Photoshop Insider

Lastolite’s HiLite Background gets a “Scott Thinks It’s Hot!” Award

By Scott on Wednesday, February 27th, 2008 at 6:05 am | updates.

Yesterday I was shooting some shots for a project I’m working on (see top image–click on it for a larger view), and I got to use Lastolite’s Hilite background, which gives you, about as simply as I can imagine it could ever be, a perfectly lit, shadowless white background for high-key shots. I got a live demo of the HiLite background at the Imaging USA expo in Tampa back in January, and I bought one right on the spot, but this is the first chance I’ve had to shoot with it. It was so easy to set up, so easy to use, and just so darn clever, that I knew about 5-minutes into the shoot that it was going to get my “Scott Thinks It’s Hot!” Award.

This background is incredibly portable—basically, it just pops-up (when it’s collapsed it looks like a large collapsible reflector), and it’s free standing, so you don’t have to carry any stands or supports for it. You just stick a strobe in one end (as seen in the bottom photo above; (photo courtesy of Lastolite), or both ends (I only used one strobe on one end) and that’s pretty much it. You pop-it open, pop a strobe in the side, and that’s it—you’re ready to shoot high-key, even in a very small space, or on location.

I took the top photo at the top of this post, featuring model Stevie Lynn, on the HiLite background (there are no other lights on the background). My Main Light was a Elinchrom RX-600 strobe with a 53″ Elinchrom mini Octa softbox, mounted on an Avenger rolling C-Stand, and I fired the strobes using Elinchrom’s Skyports (more on them later this week). It was shot with a Nikon D300, at 1/60 of a second, at f/7.1 at 200 ISO. The lens was a 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens at 102mm. So, the set-up was one main light, and the light inside the HiLite background—that’s it. (click the photo right above for a larger view of the shoot; that’s me on the far left–photo by RC).

The HiLite Background comes in two sizes; a 5′x7′ and 6′x7′ (by the way; get the 6′x7′ model—you’ll thank me later), and B&H Photo has the 5′x7′ for $376 (link), and the 6′x7′ for $428.95 (link). For more info on the Lastolite HiLites, click here.

Comment form for this post

^#1

God, I hate that photography equipment is always so expensive
By the way, the picture looks awesome, but if you click on the first picture, it actually opens smaller than on this post

Ivan on February 27th, 2008 at 6:47 am

^#2

No Tripod? The location looks very dark (of course the flash makes the difference) but I’m surprised to see no tripod for a portrait photo. Wonderful photo! Not surprised though coming from you.

I love the background. Something I can definitely own in the city with limited space. I have been looking for a background that doesn’t require two metal posts! Thanks!

Magdalena Soszka on February 27th, 2008 at 8:03 am

^#3

It would be great if they created the same model with white on one side and black on the other

Magdalena Soszka on February 27th, 2008 at 8:09 am

^#4

What about the reflector? Is that for additional fill? Otherwise, looks great. I want one!

janet on February 27th, 2008 at 11:29 am

^#5

Very cool. just one more thing to add to the growing gotta get list. The D3 will be here tomorrow.
Time to update your Digital Photography Vol 2 book!

Cathy Modica on February 27th, 2008 at 11:30 am

^#6

why would someone need a tripod for such a portrait?
the flash prevents any blur and if you want to shoot from different angles closeups, longer shots etc the tripod would just feel like a ball and chain attached to your camera!

stefano on February 27th, 2008 at 12:04 pm

^#7

I think it would be useful to understand why you recommend the 6′X7′ over the smaller model. Is it because it lets you get further back at an angle without having to move the background to adjust for the angle?

My photos have a long way to go before they will be in the same league as yours, but I must say that when I first looked at the photo above I got the feeling that something was wrong. After a second look I realized what was bugging me. The shadow on the neck doesn’t look real. Maybe its my lousy monitor, but I suspect something happened in the processing. Additionally, and this is a real nitpick of a comment, I think you could have left a little more definition around the eyes. Whether it was the makeup or the post processing, they just seem a tad too smooth to be real.

By the way, I have been reading your digital photography books and I am learning so much. I used to consider myself an advanced amateur, but your books have shown me how much I need to learn to do before I actually achieve that status. I appreciate the easy reading style and I’m thinking of reducing some of your tips to flash cards so that I can keep them in the camera bag for when I find myself in need of a quick refresher or advice on how to take a shot under marginal lighting conditions. Keep up the good work.

Emmet Whitehead on February 27th, 2008 at 12:23 pm

^#8

Nice job, i got to your site by your amazing show photoshop user tv, im from mexico, keep doing this nice job, by the way i also started a vodcast but in spanish hope you dont mind i sometime itranslate some of your tutorials to spanish

deliriumlabs on February 27th, 2008 at 1:17 pm

^#9

Did you try putting a gel over the strobe inside the HiLite? I’m sure it works but does it look good.(:

Michelle Ellis on February 27th, 2008 at 1:28 pm

^#10

Is the HiLite Background only designed to work with a strobe lights and still photography? I have a video project coming up where I will be shooting dozens of testimonials in many different locations. The HiLite could be the answer to my prayers.

Makamah on February 27th, 2008 at 1:36 pm

^#11

Wow!
Beautiful photo.
BEAUTIFUL MODEL!
Not a bad way to make a living.

