How to Use a Cyclorama for Professional Portraits

A cyclorama (cyc wall) is one of the most versatile tools in a professional photography studio. This seamless curved wall eliminates corners and edges, creating infinite-looking backgrounds perfect for portraits, fashion, and commercial work.

What is a Cyclorama?

A cyclorama is a curved wall that transitions from floor to wall without any visible corner. This creates a seamless background that can appear infinite when lit correctly.

Lighting Your Cyclorama

The key to a great cyclorama shot is separate lighting for the background and subject:

Background Lighting

• Use two lights on either side of the cyc
• Create a gradient from light to dark
• This adds depth and dimension
• Prevents the background from looking flat

Subject Lighting

• Light your subject independently
• Use a key light for the main illumination
• Add fill light to soften shadows
• Consider a hair light for separation

Positioning Your Subject

• Place subject 3-6 feet from the cyc, our cyc wall is 25 feet wide with a depth of 14 feet.
• This prevents shadows on the background
• Allows for better background lighting control
• Gives you room to move around

Camera Settings

• Use a medium aperture (f/5.6 to f/8) for sharpness
• Keep ISO low (100-400) for clean images
• Adjust shutter speed based on your lighting setup

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Lighting the subject and background together - Always light separately
2. Placing subject too close - Creates unwanted shadows
3. Over-lighting the background - Can wash out your subject
4. Not cleaning the cyc - Dust and marks show up in photos

Creative Techniques

• Color Gradients: Use colored gels on background lights
• High Key: Bright, airy look with white background
• Low Key: Dark, dramatic look with minimal background light
• Split Lighting: Light one side, dark on the other

Post-Processing Tips

• Clean up any imperfections in the cyc
• Enhance the gradient if needed
• Adjust contrast to make the background pop
• Use masks to fine-tune background lighting

Ready to try cyclorama photography? Book a session at The Creative Yard Arizona and experience our professional cyclorama setup.

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