subject: The Photography Background - A Must Have For Any Photographer! [print this page] Among the easiest ways to separate your work from "the crowd" is to concentrate more on your photography background.
Current cameras are so innovative that just about anybody can get a reasonably exposed, in focus shot. Note, I said reasonably exposed and in focus even aided by the superior technology we've got nowadays, we nevertheless need to learn a lttle bit concerning good, old fashioned photography strategies in order to rise above the group at the snapshot level and begin moving into the realm of art.
First up is a method for giving your photography an expert look. Which is accomplished by a pro photography background.
Let's face it, when you have a stunning, white, black or hand painted "Old Masters" style background, you'll instantaneously soar ahead of the snapshot crowd and will shortly turn into the go to shooter in your area.
Once your relatives and friends desire a pleasant photograph, they will think of YOU. (And more, they will stop hiding when they notice you approaching - you KNOW what I mean.)
The best part about using a photography background is that it helps you be in command of what is occurring behind your subject. You will have no more "antlers" protruding out of the head - no more annoying elements like traffic, people and even trash on the ground.
One perceived disadvantage regarding using a photography background is that everybody assumes you must have a huge photo studio along with a bunch of expensive pro lighting to make it work.
This is not true!
With the judicious use of your on camera flash, a few reflectors and possibly even a mirror or mirror finished plastic, it is possible to create the equivalent of a 5 light set!
I've seen it accomplished and on the finished shot, you can't tell it had been all reflectors and mirrors.
By the way, rather than your on camera flash, an identical result can be accomplished via the sunlight as your light source. Hang your backdrop over the limbs of a tree, employ several reflectors and fire away! Your family members will believe it was all done in a studio!
The essentials that should be in any shooter's arsenal are - at the very minimum - a white background, a black one as well as a gray "Old Masters" style.
The white one can be a bed sheet, piece of muslin, canvas or any other white fabric. You should not fold it up or you won't like the results - the white will have a tendency to show wrinkles and creases. At the outset, iron the background and then we roll it onto a cylindar. (Buy some PVC piping at a local "do it yourself" store. Around three or four inches in diameter should do nicely.)
The black photography background can once more be any variety of material, however "Duck Canvas" is my preference. Using black, wrinkles are not as much of an issue, however the backdrop - in fact every one of the backgrounds - ought to be rolled up as well.
With the "Old Masters" type, I like to recommend gray because by hitting it with a colored light source, gray is an easy color to change. Therefore, you may create any color backdrop you fancy.
Try getting a little photography background fabric and shoot one or two photos of a loved one. You'll not regret it!