Paul Barcewicz on February 27th, 2008 at 2:27 pm

^#12

Umm… aside from “freestanding” part, how is it different from firing flash behind regular muslin background? Am I missing something here?

Alexander on February 27th, 2008 at 4:15 pm

^#13

Looks very cool… I agree, a black other side would be awesome.

Kev Yong on February 27th, 2008 at 9:34 pm

^#14

I have purchased more than one of Mr. Kelby’s recommendations and have completely agreed with his opinions, however, I think that whenever any blog entry in which he (Mr. Kelby) stands to make a financial gain from it’s success, some sort of a symbol that identifies such should be included. Something like an asterisk or even a dollar sign should be included in the header of the blog entry.
I trust Scott but still believe in “Truth in Lending” whenever possible.

Kevin Meyer on February 27th, 2008 at 11:47 pm

^#15

Hi Kevin:
I totally understand your concern about the products that I mention here on my blog. Just so you know: I do not take kickbacks, endorsement fees, or make any other “financial gain” from products that you see me mention here on the blog (other than our own Kelby Training books, seminars, DVDs, etc., of course), so whether Lastolite sells 1 or 1,000 of these backgrounds, I don’t get a dime, and that’s the way it should be (well, at least that’s the way I think it should be).

When you see me recommend a product or service, it’s because I myself use that product in my own work, and I believe in it. If you see me featured in an ad from a company (like the ad I was featured in for FJ Westcott for their SpiderLites), I do not receive ANY endorsement fees or compensation from Westcott (not for appearing in the ad, or for sales of their product), and just like Lastolite (or any product I recommend); I get no financial kickback from their sale. In fact, I insist that any ad include the line “Not a paid endorsement” right on the ad itself.

The two kits that B&H Photo sells with my name; “The Scott Kelby Studio Kit” and the “Scott Kelby Location Kit” were created as a courtesy to my students, and I don’t get any kickback or compensation from the sales of those kits—no matter how many they sell—I never get a check from B&H (though I have sent them plenty since I buy all my gear there).

All my best,

-Scott

Scott on February 28th, 2008 at 12:33 am

^#16

Hi Scott,
I’d be interested to know how you meter for the hilite background, given that if you were lighting a plain white background from the front, you would normally stand in front of the background with your light meter and face back towards the camera and thus get a reading on the lights. But if the light is behind the model, do you take a reading facing the background from the camera position? (Hope that made sense).

Cheers David

David Queenan on February 28th, 2008 at 7:39 am

^#17

the back side of the HiLite is black, but has a seam running in the middle of it. I have tried a gel in mine, without much success - it pretty much only turns the model’s shadow (which is not there without the gel) to the color of the gel. Makes sense once I thought about it.

Another thing you can do is set it up as a HUGE 6×7 foot softbox! Oh my!

I love my HiLite… as an on-location child photographer, it has allowed me a unique option when natural light isn’t in my favor inside people’s homes. Parents too love the look for their kids. I think it’ll be short lived though, in my application, and the look will get tired soon enough.

Rohb on February 28th, 2008 at 9:20 am

^#18

This looks like a pretty good solution for some stuff I want to try. Does it make a difference what kind of strobe you use (minimum power)?

Steve Allison on February 28th, 2008 at 1:56 pm

^#19

Hi Scott!

I really dig that photo of the Model you took!

I’ve used very similar lighting set-ups, and can attest to how well they really work.

I plan on building a website shortly, showcasing my work, and when I’m done with it I’ll let you know through this blog so you and others can take a look and post comments about my work.

Thanks for sharing that great photo with us!

Paul Guy on February 29th, 2008 at 1:01 pm

^#20

Question:

How do you get the images to open? What plug in or software do you use to get the image to open right on the page. Not a pop up window.

Thanks.

Ashleigh on February 29th, 2008 at 1:36 pm

^#21

WoW!
nice set up, thanks for the tip! i think i will pick one up. thanks again for all the insight. i love checking out the blog and seeing whats new.

Aloha

brady on March 1st, 2008 at 1:59 am

^#22

I would love to see a full lenght body shot first.. i would like to see how this handles a even background light without blowing out and leaving the corners darker then the centre area.

thank you
tony

Tony on March 5th, 2008 at 1:48 pm

^#23

Thanks for the info Scott.

I was pondering this background/softbox as a dual use. You mention that it can be used as a large window light softbox. Did you try it. How much light did it steal and how does it manage to be consistant side to side with only one light head inserted. (I know it can take 2)

I’m seriously considering it because it can be placed right against one wall and act as a great window light. Most “normal” softboxes even half this size require 25-30 inches space from the wall to even fit. My 40 inch Chimera is 24 inches deep not counting the head which is another 10 inches.

It would be great if it worked,

Michael

Michael on March 6th, 2008 at 1:13 pm

^#24

Hi Scott,

Another great find!! I can’t tell you enough how much I have learned by reading your blog and books!!

One quick question, would a speedlight such as an SB-600 or SB-800 be sufficient enough to light up the lastolite background? maybe using two?

Thanks for all the great info!!!!! …Btw, nice photo!

John Adkins on March 19th, 2008 at 10:49 pm

^#25