Portraits: Choosing a Photographic Backdrop
For most people who are beginning photography with limited equipment, spending money on a photographic background may not be that important. In reality however, you can still create top quality photographs without running to buy backgrounds for your studio. Instead of an official photographic background, you can use other items as backdrops, like solid walls, wallpaper and different kinds of fabric. When you’re ready to buy backgrounds, you’ll already have an arsenal of colors and textures available. Some portrait specialists are partial to the use of muslin fabric as a background material, because it is portable.
Paper backgrounds are versatile and seamless but also don’t last as long as fabric or walls. Paper can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on your personal photographic needs and shorter lengths typically are less expensive to buy. Backgrounds can absorb and reflect light in a unique way, and depends on the color of the background. In addition, you have at your disposal, free sources of photographic backgrounds that exist in your own surroundings, including parks and walls.
You have the option to choose to work with the existing color of your surroundings, rather than resporting to other things that can cause distraction. Using a wide aperture can help to integrate a background into a portrait in a unique way. As an example, taking a photo of a chef with a background that includes a kitchen or food can enhance the subject. It’s important not to use this technique in a way that adds so many things in the background as to cause distraction from clutter. Varying the depth of field can help you separate the background from your subject.
Before you buy background material, think about the space you will use for your work and its dimensions and portability. Consider an image created by the use of two vertical surfaces slightly split apart, allowing light in from a strobe that is seated behind the surfaces, in the center. The light will illuminate through, creating a gradient effect that runs from top to bottom. Using a neutral grey background, preferably made of paper, will appear to be white if you add enough light and will appear black if you create distance between the light source and your background. If you’re working within a tight budget, this can be one of the easiest ways to enhance your image.
Photo by: Kerry Garrison
12 Pet Photography Tips
Taking photographs of pets can really be fun and exciting, although this type of photography does at times produce a challenge. Yet, it can be financially rewarding for the photographer who takes the time to understand what is needed in order to actually capture the true personality of a client’s pet and obviously make them extremely happy. The first thing that the photographer must realize is that each one has a different personality. Not all of them will play well with the photographer when trying to direct a shooting session.
Always plan the content of a shoot including use of photographic backgrounds. Consult with a client, or pet owner, so understanding is arrived at what types of shots are desired. Using seamless paper indoors will cut down on soiling, for example, an expensive muslin backdrop. There are number of different types of “poses” such as cute little kittens and puppies sleeping comfortably or possibly bouncing about making good subject matter for some types of playful photographs. Consult with the client about the different types of shots.
Keeping all this in mind, here are some other thoughts to consider when conducting pet photography:
- Never Use A Flash
- Get down to the pet’s level for an “eye-level” perspective
- Always check to make sure camera settings are correct. This is especially necessary when photographing pets that are moving about
- Do not force any pet to try to do anything that they may not be comparable accomplishing. Let each pet display an individual personality that can be captured by the camera
- Try to set up in a position that does not attract the pets attention in order to capture some natural poses
- Patience is one of the key skills necessary for successful at photography
- Even when shooting indoors, try to place pets in an area near a well-lit window to gain soft natural light
- Use simple non-competing photographic backgrounds keeping the pet as the focal point
- Ask the owner if the pet’s collar should be off or on
- Use some type of attention grabbing the noise or object to get the pet’s ears up for a great shot
- Always make sure the eyes are clear before beginning the photo session
- Consult with the pet owner about what types of animal treats to have handy for rewarding a good kitty or pup
Follow these helpful tips for some great pet photos.
How to Care for Muslin Backdrops
Any experienced photographer will tell you that in order to be successful, a client must be able to choose from a variety of different types of photographic backgrounds. Unfortunately, although seamless paper backdrops are inexpensive and can provide that great variety needed, obtaining backdrops that are not consumable will in the long run save an individual great deal of money. A good choice for providing excellent shooting backgrounds is the use of muslin backdrops.
