Need help with photgraphy

[Former_Member]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone was willing to share the secret to getting the white background in photos?

What is the secret to these beautiful and sexy pics?

Is it professional backdrop or something simple like a sheet?

I'd love to hear what experiences others have had with getting the perfect shot.

Many thanks,

Johanna

[Former_Member]

photography!!

[Former_Member]

You have nice pics in your store, better than mine at any rate.

[Former_Member]

Thanks, but I feel there should be some consistency.

I like that you have a model to display your items. :-)

[MountnGirlEssentials]

Put your item on a white background, and then if you have photoshop - use the Dodge tool to take out the color in your white to make it even brighter.

[Former_Member]

Thank you mountaingirlsoap, I'll try photoshop.

[Former_Member]

What about picture that require black background ? photoshop as well ?

[MountnGirlEssentials]

Yes! Photoshop is so cool. Awesome powerful. For a black background you wouldn't use the dodge tool, though. If I wanted black, I would photograph on a green screen (if you have one) or just a plain colored sheet,use magic wand tool to select the item, inverse the selection and delete it, create a new layer and use the paint bucket to fill in black. It is actually pretty easy to do.

[Former_Member]

You can either digitally add the white (or other color choice background) or you can shoot in a 'light tent'. I actually use a light tent that I built similar to this one at this link. Hopefully this helps you out!

http://www.digital-photography-school.com/how-to-make-a-inexpensive-light-tent

[GrowingUpWild]

I love that light tent idea! I am definitely going to try making on of those!

[GrowingUpWild]

Mountaingirl... how do you blur the background of your photos so well? I've been wanting a similar look in some of my photographs and I have played with rocks but I can't get the background to look right.

[Former_Member]

Here is a blog article with one take on taking photos... might be a little helpful:

http://vintageetsysociety.blogspot.com/2011/02/one-take-on-taking-photos.html

[SummerWeeds]

Here's a link to make your own light tent using a cardboard box. If your lights get hot, be careful to not get them too close.

http://www.digital-photography-school.com/how-to-make-a-inexpensive-light-tent

[Former_Member]

Great ideas, everyone.

I love the idea of a homemade lightbox, i'll be trying that this week.

Waterbetweenstones-thanks for the link, it has helped too.

Thank you all for your advice. Stay tuned for some great pics. hehe

[MountnGirlEssentials]

GrowingupWild: Honestly, it's trial and error for me (I am dying to take a photography class). I just have patience and keep retaking the shot until I get it right, but to tell you how I got there, I really don't know.

[Former_Member]

i've recently upgraded all my photos to a grey background excepting a few. it would be helpful to get feedback on how those pics on the grey background look now. i did use pspXII to bring up the colors a bit as they seemed washed out to me.

[Former_Member]

oh, and i use a photo tent as i don't have an outdoor location to work that would be suitable.

[Former_Member]

I am clearly no expert, but I think the darker background makes your beautiful pieces 'pop'.

OOh i like the idea of a photo tent, xx

[calyrew]

your bibs are so cute. Could've used them when my children were small. Definitely use a sweet adorable model in at least one of your photos. Don't know what type of camera you are using, but if you can change the focal point that can make it more artsy and sexsy ( lower number). A neutral background is the best to start with. When you feel more confident branch out and experiment to compliment the item you are photographing. I have photoshop and use it. But if you can avoid it, do so. It take too much time. Make the initial shot the best and only tweak it. Not sure, but don't most computers come with basic photo editing? Really I don't know because I use Lightroom and Photoshop. Also I agree looking into a light tent.

[Former_Member]

I made myself a little photo box from a blog post I found. You can check it out here http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/07/how-to-diy-10-macro-photo-studio.html

I've been able to take some great pics with it and it was so easy to make.

Hope that helps!
~Shannon

[Former_Member]

Shannon thank you that blog, was easy and simple to understand. Cant wait to try.

[Former_Member]

bibsnbobs, thanks. i thought so too. i may switch back over time.

[MacKSwank]

I'm definitely big on the photo tent - I actually bought a set that had the tent, a few different background colors, and two lights.

http://www.cameracompany.com/spec_sheet.html?catalog[name]=PROMASTER%C2%AE-SystemPro-Portable-Shooti...

I've recently been trying to get away from the plain white background and add some punch to my photos in hopes of getting more views. I'm about half done with updated my site with my new photos. Make sure whenever you have a photo session you taketake wwwwwaaaaayyyy more photos than you think you need - then weed through and select the best shots for your site. I use Picasa (free google program) to edit all of my photos and I love it!

[Former_Member]

Your welcome :o)