Photography News | Issue 39 | absolutephoto.com
70 First tests
Lastolite Creative Backgrounds 1.2x1.5m £118.95
Above The model for this shoot is Rhiannon Mawbey (Find her on Facebook) and she is dressed in an outfit by Dirty/Pretty Latex, etsy.com. The images were taken on a Welshot Imaging event, welshotimaging.co.uk.
The Fence/Wall option of the two – probably – has wider applications but that is a matter of opinion
Images For the shots of model Rhiannon Mawbey, lighting was supplied by two 100x100mm softboxes with capture done using a FujifilmX-T1 with a 56mm f/1.2 lens. The exposure was 1/125sec and f/11 at ISO 200.
Backgrounds are essential tools in a photographer’s armoury and having a broad selection of them on hand for different occasions and subjects is an important consideration, whether they are paper, cloth or collapsible. Lastolite (recently rebranded to Lastolite by Manfrotto) has introduced two additions, Diamonds/Mosaic and Fence/Wall, to its range of collapsible 1.2x1.5m creative backgrounds range. Lastolite already has a wide selection of colours and sizes so the latest two provide even more options for the creative user. The collapsible backgrounds can be tied to a lighting stand or used with a magnetic holder and both options are available in theLastolite range.Althoughnot as convenient, versatile or as professional, collapsible backgrounds can also be used just leant up against a wall. In this test we used the backgrounds in combination with the Magnetic Background Support Kit with lighting stand that sells for £107.95. The magnetic holder is a neat piece of design and will happily hold the background in place. On this occasion I was shooting indoors so there were no problems with the wind.
Each fabric background is double-sided and mounted on a steel rim that opens up or collapses in a matter of seconds making using them quick to use. Because they collapse down to 62cm, they are highly portable too and come complete with a carry bag. It is fair to say that while the two offerings, Diamonds/ Mosaic and Fence/Wall, are not suitable for every subject or situation, on the right occasion they work really well. So, for example, for portraits of teenagers the Diamonds/ Mosaic version could be spot on. The Fence/Wall option of the two – probably – has wider applications but that is a matter of opinion. Well, of the two I reckon I’d get more use out of it. Using them is straightforward and worked equally well for head shots and three-quarter length portraits. As with every backdrop, subject positioning and aperture choice play major parts on how the background looks. So set the subject close to the background and use a small f/stop and the pattern is rendered more sharply. Move the subject further away and use a wide aperture and the pattern is less defined. WC
Specs
Prices Diamonds/Mosaic 1.2x1.5m £118.95 Fence/wall 1.2x1.5m £118.95 Magnetic Background Support Kit with stand £107.95 Stand for Collapsible Backgrounds £92.95 Magnetic Background Support £59.95 Dimensions
Verdict
Lastolite has plenty of experience when it comes to studio equipment and it is well versed with the needs of photographers, as exemplified by these two backdrops which offer something fresh and different from its existing products. Easy to use and full of potential, both are worth a look for people photographers.
Open 125x155x1.5cm Folded 62x62x4cm Weight 2kg (in carry bag) 1.8kg (out of bag) Contact manfrotto.co.uk
Pros Portable and easy to use, fun Cons Limited potential?
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