The Photography Background – An Important Photography Resource!

Among the simplest methods to separate your photos from “the crowd” would be to focus more on your photography background.

Contemporary cameras are so advanced that just about anyone could get a reasonably exposed, in focus photo. Note, I said reasonably exposed as well as in focus …even with all the superior equipment we have these days, we still have to find out a bit regarding good, old fashioned photography procedures in order to rise above the group in the snapshot level and start moving into the realm of art.

First up is a method for giving your projects an expert appearance. That is done with a pro photography background.

Let’s face it, when you’ve got a gorgeous, white, black or hand painted “Old Masters” style background, you will immediately skip ahead of the snapshot crowd and will quickly become the go to photographer in your area.

As soon as your relatives and friends want a pleasant photo, they will think of YOU. (Plus, they will stop hiding when they notice you approaching – you KNOW what I mean.)

The great part regarding using a photography background is that it helps you be in command of what is going on behind your model. There will be no more “antlers” sticking out of their head – no more distracting elements like traffic, other people or maybe litter on the ground.

One perceived disadvantage to using a photography background is that everyone assumes that you have to use a great big studio and also a bunch of costly professional lighting to make it work.

This isn’t the situation!

With the judicious use of your on camera flash, several reflectors and maybe even a mirror or mirror finished plastic, it is possible to bring about the equivalent of a 5 light set!

I have seen it accomplished and in the finished photo, you cannot tell it was all reflectors and mirrors.

By the way, as opposed to your on camera flash, the identical effect could be accomplished via the sun as the light source. Drape your background from the limbs of a tree, set up some reflectors and fire away! Your friends will assume it was all done in a studio!

The basics that should be in any photographer’s arsenal are – at the very least – a white background, a black one plus a gray “Old Masters” style.

The white one is usually a bed sheet, piece of muslin, canvas or any white material. Do not fold it up or you will not like the outcome – the white will be apt to show wrinkles and creases. To begin with, iron the background and then we roll it on a tube. (Buy some PVC piping at a local DIY store. About 3 or 4 inches in diameter should do nicely.)

The black photography background can yet again be any variety of material, however “Duck Canvas” is my choice. With black, wrinkles are less of an issue, however the background – in fact ALL the backdrops – should be rolled up as well.

With the “Old Masters” design, I recommend gray because by striking it with a colored light source, gray is an easy color to modify. Therefore, you can also make any color background you fancy.

Test acquiring some photography background material and shoot a number of pictures of a loved one. You’ll never regret it!

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