Backdrops
Backdrops: You can buy a stunning array of backdrop material. For most small objects
that we want to shoot and then "outline" (remove the background) I simply
use a #2 gray roll paper available in various widths. Check the local paper merchant
who supplied papers and art supplies to schools and meat wrapping paper to the butcher.
They should have rolls up to 48" wide. You can also buy the same thing from
the photo supply stores... called "backdrop paper" for only about three
times as much.
__ Backdrops should 'curve' to the floor or table top
to eliminate the corner where wall meets floor. (#2
in diagram)
__ For very small objects; watches, coins, toys, food
products, packaging and so forth you don't even need to get that extravagant. Pay
a visit to the local printer with the biggest printing press. Take along a story
about a major catalog project and you'd like some sample press sheets in 80 to 100lb.
Vellum or Text weights. Hopefully they have numerous selections on the floor at 26
x 40 size. These work fine, and come in lots of flavors. (See "Williamsburg" shoot story in a future issue.)
__ Make sure you get a #2 gray. What's a #2 gray? Looks
sort of like 20% gray screen. You'll want that for anything you plan to shoot on
"white". A light gray is best so that you can expose correctly for the
object and avoid "flare" into the object caused by pure white.
__ You'll see that slightly 'over' exposed shots drive
deeper into the shadow detail of the object and will help the overall gamma of the
scan later. All colors also 'read' better against gray. (So the pros say.) In most
of our photography where you 'think' you see white, you're actually seeing a #2 gray
that's been blown away to white. (Don't miss Dennis Curtin's piece on backdrops!)
__ Give a call out to Baltimore Display and ask for
a catalog. (301 - 685 - 3393). They offer an array of (screen printed) graduated
backdrops that are wonderful. Black to white, colors to white, colors to black, etc.
You can also get these at the commercial art supplies stores or Photography supply
houses but they're pretty uppedy these days and will charge a little more. Letraset/Pantone
makes the same thing for about four-times as much. You could always make your own
with a can of spray paint, but I don't recommend it. (Better get two cans.) These
are fantastic for simulating the photo setups in large studios where the foreground
of the object is lighted dropping off to solid black. (Called "limbo")
You'd need a studio 50-feet deep to achieve the same effect without the graduated
backdrop.
Okay... now let's build
the studio.
Introduction Diffusers & Reflectors Lighting & Snoots Building the Backdrop Holder Backdrops Okay... now we're ready to shoot. ... or please continue
