Carry an Inexpensive Backdrop
Recently, I was asked how dark colors are created in backgrounds of flower photos.
And, I promised to do a post explaining the simple technique, I use.
Being it's St. Patrick's Day, I'm in a bit of a hurry, to get out of the office.
There are things to do, like get the green tux out of the closet.
So, this will be a relatively short photo tip.
Most artists, would probably choose a different color for a backdrop.
When, I use black, it's usually to get the flower standing out, for identification purposes.
Were I making this image to sell, I'd certainly use a different color in my composition.
This photo shows the scene in the background and, my contraption for changing it.
Mounted to a tripod with giant rubber bands, is a clipboard and black background.
The color of the backdrop, doesn't have to be black. Pink, white or blue, would do, too.
The good part of a clipboard, is you can clip any color you want, to them.
Construction paper would be ideal but, I like to use things that last a bit longer.
The black and white materials, you see, are actually, cheap plastic cutting boards.
One, got donated to me and, I think I paid less than a dollar for the other.
Ideally, another person, to hold your backdrop, would accompany you for the shoot.
Then, you don't have to go rigging up a tripod, to assist you.
A human, can tilt the backdrop forward, back, left or right, to give you the best light.
And, even help stop the wind, from shaking your subject around.
Here's the less-than-a-dollar clipboard, lying naked on the pavement, for you.
When, I bought the thing, I thought it was a nice color. I'd go for blue, next time.
So far, I haven't found any flowers that look good with red as a background.
Some folks, don't think, I look so good in a green tuxedo so, I only wear it once a year.
Now, you know how to shoot flowers with different backgrounds.
There's no sense, in me hanging around after this gets published. So, I'll do beer !
MORE PHOTO TIPS
MORE PHOTO TIPS
