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How to Underexpose the Background in Fashion

In fashion photography, it is important that the focus of the image be on the model and the clothes that are on display. Highlighting the model and clothes in a photo is achieved by using a lens that will fill the viewfinder with the subject and by using an exposure that will underexpose the background while keeping a proper exposure on the model. When shot in a studio, you can adjust the lighting between the model and background to achieve an underexposed background.

Things You'll Need

Photography studio lights
Camera with spot metering capabilities

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a position for the model to stand in, ideally positioning the model so he or she is three to four feet from the background.
- 2
  Position one studio light to the right side of model and direct the light so that it is illuminating the model and clothes. Turn the light on and set the power to full. This is will be the main light for your shoot.
- 3
  Attach a lens to your camera and turn your camera on. Use the spot metering feature on your camera to take a meter reading on the model where the main light is directed. To achieve an underexposed background in your fashion picture you need to have a two to three stop reduction in exposure between the main light and background. If the exposure from the main light is f8.0, a meter reading of f4.0 or less will create an under-exposed background in your picture. If the ratio is closer than two stops, reposition the model and lights to increase the distance between the two. This will reduce the amount of light that is illuminating the background.

Photography