Setting Up the Perfect Shot: Backgrounds
To end up with great listing photos, you have to start by taking some time to set up your photo shooting area. There are two main things to address in this set up time: background and lighting. Today we will focus on backgrounds.
Backgrounds
The background of your photos needs to be uncluttered. There should be nothing to distract from the object you are photographing. It should also be a contrasting color to the object to make your item stand out even more. The most widely used colors for backgrounds are white and black, although other colors may certainly be used effectively. Here are some great choices for you to consider:
Poster board
Poster board can be found everywhere…even the grocery store. It is inexpensive and comes in many sizes and colors. To photograph a large object, two or more pieces can be placed side by side. It is easy to store flat or rolled up when not in use.
Foam Core Display Board
Foam Core Detail
Foam Core Board can be purchased at office supply stores. Foam Core is a little more expensive than poster board but will probably last longer. It is available in many sizes and colors. Flat sheets as well as display boards are good choices for photography backgrounds. A display board can be closed for storage. Since foam core boards are rigid, you need to consider where you might store one when you aren’t using it. (I slide mine behind our piano.)
Seagrass Mats
Seagrass mats as well as bamboo mats are another option to consider as photography backgrounds. These can be purchased very inexpensively in discount stores and even some dollar stores. Many colors and textures of objects show nicely on this background, and it is especially effective when photographing something red. Storage is a breeze…just roll it up!
There are many more possibilities for backgrounds. Many different types of fabrics work well. If you have one you use and like, please share it with us!
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I have two tablecloths that I use. One is dark navy blue and the other one is off white. I tried black and white, but the starkness seemed to be an issue with really dark colors or really bright colors. These to slightly “off” colors allow me a lot more freedom to get good shots it seems! The foam core board saved my life though–it was one of HCTS’ first pay offs for me. If you look at my really old photos, you see pics taken on a green fleece blanket and a lavender crocheted one! *embarassed*
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I ususally use a white background folding cardboard thing from a craft shop with a piece of white posterboard as a floor. That’s for stuff like toys and shoes, etc. for clothing I will use anything from the back of a bedspread, to a sheet to a towel. Just depends on what I have handy and what kind of look I want. So far, not too bad.
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I am always swiping a piece of DH’s foam core or mat board when I need white backgrounds. For black backgrounds I use cloth, (mostly for toys) and I also have a dark grey and lighter grayish color I use for some things like jewelry or glass items.
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