FiveOClockNews.net

Jump to Comments

Among the easiest methods to separate your photography from “the crowd” would be to concentrate more on your photography background.

Contemporary cameras are so sophisticated that nearly everyone will get a reasonably exposed, in focus shot. Observe, I said reasonably exposed and in focus …even with the superior technology we’ve got nowadays, we still have to find out a bit concerning good, old fashioned photography tactics so that you can rise above the group in the snapshot level and start moving into the realm of fine art.

First up is a technique for giving your work a pro appearance. That’s accomplished by a professional photography background.

Let’s face it, for those who have a beautiful, white, black or hand painted “Old Masters” type background, you’ll immediately jump ahead of the snapshot crowd and can rapidly turn into the go to photographer in the area.

As soon as your friends and relatives would like a nice photo, they’ll think of YOU. (And also, they’ll stop hiding if they notice you approaching – you understand what I mean.)

The best part regarding using a photography background is that it helps you be in charge of what is occurring to the rear of your model. You will see no more “horns” protruding out of the head – no more distracting elements like cars, people or even just garbage on the ground.

One perceived downside to using a photography background is that everyone assumes it’s essential to use a great big studio as well as a bunch of pricey pro lighting to make it work.

This is not true!

Aided by the astute use of your on camera flash, a few reflectors and possibly even a mirror or mirror finished plastic, it is possible to generate the equivalent of a 5 light set!

I have seen it accomplished and in the completed shot, you cannot tell it was all reflectors and mirrors.

By the way, instead of your on camera flash, the same result could be accomplished by means of the sun as your light source. Suspend your background from the branches of a tree, employ a number of reflectors and shoot away! Your friends will assume it was all done in a studio!

The fundamentals that ought to be in any shooter’s collection are – at the very minimum – a white background, a black one and a gray “Old Masters” type.

The white one generally is a bed sheet, piece of muslin, canvas or another white fabric. Don’t fold it up or you will not like the results – the white will be apt to show wrinkles and creases. First, iron the background after which you can roll it on a cylindar. (Purchase a little PVC piping at a nearby “do it yourself” store. Around 3 or 4 inches in diameter should work nicely.)

The black photography background can yet again be any style of fabric, but “Duck Canvas” is my choice. Using black, wrinkles are less of a concern, however the background – actually ALL your backdrops – should be rolled up as well.

For your “Old Masters” type, I like to recommend gray because by hitting it with a colored light source, gray is a simple color to change. Using this method, you can create any color background you desire.

Test acquiring a little photography background fabric and shoot a handful of photos of a loved one. You’ll not look back!