photography backgrounds

A great photograph often consists of more than just a primary subject. Compelling pictures can be accented by interesting backgrounds and tools that allow the subjects to express themselves. That's where the challenge lies -- finding those perfect accents. Never fear. Many Web sites aim to provide photographers with backgrounds and props for use at home, in a studio or on location. You can find sites that'll provide everything from small snowflakes to a complete Tuscan scene.

Lighting set-up for this shot is as follows. 

1. Main Light – 3×4 Soft-box at f11

2. Fill – 4×6 Silver Reflector

3. Edge Light – Covered with Amber gel at f 5.6 1/2 

4. Background Light – 7″ parabolic reflector with barn doors, covered with purple gel – f8

5. Background Light – 7″ parabolic reflector with barn doors, covered with blue gel – f8 

6. Edge Light – Covered with Blue gel at f 5.6 1/2

When it comes to photography backdrops, nothing is more important than keeping them clean and unwrinkled. Fabric backdrops look great in photographs, as long as they are well maintained. Washing a backdrop is not recommended. Even if it is not a backdrop rental it can significantly degrade the quality and should be avoided. However, sometimes things are just unavoidable; in that case you should try to spot treat the stain with mild soap, a scrub brush, and warm water. If you use bleach or detergent, it can greatly damage the backdrop. If the stain is resistant to spot treatment, you may need to soak the area in warm water and a mild soap solution overnight. Try very hard to get the stain out using this method as a stronger detergent may damage the backdrop. If an area is damaged and the backdrop cannot be replaced, it is possible to shift the spot out of the camera’s view or place objects in front of the stain. Creases and folds are generally unavoidable, especially during shipping. However, there are several ways to solve this problem. If you are not going to be using the backdrop for a few days, simply hang it on the backdrop stand and let the creases work them out. If you cannot wait, then use a hand-held fabric steamer. Do not iron! Ironing your backdrops will create noticeable shiny hotspots in your backdrop and ruin it. If you can ensure that it won’t be stepped on or otherwise destroyed, you can allow your backdrop to lay outstretched on a clean portion of your yard overnight. The natural dew will help remove most of the wrinkles and folds. This is similar to hanging up clothes in the bathroom during a shower to use the steam to work out the creases. However, you would have to have a pretty big bathroom to hang up a backdrop near shower. Like any fabric, theme backdrops will eventually attract dust and hair. To remove dust, simply shake the backdrop. Pet or human hair can be removed using a large lint roller which can be bought for fewer than 10 dollars. These are very effective for cleaning backdrop lint quickly and effectively! Most people think that folding a backdrop the same way it was shipped is a good way to store it. However, it is best to roll it up into a wrinkled ball when storing them. Natural wrinkles actually add texture to the backdrops. You can store it in a large plastic tub to eliminate excessive dust from accumulating on the backdrops. Now that you know how to properly care for your backdrop rentals you can start working on taking great pictures!