BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

Photography Question 

Cristina Navarro
 

Newborn Pictures - Black Background


Since it's all the rage - how do you get that black background where it seems as if the baby's feet or the mother's hands, etc. are just emerging from the darkness? What type of backdrop is needed for those type of pictures?


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September 19, 2005

 

Kerry L. Walker
  Use a light absorbing black background (something that isn't shiny) and place the baby well away from it.


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September 19, 2005

 

Liza M. Franco
 
 
  Caleb
Caleb

Liza M. Franco

 
 
I used a large piece of black fabric and then cut a slit in it. The father remained behind the backdrop and put his arm through the opening. I then had someone assist him in getting the baby positioned. I would advice putting something soft below the baby like a beanbag. I've never had a mishap, but also want to be prepared as babies are squirmy.


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September 19, 2005

 

Cristina Navarro
  Thanks Kerry and Liza. That's what I thought. Do you know what fabric might work best? Does Velvet work? The advice about something soft below is great!


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September 19, 2005

 

Liza M. Franco
  There are certain types of velvet type fabric that will work. Mine is some sort of velvet that was under $4.00 per yard. Usually velvet type fabrics come in 60" widths. The problem with this type of fabric is that sometimes you will get lighter areas from the sheen. That's why Kerry's suggestion is importrant. If I do get shiny spots on the background in my portraits I can usually use the burn tool on them in Photoshop and make them turn black. The clone tool could also work. I find that the burn tool works better if I have to get close to the subject because it won't cover the subject like the clone tool if I get to close to the subject by accident. It will only darken edges of my subject. I found that this works great around areas with hair. It is so hard to clone around hair and have it look natural.


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September 19, 2005

 

Cristina Navarro
  Thanks for all the wonderful advice!


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September 23, 2005

 
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