connie
Alumni
Hi again
Here is day 2 of the Photography workshop. I'm posting this a bit early as I'm going to be out of the house for the rest of the morning. Feel free to post any questions and I'll answer them this afternoon when I get back.
Today’s topic is setting up a studio. The first thing you should know is that you don’t need fancy studio to take good pictures. All you need is a blank wall or backdrop and some sort of lighting. I’m not rich and, living in small condo in the big city, I’ve become an expert on making do with what you’ve got. My studio is in an 11’x 11’ extra room. In this room I have two large sets of shelves to put my artwork and supplies. A work table and chair for doing my art. A large table and chair for my computer. A low set of bookshelves where my printer sits. A taboret, filing cabinet, mannequin and shipping supplies as well as plants, trash cans, etc. I keep my vintage clothes in the closet. In the middle of all this, I manage to take 99% of my pictures. Lest you don’t believe me, here are a few of shots of my space...
<img src=http://www.cosmiccatvintage.com/studio1.jpg>
<img src=http://www.cosmiccatvintage.com/studio2.jpg>
<img src=http://www.cosmiccatvintage.com/studio3.jpg>
<img src=http://www.cosmiccatvintage.com/studio4.jpg>
I clip my backdrop on the shelves with the vampire piñata on top. You can see the clothes pins there. It can be done:
<img src=http://www.cosmiccatvintage.com/web-data/Components/dresses/E606039.jpg>
If you have a nice big blank wall, in a neutral color by all means, take advantage of it. You’ll have to be able to get at least 5 feet away from your subject though or a bit farther if you are shooting full length dresses. VFG member Denisebrain takes all here pictures this way and gets excellent results:
<img src=http://www.cosmiccatvintage.com/web-data/Components/photoworkshop/day2wallbg1.jpg>
This was a particularly tricky shot as she was shooting a black item on a white background but she did a really good job with it.
If you don’t have blank wall space, I problem I know all too well, then a backdrop is your best solution. You’ll probably want two, one in a neutal, medium grey or beige and one in black. I “personally” prefer black for backdrops. Black is a dark color and fades into the background naturally, letting the colors of you clothing pop out. Just like the old advice on wearing black on the parts of your body that you’d rather people overlook.
This is especially true online. The thing to remember is that a computer screen isn’t like printed color. It is actually being lit from behind and projecting out at you. White, being the lightest of the colors will project out the strongest. Your eyes are very sensitive and will adjust to the bright light and your pupils will close a bit. This will make seeing the details of darker objects harder. All this being said, I’ve seen people do excellent work photographing on a white backgrounds. It just takes a little practice and knowhow. VFG member Contentmentfarmantiques (www.contentmentfarmantiques.com)does a beautiful job photographing her work. Here is an example of boots on a white background that is very nice:
<img src=http://www.cosmiccatvintage.com/web-data/Components/photoworkshop/day2whitebg1.jpg>
Notice how in this photo the white of the background isn't stark white but looks soft grey. She also does a nice job with lighting. You can see both the light side and the details in the shadows. I'll get into that more later today when I talk about lighting.
You can buy professional backdrops if you have the money. They are made out if either paper or fabric. If you have the space you can get large rolls of backdrop paper. They do get scuffed up though over time and might not last as long as fabric backdrops.
Professional fabric backdrops are generally a mottled background on cotton. The mottled design helps hide wrinkles and is softly out of focus so your attention should stay on your subject. They should be washable - very convenient. The downside of professional backdrops is the cost.
If you don’t have the money, you can do what I did and go to your local fabric store. If they have a section of already cut pieces then your in luck. You can generally get good fabric this way at a discount. I bought two pieces of a slinky jersy-ish polyester. I chose poly so I can wash it easily and it doesn’t wrinkle too much when I keep it folded.
Another option is old curtains from your local thrift store. Get them in a heavy fabric and neutral color and you're set. I’d stay away from old sheets. They aren’t bad but tend to look lightweight and wrinkled. Heavier fabric will generally hang better.
I have a lot more coming this afternoon. The focus will be on lighting so stay tuned...
