Cirlce of Light in the Background

[AdamIsMyName]

Hi,

Can anyone explain to me how you achieve that circular splash of light you often see on the background of portraits and whatnot. What type of light is being used here? Will an unmbrella light work, and were should it be positioned? What is the actual terminology for this, if any?

Thanks

 

[tirediron]

Can you post a link to an example of the type of image you're referring to? If I wanted to put a circle of coloured light behind the subject I would use a gelled light with a snoot if I wanted a tight, sharp circle, or a small umbrella if I wanted a larger, less distinct circle.

 

[AdamIsMyName]

Something like this, Beautiful woman in retro style | iStock

 

[enzodm]

Vignette?

 

[scorpion_tyr]

That appears to be be a light positioned behind the model aimed at the background. Or more possibly this is an effect done in PP by using multiple layers and burning a circle on one layer and basically pasting just the model ontop. I'm sure someone else can explain it much better than I can and I know there are multiple ways to do this.

 

[AdamIsMyName]

All I have is 4 inexpensive umbrella lights. Is something like that achievable with those?

 

[Derrel]

Place a flash with NO umbrella close to the background. Normally, a fairly small reflector is used, like a standard reflector, in the 5 to 7 inch diameter size. The flash may,or may not, have a grid fitted to it. That is a very simple, common way to create this type of background light. How close the light is to the background depends on the light's intensity, its beam spread, and the background material and its color, and the desired effect. You would not use an umbrella to get the effect shown in the example photo.

 

[AdamIsMyName]

Thanks

 

[DiskoJoe]

Vignette?

That was my first impression. Probably a back light then heavy on the vignette.

 

[KmH]

Put a light on a short light stand, or tipod. Put the light between the subject and the background, such that the camera cannot see the lightstand/light. The closer the light is to the subject the bigger the circle of light will be.

For most professional portraits the subject is often 6 to 12 feet or more from the background.

 

[mjhoward]

looks like they may have used a snoot

 

[gsgary]

7" reflector with grid http://gsgary.smugmug.com/photos/i-SKzG4MQ/1/L/i-SKzG4MQ-L.jpg