backgrounds

Purrela · 12-01-2008, 18:06

When photographing still life photo's what backgrounds do you use so as not to detract from the photo? Or do you edit later.

**stepheno** · 12-01-2008, 19:33

Usually a backcloth of an appropriate colour. If a cloth is not true black it sometimes comes out dark brown so I might colour fill that afterwards.

silkstone · 12-01-2008, 19:40

You might also consider getting a light tent which are available in all sizes and prices ranges. Some of the cheaper ones cost less than £15 / $30.

A light tent lets you illuminate the subject through the tent walls, which diffuses the light and reduces shadows, and you can have whatever you like as the rear wall. Obviously you can use several lamps or strobes to get the effect you want.

Whipspeed · 13-01-2008, 10:26

I've done both, but prefer placing objects on a natural background rather than cutting from a blank background and adding to a fake. Again, for plain, I use a light tent.

**Markulous** · 13-01-2008, 12:45

Various BGs I've used (don't think I've ever PS'd in later)
Black cloth
White sheet
White paper
Lit (desk lamp) painted brick wall

But if I was going to do anything professionally think I'd get a light tent (for control and consistency, as much as anything)

Les Meehan · 13-01-2008, 22:34

I've been a professional photographer for over 25 years, most of that time doing studio work, and I have never owned a light tent. I hope this tells you something!

j sotelo · 13-01-2008, 22:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Markulous

But if I was going to do anything professionally think I'd get a light tent (for control and consistency, as much as anything)

Now a days most still Photography is done with a tent theres people that have the ability to photograph without one due to the time theythe have been doing it and their expertise, but theres others like myself that have a year or two that still need a little help

, I've seen some really good tents in ebay like this one NEW 20" PHOTO SHOOTING LIGHT TENT SOFTBOX - eBay (item 180204093889 end time Jan-13-08 15:32:55 PST) this auction is about to end but its just so you get the idea.
hope it helps.

Dave Canon · 14-01-2008, 17:05

I usually use either a large sheet of Black card or white card and, if necessary, change the colour or add tecture in PS. I occassionally use coloured material to provide texture for a few subjects. I have only used a light tent to photograph silver.

Dave

Willow5075 · 15-01-2008, 11:29

Only a beginner but I bought large cardboard in black, white, burgundy and red. It's start ...

12-01-2008, 18:06	#1 (permalink)
Purrela New here Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Johannesburg South Africa Posts: 30	backgrounds When photographing still life photo's what backgrounds do you use so as not to detract from the photo? Or do you edit later.

12-01-2008, 19:33	#2 (permalink)
stepheno Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 6,771	Re: backgrounds Usually a backcloth of an appropriate colour. If a cloth is not true black it sometimes comes out dark brown so I might colour fill that afterwards.

12-01-2008, 19:40	#3 (permalink)
silkstone Feet under the table Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Silkstone Common, Yorkshire, UK Posts: 3,643	Re: backgrounds You might also consider getting a light tent which are available in all sizes and prices ranges. Some of the cheaper ones cost less than £15 / $30. A light tent lets you illuminate the subject through the tent walls, which diffuses the light and reduces shadows, and you can have whatever you like as the rear wall. Obviously you can use several lamps or strobes to get the effect you want.

13-01-2008, 10:26	#4 (permalink)
Whipspeed Forum Regular Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Northamptonshire Posts: 1,393	Re: backgrounds I've done both, but prefer placing objects on a natural background rather than cutting from a blank background and adding to a fake. Again, for plain, I use a light tent.

13-01-2008, 12:45	#5 (permalink)
Markulous Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Peak District Posts: 9,947	Re: backgrounds Various BGs I've used (don't think I've ever PS'd in later) Black cloth White sheet White paper Lit (desk lamp) painted brick wall But if I was going to do anything professionally think I'd get a light tent (for control and consistency, as much as anything)

13-01-2008, 22:34	#6 (permalink)
Les Meehan Forum Regular Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: I conduct workshops in Andalucia, Spain Posts: 782	Re: backgrounds I've been a professional photographer for over 25 years, most of that time doing studio work, and I have never owned a light tent. I hope this tells you something!

14-01-2008, 17:05	#8 (permalink)
Dave Canon Forum Regular Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Cheltenham Posts: 527	Re: backgrounds I usually use either a large sheet of Black card or white card and, if necessary, change the colour or add tecture in PS. I occassionally use coloured material to provide texture for a few subjects. I have only used a light tent to photograph silver. Dave

15-01-2008, 11:29	#9 (permalink)
Willow5075 Been here a while Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Adelaide, South Australia- best place in the world Posts: 435	Re: backgrounds Only a beginner but I bought large cardboard in black, white, burgundy and red. It's start ...

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