Pricey But Dependable Accessory
Although a muslin backdrop will cost a bit more than using seamless background paper , the advantages far outweigh the added amount of money needed to purchase these backdrops. There is a wide variety of different types of realistic backgrounds providing attractive texturing that can add a great deal of sophistication to any photographic shoot. Yet, a muslin backdrop can be quite simple presented in just a single color or may be an absolute work of art and painted by an expert craftsperson. Backdrops can cost as little as $30 and can range all the way up to $400. Therefore, when investing in a muslin backdrop, make sure you’re prepared to properly take care of it by following these helpful hints:
- Never Wash A Muslin Background - even though the manufacturer may suggest that a particular muslin background can be either machine or hand washed, don’t do it. Washing does nothing but degrade the material and consistent washing will do nothing to protect your investment. Handling and storing a muslin backdrop carefully keeping it as clean and dust free as possible is an important step toward preserving your investment.
- Spot Treat Stains - a popular muslin backdrop will likely get good use and be subject to some type of staining over a period of time. The best method used to treat a stained backdrop is to employ a mixture of mild soap and warm water using a scrub brush. Avoid the use of harsh detergents and never use bleach. In the event the stain resists your efforts to remove it, try soaking it overnight to loosen up the stain making it easier to remove with a brush.
- Use A Lint Roller - in order to remove dust and hairs that will inevitably cling to any muslin backdrop when used over the course of time.
Properly caring for any expensive muslin background will allow it to provide years of productive use.
How to create soft light
While there is some need for hard light photography, such as landscapes or high contrast portraits, most of the time soft lighting is preferred. A soft light is likely just as bright as a more direct hard light, but some of that light either bounces of some type of surface before it shines on the subject, or part of the light might reflect off the subject and shine in the opposite direction.
To bounce light, you will want to shine it toward a highly reflective surface. Using a large piece of white seamless background paper makes a great surface. White walls and ceilings are also effective reflectors, or in a pinch a white towel or car reflector can also work as long as it won’t add a color cast to your shot.
Many professionals will bring something to use as a reflector when they go to do a shoot on location. One thing that works rather well is a white collapsible backdrop. There are also portable reflectors where one side is silver and the other side is white. These options easily fold up and are easy to carry with you and have handy when they are needed.
One simple example of how soft light can work is pointing a desk lamp at a wall. When that light reflects off the wall and bounces back it covers a larger area as it hits the subject and will cast a much softer shadow. This technique is also commonly used with reflective photography umbrellas which are often used to create soft lighting against studio backdrops.
The Difference Between Hard and Soft Light
When many people hear the terms hard light and soft light, they immediately think of how bright or dim a light is against a seamless backdrop, however, this is not exactly what is meant. The difference between hard and soft light has less to do with how bright the light is as it refers to the relationship between the light and its surrounding shadows. With hard light, those transitions tend to be very abrupt, while soft light features a more gradual progression between light and shadow.
Hard light is usually the easiest to achieve because it is very direct. It comes from a single unfiltered light source, such as an uncovered light bulb and shines directly on the subject rather than bouncing or reflecting off a studio backdrop or other surface. The shadows it produces are very dark, and the contrasts it produces in photographs involve very bright highlights and the blacks are very deep. There’s a very hard edge to the shadows and they come off as very distinct, and the shape of the shadow mirrors that of the subject.
When a model is photographed with hard lighting, the result usually isn’t very flattering. Noses tend to cast harsh shadows and things like blemishes tend to be highlighted. Brutal honesty, rather than flattery tends to be the goal.
In landscape photography, hard lighting does better, as it captures many of the textures that wind up looking flat when shot in soft light. For most portrait photography, soft light is the preferred choice.
While hard light comes from a single source, soft light comes from many different sources and from different directions, or the effect could come from a single light source, but only if it is very close to the subject. Deep shadows rarely happen under soft light, and the shadows that do happen are gradual, with soft edges, rather than abrupt ones. Often to achieve a soft light effect, a photographer will arrange for light to bounce off other surfaces before it hits a photographic backdrop.
The sun, while often thought of as a soft light can serve either purpose. When a subject stands in a shadow, or if the day is overcast the light will appear softer than it does it they are directly in the sunlight.
How to Start a Photography Business
Is everyone always telling you that your photographs are better than the professionals? Maybe you are fresh out of college and are ready to open your studio to start paying back those exorbitant students loans. Whatever stage you are in, you might need some advice on starting your own photography business. Check out these tips to help you get started today.
