How to use a CYC wall #2

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cover photo taken by: atom.toma

Updated February 2026 What is a CYC wall? How do you use it? Many of our clients who are new to photography do not know what cyclorama wall is for and usually get the same canned response –  it is the infinity wall, the one that bends at the bottom. While this short description is an accurate and concise one, it does not explain what the CYC is for. Let’s dive into it.

Photographer: @kscatesstudios , Makeup: @withlovebyk , Wardrobe: @bridgettedenise , Hair: @raelynnhairstudio , Model: @torinicolebass @nousmodels

WHAT THE CYCLORAMA WALL IS.

A CYC, cyclorama or an infinity wall all mean the same thing. It is a huge wall of one color that is built to have no defined corners. Thus when the light hits the wall it does not reflect the depth of the background. No corners – no depth. Usually cyc walls are painted white but for film production there are green screen huge CYCs built to make it easy to replace the vast space in the frame in with the special effects. If there was no CYC there will be no Frodo jumping over fallen bridge and Spiderman flying through high risers.

Photo taken by: starstylistsalonnet

WHAT THE CYC IS FOR.

E-commerce

CYC wall is perfect for shooting e-commerce since it can provide an evenly lit background or the feeling of no background at all. In this case you will need to light up the cyc to eliminate the shadow caused by the key light on the model. You may use 4 lights – 2 from each side positioned in a 45 degree angle so the wall can be evenly lit. However, depending on the setup and the size of the modifier, 2 lights – 1 from each side might be enough. Make sure to separate the background light with the key light by using V flats so no spillage will occur.

Photo taken for telegraphaveshop

Fashion

Shooting fashion usually has some dramatic look and a play of shadows. In this case A cyc wall can be lit up with colored gels or patterned screens. Also it might be just one light hitting the wall from the side or top/bottom to create a silhouette behind the model. There even might be no light at all for the background to bring in complete darkness behind.

Photo taken by welcometoshade

Creative Approach

Lastly, a CYC wall itself is a peculiar structure that you might not see that often in a real life. Our society likes to confine itself in corners. So when you see a curve, you might just use it to your advantage and experiment with an orthodox positioning of the camera.

Photo taken by @oreeeo with @maggiekeating

Distance from the wall matters more than most people realize. Stand your subject at least 6-8 feet away from the cyc if you want a pure white background – this gives you room to light the wall separately without spill hitting your subject. Move them closer and you can use the curve creatively in your composition, maybe even having them sit or lie in the curve itself.  Test different positions and heights during your first session to see how the curve behaves – every cyc wall is slightly different in how steep the curve is and how the light wraps around it.

Here at FD photo studio, we currently offer stage C with a big CYC wall. Take a look at stage C for more information, availability and prices on our website.