High Key Photography Made Easy: Lastolite’s HiLite Studio Backdrop

Have you ever wondered how photographers create such stunning pure white “high key” shots? Usually, it requires a light white background, a light or two with gobos to really blow out the background, a number of strobes to light the subject, and some complex metering. Now, the HiLite background from Lastolite makes getting those shots much easier.

The HiLite is essentially a double-layered, foldable softbox with zippers on either side for a strobe or speedlight to be shot directly inside. This helps reduce light “spill,” and makes it much easier achieve correct exposure on the subject and background. It collapses, and comes with a carrying case like many pro-level reflectors do, but quite a few users complain about having a difficult time getting it to fold easily (demonstrated in a video further into the post).

As of December 2008,

it comes in four sizes: 4′6″ x 3′6″ (1.4m x 1m), 5’ x 7’ (1.5m x 2.15m), 6’ x 7’ (1.8m x 2.15m), 8′ x 7′ (2.5m x 2.15m). Lastolite also makes detachable vinyl trains to accompany the 5, 6, and 8 foot versions of the HiLite for full-body shots or other kinds of photos where the ground shows.

And some information from their site:

By rear lighting the white background itself there is no longer a need to use a background light behind the subject. Furthermore, because the background is actually illuminated it means the subject can stand virtually right in front of it without casting a shadow. The HiLite backgrounds also works as a large rear softbox and illuminates the subject as well, meaning you can use just one other flash head to light the subject from the front. What’s more, the whole thing is collapsible.

Here are a few pictures of the HiLite from Lastolite’s website (along with the header image):

Here are a few videos from YouTube demonstrating the HiLite in action:

This video shows Mark Astmann, Product Sales Manager & Bogen Imaging USA, giving a quick demonstration of the HiLite to Inside Digital Photo TV’s host, Scott Sheppard at the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) 2008. He shows Mr. Sheppard a bit about how to use the Lastolite HiLite, and how to incorporate it into a studio. One of the key features of this illuminated background is it’s portability and ability to eliminate shadows which you can see clearly in this video. For more information & pricing visit: Bogen Imaging.

This video shows German photographer Robert Kneschke using the Lastolite HiLite to create stock photography of a German female model against a white background. It’s a short, four minute clip with no words, but really demonstrates the kinds of fun, professional images one can create with it. More of Robert’s images can be found on his home page.

As stated earlier, many people have trouble folding the HiLite background. In this short clip, professional photographer Mark Cleghorn shows how to fold it very easily. Hopefully it helps a frustrated user.

This is another video of Mark Cleghorn showing how the Lastolite HiLite is used with the optional vinyl train to achieve full-body shots or other photos with the floor in them. In these cases, the train helps act as a reflector, making faces and subject look brighter. It’s also a great demonstration of using the HiLite for professional-quality wedding and portrait photography done in a small studio.

Check out Lasolite’s website for more information on the background and their other products.

If you’ve ever used the Lastolite HiLite for any photography, please leave a link to show your stuff so we all can see this great piece of equipment.

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