Pick a niche market, something that you excel in. Being an overall great photographer that uses beautiful photographic backgrounds works, but many professionals chose to focus on one group. Weddings, babies and children, portraits–you decide.
Before you hang out your shingle and start advertising, write a sound business plan. It is best to consult a business advisor or financial strategists to get your five year plan on paper. Armed with a budget and projections, you are ready to find a location.
Location, location, location. Rent, buy or dedicate a room or area of your home to your studio. Be sure that your studio is separated from your living area. Also, once you have the perfect location consult your insurance agent. Be sure that your equipment, furnishings and accessories–like the background papers, stands, lights, etc.–are all covered.
Buy your equipment. It is recommended you get the best equipment you can afford for the type of work you will be doing. Best does not always mean expensive; keep in mind that you get what you pay for.
Establish set prices for your services. This is an area that many new professional overlook. Having established prices helps your work toward your financial goals and eliminates the “freebie attitude” friend and family often appeal to. Remember you have to pay for those back drops!
Market your skills. Post flyers and advertise your new business.
How to Set Up Professional Photo Backdrops
Professional photographers rely heavily on their backgrounds to capture the highest quality photographs. Before the first click of the camera is heard, a professional photography has taken the time to choose a background type, style and fabric that will compliment his subjects. If you are preparing to do some studio sessions, the tips below will give you some pointers related to choosing and using professional photographic backgrounds for better photos.
TIPS FOR SETTING UP A NEW STUDIO
- Choosing studio floor space involves more than just checking the square footage. Look for a studio that is long and narrow. In order to get the most from your background fabric styles, you need a room that is at least 20 feet long. This gives you ample room between the subject and backdrop and you and your camera. It also gives you plenty of room for extra lights, supplies and mobility.
- The first thing you need to start your studio setup and design is clean, white walls. Painting the walls and ceiling with a matte finish will open up the world of possibilities. Select a good quality paint that is washable and provides full even coverage.
- Professional Photographers use lots of lights. Have an electrician check for wiring and install extra outlets. Eliminate outlets or limit the number for your primary background wall. Don’t want any plugs or electric cords showing up accidentally in photos.
- Establish a storage area for props. Keep your tools, supplies and props in a storage cabinet when not in use. A clean, organized studio is mandatory.
Now that you have a basic studio set up, you are ready to set up your background and start your session.
- Setup Your Lighting
Choose your fill, main and supporting lights based on your subject. If you are taking portraits you may want to add some additional light to showcase hair styles. You could use a reflective board for bounce effects, if desired. - Choose Your Backdrop
Selecting a photographic background is a personal choice. Part of the creative process involved with photographic artistry is selecting the best fabric, colors and styles to present your subject in the most flattering way. Play with the backgrounds until you are pleased with the tone and personality. Digital cameras make it easy to preview your photos, so if you don’t like the background in a particular setting-feel free to change it.
How To Light A White Background In Photography
There are four main sources of light a photographer has to work with when shooting in a studio environment. These sources include the main or pin light, flash fill, reflected light and the background light. The background light is one of the more crucial sources of light when shooting a portrait. This light eliminates any shadows that may be cast onto the photographic backdrop from the main or fill lighting. The background light must be placed behind the subject to illuminate the area behind the model or object being photographed.
Photo : Nick Wheeleroz
Place two light stands on either side of the studio background when shooting a free-standing model or object. The light stands need to be positioned slightly behind where you will place the subject of your photograph. Look through the camera’s viewfinder to confirm the light stands are not in the frame and reposition is necessary.
Use daylight balanced bulbs that are white and full-spectrum to illuminate your photographic backdrop. Avoid using regular incandescent light bulbs, because they will cast an unnatural yellowish hue onto the background and/or can affect the color spectrum and/or white balance of your photograph. Place the light bulbs into the light stands. Point lights toward the backdrop in a downward angle so they cross just before reaching the backdrop.
Photo : Nick Wheeleroz
If you will be shooting an object that is placed on a stand you will need to position the stand at least two feet in front of the white seamless backdrop. Place two short stand lights, or small floor lights, on the floor behind the stand so they are out of sight from the camera’s viewfinder. Use white full-spectrum daylight balanced bulbs and point them up toward the backdrop. Light beams should cross just before reaching the backdrop.
