| We all know (er, well, we all should know)
how a different background (also called a backdrop) can completely
change the look, feel, tone, and atmosphere of a shot. That's
why there are backgrounds! Hey, this isn't the forum for a photography
lesson, but just as a "quckie" (no, not THAT kind of
a quickie ;-) to give you an idea, look at the pictures below;
both are the same girl. Only one has a blue background, and the
other has a green background. Look at her eyes. See? If you want
to improve your pictures and videos, you might consider using
different backgrounds in your photographic endeavors. If you
choose to try this, you'll need something to hold the backdrops:
ergo, background stands and systems! See
my auctions for backgrounds and background support sets. |
| Yeah,
yeah, I can hear the purists already complaining about the lighting
differences, but I ain't trying to make art here, nor is it a
"lesson" but just an imperfect example, so keep quiet
and make your own pictures; if you've got a better example, send
it in (I'll use it!), OK? If not, then consider one of the great
background packages and make better photographs! |
|
| By
the way, I have some great new backgrounds that just arrived,
and they'll all be available in my eBay auctions shortly! If
you'd like to be notified of new arrivals and of the eBay auctions
coming up, subscribe to my mailing list. The form to subscribe
is here. |
|
Pet Peeve2: BTW, unlike some other sellers I've
run across, all my merchandise is in stock for immediate
shipment! |
|
Check out all my wonderful
eBay auctions! |
|
Some descriptions of the most popular Muslin backgrounds |
Ah, most appreciated visitor, one of the "secrets"
of pro photographers is the judicious use of backgrounds (also
called backdrops). By placing our subjects (regardless of whether
they're people or products) in front of a wisely-chosen backdrop,
we emphasize and highlight the subjects in the most attractive
and eye-catching ways. Virtually all great pictures are designed
with attention to the background, and how that chosen background
will make our victims (um, our "subjects," that is:)
look better, stand out, or attract the viewers attention to (place
the emphasis upon) our subjects.
One of the secrets of good photography
is the thought the photographer puts into a picture before
s/he even considers what type of film to use! The point here
is that we have to train ourselves to think before we
shoot! What color is our subject? How can we make that color
(or shade) stand out? What do we want to emphasize in our picture?
How will we direct our viewers' eye to our subject? How will
we separate our main subject from any other elements in our photograph?
Which angle should we shoot? Is it important to establish place
in this photograph (i.e., is it important for the viewer to know
where our subject is? Or do we want to hide the location)? THINK
before you shoot! MAKE a photograph - don't "take"
a snapshot! Learn to "design" your picture before
you pick up your camera! I promise you that a good photograph
doesn't require the genius of an Einstein - it just takes a little
thought and preparation! You don't have to study photography
for years, just train yourself to think before you shoot! Don't
try to plan out 100 images all at once; think about one or two,
and then use 10 rolls of film on just those two ideas. Think
outside the box! Take a look at one Pulitzer
Prize-winning photograph for an example. Shoot at different
angles; shoot from different heights; shoot with different lighting
angles; shoot with color film; shoot with black and white film;
think, then shoot! Below: Some common muslins. |
| 6' 8" x 9' Raw muslin
- This is a great starter background
for those of us who are just begining to realize the importance
of backdrops to good photography. At a relatively low price (often
found for under $30.00), you can buy several; keep one raw, then
paint or dye the others to have a great selection! Raw muslin
is a lovely cream color, and has been used in its raw state as
a favorite of photographers for years. Also, you can easily dye
and/or paint raw muslin to create beautiful custom backgrounds
that sell for up to $450.00! What IS a "Muslin?" Muslin
is a type of cotton material that is light weight, washable,
easily draped, stretched, folded, or rolled (the best muslins
are 100% pure cotton). It's easy to paint and dye, and relatively
inexpensive. But if your budget won't stretch to buy muslins,
just use a bed sheet (either white, or one of the many other
solid colors; prints and designs are usually too "busy"
for use as a backdrop; iron it first, so all the wrinkles are
gone), or a plain wall, or buy some cheap material at a local
fabric store. Set your victim at least 4-6 feet in front of your
background (whatever it may be), and place your background strobe
behind your subject (hidden from the camera's view). We use a
background light to eliminate any possible shadows (from our
subjects, usually) and to provide depth and separation between
the subject and background. |
| Some of the most commonly-available muslin sizes
and colors: |
| 9 x 12 Raw
muslin |
10
x 12 Raw muslin |
10
x 15 Raw muslin |
| Pure White gives
us the ability to get those great images with a solid white background.
Additionally, it allows us to change the color of our backgrounds
simply by using a color filter over our backlight strobe; see how here. |
| 9 x 12 Pure white muslin |
9 x 15 Pure white muslin |
10 x 15 Pure white
muslin |
| 10 x 12 Photographer's18%
gray muslin - That's right, folks!
A perfect 18% gray! Unique and wonderful for setting your exposure,
or just as a middle gray background! |
| Jet
Black - For that "drop
dead black" we all love so much. |
10 x 12 Jet Black muslin |
10 x 15 Jet Black
muslin |
| Sky Blue -
Perfect for subjects with blue eyes
(see above for an example) and for any subject
with blue clothing or coloring. |
10 x 15 Sky Blue muslin |
10 x 12 Sky Blue muslin |
| Note:
If you order a background with a loop sewn along one edge (so
you can run a crossbar through the loop to hang the muslin from
a background support set), the thread color might be different
than the color of the muslin. This won't cause any problems,
because we never show the top edge of a background in our pictures
anyway. |
|
DON'T miss it! MANY more NEW backgrounds just in: Muslins
Contents Page |
| If you skipped the "Pulitzer" link
above, learn how to "think outside
the box." |