Connie
Here is day 2 of the Photography workshop. I'm posting this a bit early as I'm going to be out of the house for the rest of the morning. Feel free to post any questions and I'll answer them this afternoon when I get back.
Today’s topic is setting up a studio. The first thing you should know is that you don’t need fancy studio to take good pictures. All you need is a blank wall or backdrop and some sort of lighting. I’m not rich and, living in small condo in the big city, I’ve become an expert on making do with what you’ve got. My studio is in an 11’x 11’ extra room. In this room I have two large sets of shelves to put my artwork and supplies. A work table and chair for doing my art. A large table and chair for my computer. A low set of bookshelves where my printer sits. A taboret, filing cabinet, mannequin and shipping supplies as well as plants, trash cans, etc. I keep my vintage clothes in the closet. In the middle of all this, I manage to take 99% of my pictures. Lest you don’t believe me, here are a few of shots of my space...
<img src=http://www.cosmiccatvintage.com/studio1.jpg>
<img src=http://www.cosmiccatvintage.com/studio2.jpg>
<img src=http://www.cosmiccatvintage.com/studio3.jpg>
<img src=http://www.cosmiccatvintage.com/studio4.jpg>
I clip my backdrop on the shelves with the vampire piñata on top. You can see the clothes pins there. It can be done:
<img src=http://www.cosmiccatvintage.com/web-data/Components/dresses/E606039.jpg>
If you have a nice big blank wall, in a neutral color by all means, take advantage of it. You’ll have to be able to get at least 5 feet away from your subject though or a bit farther if you are shooting full length dresses. VFG member Denisebrain takes all here pictures this way and gets excellent results:
<img src=http://www.cosmiccatvintage.com/web-data/Components/photoworkshop/day2wallbg1.jpg>
This was a particularly tricky shot as she was shooting a black item on a white background but she did a really good job with it.
If you don’t have blank wall space, I problem I know all too well, then a backdrop is your best solution. You’ll probably want two, one in a neutal, medium grey or beige and one in black. I “personally” prefer black for backdrops. Black is a dark color and fades into the background naturally, letting the colors of you clothing pop out. Just like the old advice on wearing black on the parts of your body that you’d rather people overlook.
This is especially true online. The thing to remember is that a computer screen isn’t like printed color. It is actually being lit from behind and projecting out at you. White, being the lightest of the colors will project out the strongest. Your eyes are very sensitive and will adjust to the bright light and your pupils will close a bit. This will make seeing the details of darker objects harder. All this being said, I’ve seen people do excellent work photographing on a white backgrounds. It just takes a little practice and knowhow. VFG member Contentmentfarmantiques (www.contentmentfarmantiques.com)does a beautiful job photographing her work. Here is an example of boots on a white background that is very nice:
<img src=http://www.cosmiccatvintage.com/web-data/Components/photoworkshop/day2whitebg1.jpg>
Notice how in this photo the white of the background isn't stark white but looks soft grey. She also does a nice job with lighting. You can see both the light side and the details in the shadows. I'll get into that more later today when I talk about lighting.
You can buy professional backdrops if you have the money. They are made out if either paper or fabric. If you have the space you can get large rolls of backdrop paper. They do get scuffed up though over time and might not last as long as fabric backdrops.
Professional fabric backdrops are generally a mottled background on cotton. The mottled design helps hide wrinkles and is softly out of focus so your attention should stay on your subject. They should be washable - very convenient. The downside of professional backdrops is the cost.
If you don’t have the money, you can do what I did and go to your local fabric store. If they have a section of already cut pieces then your in luck. You can generally get good fabric this way at a discount. I bought two pieces of a slinky jersy-ish polyester. I chose poly so I can wash it easily and it doesn’t wrinkle too much when I keep it folded.
Another option is old curtains from your local thrift store. Get them in a heavy fabric and neutral color and you're set. I’d stay away from old sheets. They aren’t bad but tend to look lightweight and wrinkled. Heavier fabric will generally hang better.
I have a lot more coming this afternoon. The focus will be on lighting so stay tuned...
Connie