Take some test shots before finalizing the light positions. If possible, place the model or object in the correct position during test shots. This will help you determine if there are any unwanted shadows, overly bright spots or dark spots on the photographic backdrop. Re-adjust camera, subject or light positions as necessary until you have reached desired look and feel of the photograph.
Gritty & Vibrant : Two Of The More Popular Styles Of Photography
When photographers look to do something a little different with their photography they often will take their photography in one of two directions, either towards the gritty or towards the vibrant. In either case, choosing the right photographic backdrop plays a big role in how successful you are in creating the look and style you desire.
Photo : Destroy Inc.
Gritty photography has sort of a dark retro feel to it (retro backdrops), as if the photographer has come across a ghost town where their subject has been preserved. Inspiration for these styles can come from many places from the Old West, to video games, to over the top ad campaigns. It’s just important to find the mix that works for you.
Gritty photography uses darker, brooding shades such as dark browns or shades of black. The style creates a serious mood and can even suggest an element of danger. Some use this style to give that “rock and roll’ feel to their photography or to express as kinship with counter culture.
Photo : Kent Johnson
If gritty photography suggest an over the top style and rock and roll, then vibrant solid colored backdrops and style can be categorized as something designed to pop. By using brighter colors strategically placed with high contrasts, such as black and white, vibrant photography definitely sends the message that it is here to stay. Influences of this type of photography include older ads and even comic books or even children’s programming.
Of course there is no law that says you can’t try a little bit of both. The situation of your photo shoot as well as the opinions of your subjects and clients will play a part in what photographic backdrop and style you choose. You may even want to place a bit of the vibrant strategically against a more gritty photographic backdrops. You may get inspiration from many places, but finding what works will likely take some time and patience, buy you will get there. If you are working in digital photography you will have plenty of opportunity to experiment and take shots that reflect both the gritty and vibrant styles combined with your own personal signature style, as well as the more traditional photography backdrops and find a style that is truly unique to you.
A Guide to Photographic Backdrops
If you’re looking to produce expert images, a seamless photographic backdrop is an excellent tool. A seamless background is perfect for a photo session when staging or other custom setups are necessary. A variety of materials including cardstock, silk, canvas and vinyl are used when creating some backdrops. These materials can be obtained in a variety of colors, sizes and textures. Photographers, novice and expert, can find these backdrops in several merchant locations, as well as additional photography accessories.
Always comparision shop prior to purchasing in terms of photographic studio equipment and other lighting package deals. That way, you know you’re receiving the best photographer backdrop for your money. A gallery typically uses numerous styles of glare-free photographic vinyl or muslins that are brightly colored that are adaptable based on the artists’ needs or other uses they’re envisioning. Analyze the background of your photographic scenes in order to determine how backdrops can aid your project along with lighting and additional props.
Use of seamless backdrops varies from photographer to photographer depending on their inspiration, their subject matter, and their intended final result. It isn’t uncommon to see a photographer improvising in some situations. However, even when improvising, the photographer’s backdrop should never out-do the subject. It’s best when there is minimum contrast between the backdrop and the subject. For example, you can’t photograph an individual in green against a green backdrop.
Photo : John Hong
In the case of white or very light photographic backdrops, shadows are the primary problem. The biggest question is how to incorporate a flash. Most experts will tell you to avoid using a flash, and change the configurations on your digital camera to optimize the shot. There are certain circumstances where a flash is essential, so attempt to minimize shadowing as best as you can. It also helps to eliminate the backdrop, and simply re-arrange the subject matter in a way that would allow for optimal camera exposure.
If you’re unable to make a firm decision regarding which photo backdrop is best, experiment with several of them. This works best with digital cameras because nothing is wasted, and all pictures that don’t come out correctly can be deleted right away. Through use of a digital camera, too, you’re able to see immediately which seamless backdrop works the best, thus speeding up the session. As a photographer, you’re going to quickly learn that changing supplies, as well as studio photography equipment is going to happen frequently throughout your career. Simply welcome these changes, and how they improve your career!
