Art-ology

Among the simplest methods to separate your work from “the crowd” is to concentrate more on your photography background.

Modern cameras are so sophisticated that almost everybody will get a reasonably exposed, in focus shot. Notice, I said reasonably exposed as well as in focus …even considering the superior technology we have now, we still have to understand a bit about good, old fashioned photography tactics so as to rise above the group at the “grabbed shot” level and begin to move into the realm of fine art.

First up is a technique for giving your photos an expert look. That’s accomplished by a pro photography background.

Let’s face it, when you’ve got a beautiful, white, black or hand painted “Old Masters” type backdrop, you’ll immediately skip ahead of the “grabbed shot” crowd and can quickly develop into the go to shooter in your area.

Once your friends and family desire a nice photo, they’re going to think of YOU. (And, they’re going to stop hiding if they notice you approaching – you understand what I mean.)

The great part re using a photography background is that it helps you have power over what is occurring to the rear of your model. You will have no more “antlers” protruding out of their head – no more annoying elements like traffic, people or maybe trash on the ground.

One perceived downside to using a photography background is that everyone assumes you must use a great big studio as well as a bunch of costly pro lighting to make it work.

This is not true!

With the careful use of your on camera flash, several reflectors and possibly even a mirror or mirror finished plastic, it is possible to produce the equivalent of a five light set!

I have seen it done and on the completed shot, you can’t tell it was all reflectors and mirrors.

By the way, rather than your on camera flash, the identical result could be done using the sun as your light source. Hang your backdrop over the limbs of a tree, set up a couple of reflectors and fire away! Your pals will assume it was all done in a studio!

The fundamentals that ought to be in every photographer’s collection are – at the very minimum – a white backdrop, a black one plus a gray “Old Masters” style.

The white one could be a bed sheet, piece of muslin, canvas or some other white material. Do not fold it up or you won’t like the outcome – the white will be inclined to show wrinkles and creases. To start with, iron the backdrop and then we roll it on a cylindar. (Buy some PVC piping at a local DIY store. Something like 3 or 4 inches in diameter should do nicely.)

The black photography background can yet again be any sort of material, however “Duck Canvas” is my favorite. With black, wrinkles are not as much of an issue, however the backdrop – in fact ALL your backdrops – need to be rolled up as well.

To make the “Old Masters” variety, I recommend gray since by hitting it with a colored light source, gray is a simple color to alter. Therefore, you can also make any color background you choose.

Try acquiring some photography background material and shoot a variety images of a loved one. You will never look back!