDpauBj80 Thanks for the comment!

[@CORRUPTIONCZARNETWORK]

Joe, I'm learning a lot from your videos wow can't wait to try the gray background and lighting tips for my videos!

[@tuknchuk]

Is painting the wall gray for videos with different angles a good idea ?? If so, what color gray should I buy ?? Medium gray is kinda vague. Thanks !!! Great Video !!!

[@theJoeEdelman]

It's not a matter of "is it a good idea" tuknchuk. It depends on what you are trying to achieve as a background. If you want to use the gray walls in the same kind of way that I do in the video - well then SURE! As for "Medium Gray" being "kinda vague" - come on man.... do I have to ask you what brand of paint you are gonna buy and then go do the research for you??? Every brand of paint has different name colors. This isn't rocket science - medium.... not light - not dark... medium. If it was a specific color - I promise - I would have included that in the video.

[@tuknchuk]

Great, Joe !!!! Thanks for the reply and the help. I totally love your personality and sense of humor in your videos, especially on the B-roll. I guess what I was referring to about the vagueness, is not so much about paint... but all of the different grays available when I looked at Photo Backdrops online. Having never bought a backdrop before... there are so many brands and different shades available. The reason it's hard to tell which one is a "medium" gray is that when I see the backdrop in your video or other peoples' videos... the backdrop is under multiple lighting... making it appear lighter and darker. But when I look at a thumbnail color on the internet... it's hard to say what that's really like in comparison. So, I'm guessing the best idea is to just go with a medium shade compared to the others I see available. Obviously I'm very ignorant in the world of photography... so, I just thought maybe there might be a number or something... like come on kid... everyone knows medium is a gray #40. Just asking : )

[@SupermanBB]

Glad I found your channel! Such a well done video! Great value!

[@theJoeEdelman]

Glad you like it SupermanBB ! Glad to have you as a subscriber!

[@sarahcarrell3731]

Best video I found to answer my questions, THANK YOU SO MUCH! Super informative!

[@theJoeEdelman]

Glad I could help Sarah Carrell! Thanks for the kind words!

[@sirrahphotography5930]

Great tips....thank you!!!

[@theJoeEdelman]

Glad you enjoyed it Sirrah Photography! I appreciate the comment!

[@richardwintle1020]

Great to see you back doing more tutorial videos. :)

[@MatthewFurman]

Great video, your quality and consistency of top material is incredible. Your videos are amazing to look at, easy to watch, you are enthusiastic, smart, and engaging. I ordered a charcoal background from B & H. Wish I could purchase through your link. Keep up the great work, you are an inspiration.