Using the back of a backdrop

soupman · #1 (**permalink**) 08-25-2008, 06:43 AM

I recently purchased a backdrop of a fall scene. Since it is 20 feet long, I threw the extra length over the support rod and thought the back of the backdrop looked interesting. Here is a portrait I took with it. I need to look at the rest of by backdrops now. I am a pretty linear thinker and tend to use things exactly as intended. Since this option did not jump out at me I thought that maybe there are others out there looking for new ideas with old things.

C&C appreciated (portrait and backdrop)

Arbib · #2 (**permalink**) 08-25-2008, 03:29 PM

I like it..
Looks like leather. It has nice mix of patterns.
If you can move the BD to be 6-8 behind the person, and use a large f/stop (f/2.8 or f/4 with a longer FL), it should be nicely OOF..Another option to consider.

Hey, you can Paint your own too...Muslin is about $5-$12 a running yard, depending on the shot side dimensions.

soupman · #3 (**permalink**) 08-26-2008, 06:26 AM

The adjusted photo came out wrong on my monitor. I appreciate your perspective on this shot...but I prefer the original. The contrast and brightness are a little too much for me.

What do others think?

soupman · #4 (**permalink**) 08-26-2008, 06:31 AM

I agree, it would be nice to control the DOF a little more. I have been doing this in post processing but it is not as nice as doing it in the camera.

The problem I have is I am in a basement room and have little room to move around. I feel lucky to get three feet in front of the BD. Also, I am still experimenting with the lighting and exposure to get the DOF without making the subject too dark. I will take more practice. Thankfully, my wife is patient and lets me photograph her every week or so.

On the other side, the rough textures of the backdrop look nice. On some backdrops I don't like the texture...but the bricklike qualities of this one I do.

Thanks for the comments.

Stecyk · #5 (**permalink**) 08-26-2008, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soupman

The adjusted photo came out wrong on my monitor. I appreciate your perspective on this shot...but I prefer the original. The contrast and brightness are a little too much for me.

What do others think?

Yeah, it would have been much better to have worked with an original rather than a reprocessed image. I'll take it down.