Double Prom Set-Up

Here are a couple shots of a double-background set up, courtesy of Dirk Bietau, in Santa Rosa, CA.

Top Image:
Dirk uses 3 lights—a key light (45 degrees left of camera position), a fill light (black umbrellas next to tripod), and a hairlight (softbox on a boom). While students are waiting in line Dirk shows old black and white movies on the big white screen in the rear of the image.

Bottom Image:
A closer look at one of the two setups. The background is stretched and taped to the floor. Velvet is suspended on either side not only to prevent students from seeing those being photographed (he very wisely has them line up behind the backgrounds, so they won't be a distraction), but to obscure lighting equipment when photographing groups. (Our muslins are 10' wide, and groups of 12-14 can be accommodated without the need to go beyond the muslin itself. But that's another article).