subject: Nude And Erotic Photography: How To Use Backdrops Effectively [print this page] Nude And Erotic Photography: How To Use Backdrops Effectively
The use of a "backdrop" is common in many styles of photography. From the local photographer who snapped your first-grade picture, to the "superstar" photographer who shot the latest cover of Vogue, it's almost certain that they both used some sort of hanging backdrop in their pictures.
Within photography, a backdrop is most simply defined as a piece of material that is hung behind the main subject. As I mentioned, your first introduction to a hanging backdrop was probably when you had your elementary school pictures taken. A backdrop works well in that situation because it gives a consistent look to all the various student's pictures. Also, it covers any background clutter that may take away emphasis from the main subject.
The most common types of backdrops used by photographers today are either made of paper or a cotton material called muslin. Paper backdrops are usually packaged on rolls for easy storage. While the widths of these rolls vary, the lengths are typically quite long. This allows the backdrop to cover a large amount of space without using more than one piece. For this reason, they are often referred to as "seamless backdrops" (or simply, "seamless"). Paper backdrops are available in a wide array of colors.
Muslin backdrops usually come as large sheets (not rolls). They can be found in many different sizes (typical sizes are 8' x 8', 10' x 12', and 10' x 24'). Not only are muslin backdrops available in many different colors, they are also available in many different textures and patterns (resembling granite, marble, etc.). In theory, these finishes have the potential to give added "depth" to photographs in a way that plain paper will not.
One of the prime advantages of a seamless backdrop is that it gives the photographer the ability to create a virtually undetectable transition between the backdrop and the floor. This is done by extending the backdrop vertically until it reaches the horizontal surface (where the model will be positioned) and then gently curving it and extending it out to cover the floor as well. When viewed from the side, the backdrop will look like a slightly rounded "L" shape. This technique can be used in a variety of interesting ways. Since there is no detectable "background", emphasis on the subject becomes more pronounced. This technique is commonly used in fashion photography.
Whether the background is made of cloth or paper, you're going to have to hang it from somewhere. You can, of course, try taping it to a wall. This is the easiest way to do it (as long as the tape is strong enough). Small nails can also work well. However, If you find yourself using backdrops often, there will probably be times when you will want to use it in places other than against a wall. If this becomes the case, I suggest that you invest in equipment that is made specifically for the job. The least expensive way is with two vertical stands and a horizontal pole resting between them. A slightly more expensive (but far steadier) way to do it is with two telescoping poles that fit snugly between your floor and ceiling with a crossbar between them that provides the horizontal span from which to hang the backdrop. With seamless paper, the crossbar would go inside the tube (just as you would hang a roll of paper towels). When using cloth backdrops, simply use small clamps to attach the material to the crossbar.
Okay, enough about the "nuts and bolts" of backdrops. The important question is, "Are backdrops important for shooting nude and erotic images?". For many of you, the answer is, "Not very." However, for some of you, there will be times when they will be useful. Within my specialty of nude and erotic photography, I typically use backdrops in two situations. The first is when I'm shooting a potential magazine cover. The second is when I'm attempting to capture a strong "artistic" feel in an image. I discuss this topic in more detail in my ebook, Money Shots (http://moneyshotsbook.com).
Keep in mind, however, that it's very difficult to shoot a model in this way without having the result be boring, amateurish, or simply not appealing due to a variety of reasons. Because there is nothing to distract the viewer from the model in this type of image, everything must be "spot on" concerning the photograph. That means that the lighting has to be done well, the styling has to be done well, the makeup and hair have to be done well, and the composition has to be done well. Though it may seem counterintuitive, it often takes more creativity to successfully execute a simple picture than a more complicated one.
It's also possible to create very sexy pictures of Asian women by taking the classic stereotype and turning it around. In other words, because photographs so often portray the Asian girl as quiet and submissive, it can be very interesting to photograph them in a way that makes them appear dominant and in control. As with any artistic endeavor, feel free to use all of your creative powers.
