Lastolite Hilite backgrounds

<p>Guys<br>

I am seeking feedback from anyone that regularly uses Lastolite Hilite backgrounds.<br>

I have read that from waist level up the hilites work superb but that full length or low shots combining the vinyl and the background becomes very tricky. <br>

1) Are 4 500W BXRI's adequate for these background systems? In Lastolites video they had 6 lights for event work.<br>

2) Does anyone know of any decent tutorials showing post processing work after shooting with hilites?<br>

3) Can you get up to 2 adults/4 kids on a 7x6?<br>

4) Do you recommend them?</p>

<p>Many thanks in advance for any responses.</p>

<p>Andy Goss</p>

<p>1) Generally, you can use two BXRi's, on the HiLite -- it's possible to light the background with just one strobe, but I usually prefer two. I believe the video you're referencing show six lights -- two in the HiLite, two mounted in umbrellas, and two aimed down at the floor. That setup will provide very even lighting throughout the scene, and in my experience the floor level is almost always an issue in full length high key. So, if you're looking for great lighting throughout, then six lights would be optimal -- but many photographers are able to product perfectly usable results using just four lights.<br>

2) The videos on the lastolite website are great for setting up the Hilite and using it during shoots. There are a few decent toutorials on youtube, but they deal with high key lighting, and not specifically the HiLite. That's not a problem - the post processing workflow would be the same regardless of whether or no the HiLite was used to help produce the image. I'll see if I can find a few of the better tutorials and send the links to you.</p>

<p>3) I think that 2 adults and 4 kids would be pushing it on the 7/6 HiLite, as your working space is only 6' wide. That said, if you put the 2 adults behind the children, and stage the kids around the adults, you might be able to make it work. Two adults, no problem; 4 kids, maybe (if you can manage to keep all four still for 1/160 sec.) -- but all 6 is going to require some creative posing and lighting on the front.</p>

<p>4) Yes, I recommend the HiLite. Setup is fairly quick once you get the hang of it (it actually takes me longer to take the HiLite DOWN that it does to set it up). The rods connecting the two sides are prone to snapping, though I've only actually seen this happen once. For high key lighting, it's probably the easiest product I've used that provides good (and consistent) results.</p>

<p>Jerry, I genuinely would like to say thanks so much for responding with such a detailed post. I find the feedback really useful and its very much appreciated.<br>

Jerry do you use the vinyl train at all?<br>

Again just reading some reviews suggest its a bit tricky to adhere the vinyl to the hilite with the velcro and that the length of the vinyl was quite short...some posts elsewhere mentioned preferring white reflective board or paper roll.</p>

<p>Thanks Jerry, really kind of you to feedback to this post.</p>