Use a Softbox as a Perfect Color-Changing Background

The background was a Chimera Small Rectangular Softbox in a double header mount with two 200-CX fixtures. See our Tips and Tricks article about how to build this combination.

Adding an extra layer of diffusion makes that color background flatter and more even.

The two Hive 200-CX fixtures are grouped in the Hive App which allows you to link and control both lights as one.

This gives you the ability to change the colors in unison or apply any of the effects. With this workflow we simply picked colors that matched the various drinks.

For the key light we used a Hive 100-CX with a wide reflector at around 50% power depending on the shot. We used a black cinefoil to cut the light to avoid spilling on the background.

Next we added a simple bounce card with a piece of folded white foam core. This simply makes the dark side of the cup a bit brighter.

You can see that the bounce card is partially in front of the cup. Adjusting the angle of the card is critical to finding the right level.

Critically for this setup we have the background far enough away and the lights bright enough to be able to light the subject separately. Here’s what it looks like with the key light off.

Simply by turning the light up we made this reveal shot.