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DPChallenge Forums >> Tips, Tricks, and Q&A >> studio techniques, seamless backgrounds
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 07/16/2004 01:22:52 PM · #1
Anyone have any tips for getting seamless backgrounds in still life pictures? For example, my choices shot could've used a better background.



What if I'd wanted a version with no shadows, just on a totally white background? I gather that if I had some white plexiglass, maybe lit from below, plus really balanced ambient lighting above, maybe that would do the trick?

And even more importantly, how do people achieve such jet-black backgrounds? Every time I try, the light on my subject reveals the texture on a black-sheet, or there's a big grey gradient or whatever.

Anyone have any tips on how to make a monochromatic background really seamless and striking, like we see in all the top shots?

Thanks so much!

-Will

P.S. Feel free to point me at other threads. I must not be searching for the right terms, because I have to think this was discussed at length previously.
07/16/2004 01:28:42 PM · #2
the white is easy, just get enough lights on the paper for no shadows, and sometimes even meter off of the subject your shooting. Id too like to know how to get jet black backgrounds.
 07/16/2004 01:37:30 PM · #3
I picked up a roll of black velvet form a local upolstrey outlet, about 4 feet wide by 6 feet long for about $15. As long as you keep the wrinkles to a minimum and keep lights off it, it stays pretty inky dark. Easiest to get good contrast if you can get the subject set up a goodly distance in front of the backround and compress the apparent distance with a longer lens.


Message edited by author 2004-07-16 13:40:38.
 07/16/2004 02:04:48 PM · #4
Will
Seamless paper comes in rolls, you can get them at larger photo equipment dealers. You meter the subject and set the camera on manual, or use studio strobes. These are examples of white and black backgrounds. The third one is using white plexiglass with lighting below and above subject.


07/16/2004 03:13:27 PM · #5
Jim, what kind of lights did you use to get that white background, its exactly what I am shooting for (no pun intended). Right now I am using only 75 watt light bulbs and am getting these results. I am thinking that stronger lights will help?

Thanks,
Ryan
 07/16/2004 04:24:15 PM · #6
Originally posted by ryanf:
Jim, what kind of lights did you use to get that white background, its exactly what I am shooting for (no pun intended). Right now I am using only 75 watt light bulbs and am getting these results. I am thinking that stronger lights will help?

Thanks,
Ryan


Doubt it - remember that lights have a color cast to them - and you are looking for 5000k color it appears. A brighter white will give you a shorter exposure but probably will not remove any color cast.

The easiest may be to use your editing software to select the background as the "white" eyedropper. That will change the b/g very nicely.

Message edited by author 2004-07-16 16:25:16.
 07/16/2004 04:46:20 PM · #7
Velvet, as said before, is the only really good way to get



this kind of solid black background. But the important bit is next: use levels or curves to set black in your image to the lightest value of background you can find in the image.

E
 07/16/2004 05:15:56 PM · #8
Ryan
For small objects I use a fluorescence desk lamp, very close. For larger objects I use studio strobes bounced into or thru umbrellas.
 07/16/2004 06:07:14 PM · #9
For white backgrounds make sure the background is 2 stops brighter than your subject. It doesn't matter how you create the difference. Use your camera's spot meter to see the difference.
For dark backgrounds block all light from reaching it.

I used 2 pieces of cardboard in the set up to block light from the back and top and one to keep light from hitting the lens. Used a velvet background because the pine cones were resting on a book under the cloth to get them higher but technically you could use about anything as long as no light reaches it.
 07/16/2004 06:31:08 PM · #10
Backgrounds lighter than the subject should be illuminated with their own light(s).
Also the subject can be backlighted to improve contrast with respect to the background.
Take a hint from TV studio lighting, use three types of lights: Fill light; Key light; and Backlight.
But all that said, not everyone has access to a studio, so improvise as best you can, keeping in mind those basic principles.
 07/17/2004 04:36:21 AM · #11
Try the bath!!
 01/14/2005 08:07:01 PM · #12
I use a chair, a large drape of cloth, a desk lamp, and a mirror.

I drape the cloth over the back of the chair, point the lamp where I want the light, and use the mirror to reflect light back to the subject.
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