In the world of photography and filmmaking, creating the perfect backdrop is an art form in itself. Enter the infinity wall, a fascinating innovation that defies the traditional boundaries of space and perception. Also known as a cyclorama, this seamless wonder holds the power to transform any subject into a floating masterpiece. In this blog post, we uncover the secrets behind the infinity wall.

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What is an infinity wall (cyclorama)? 

An infinity wall, also known as cyclorama, is a single coloured space where the lines between walls, floor, and the roof are made invisible by making them round and seamless. Sometimes cyclorama is sorted to cyc. Anything you put in front of it, whether an object or a person, will appear to float. Infinity walls are usually white and provide a plain background for filming and photography. 

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What is the purpose of an infinity wall?

An infinity wall is primarily used by photographers. It provides an unadorned background, allowing the photo subject to pop off the screen. A large infinity curve allows a photographer to easily shoot the subject from head-to-toe.

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Why is it called a cyclorama?

The word “cyclorama” comes from the Greek words kuklos (meaning “circle”) and horama (meaning “view”). This not only reflects the cyclical nature of the design but also acknowledges the holistic, all-encompassing atmosphere that the cyclorama creates. In the field of photography and filmmaking, where context and setting play a significant role, the term "cyclorama" captures the concept of a continuous, undisturbed backdrop that can be used to portray subjects in an isolated, yet infinite, visual space. A perfect indicator of how the fusion of art, technology, and architectural design can shape perceptions and offer innovative ways to frame and present the visual world.

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Why use an infinity wall?

The smooth and seamless appearance of cyclorama walls allows you to shoot your subjects in front of a perfectly blank field. This comes in handy when you're producing photos for online commerce or a magazine or catalogue, simplifying things when you use Photoshop or other design programs to create layouts and the like.

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Guide to using an Infinity Wall

Selecting the Right Infinity Wall

Choose an infinity wall with the right size and colour for your intended shoot. White or neutral colours are common choices as they provide a clean, versatile background. The size should accommodate the subjects you're shooting without feeling cramped.

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Lighting

Proper lighting is essential to create a seamless look on the infinity wall. Use soft, diffused lighting to avoid harsh shadows and create an even, consistent backdrop. Consider using studio lighting setups, such as softboxes or umbrellas, to achieve this.

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Subject Positioning

Place your subjects on the infinity wall with careful consideration of the distance from the wall and the direction they're facing. For product photography, positioning the subject slightly away from the wall can help prevent shadows.

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Camera Placement

Position your camera at an appropriate distance and angle to capture the infinity wall's curvature while maintaining the focus on your subject. Experiment with different angles to find the most appealing composition.

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Post-Processing

In post-production, you might need to touch up the background to ensure it looks seamless and flawless. Use tools like Photoshop to remove any imperfections, correct lighting issues, and enhance the overall visual quality.

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Creating Depth

Use props and staging to create depth in your shots. This can involve placing objects or subjects at varying distances from the camera, adding layers of interest to your composition.

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Colour Contrasts

Experiment with different colour combinations between your subjects and the infinity wall. This can help your subjects pop and create an engaging visual contrast.

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Reflective Surfaces

If shooting reflective products or surfaces, be mindful of how the infinity wall's curvature might affect reflections. Adjust the angle of your products to minimise unwanted reflections.

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Experiment and Innovate

While infinity walls are often associated with clean, minimalist shots, don't be afraid to experiment with creative concepts. You can play with lighting effects, props, and different shooting techniques to achieve unique visuals.

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The infinity wall stands as an emblem of innovation and creativity. Its ability to blur the lines of reality and unveil subjects in ethereal splendour is a testament to the symbiotic relationship between technology, design, and storytelling.

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Final Thoughts

At PROTO, we have a virtual production studio ready for you to access for your photography and film making needs. Get in touch today to learn more about how we can support your ideas. You can find out more on our website, or by getting in touch with our studio manager, Sophie Craggs, at: sophie.craggs@sunderlandsoftwarecity.com