BetterPhoto Q&A
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Photography Question 

Dolly L. Davis
 

How to shoot with black backdrops


I have no idea about backdrops. I have a black one only and am trying to learn to use it, but I always have to darken it in PS. Is there a way to keep it black enough so I don't have to darken it in the final images? Thank you very much, Dolly


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July 23, 2007

 

Marius Liebenberg
  Try using black cloth material and move your light source closer to the subject (the ratio of the distance from light source to subject and subject to background). For example if you create a bright enough light source with closer distance to subject and increased subject distance to background you can make a white backdrop look black. Have a look at my gallery, there are a few samples of dark background photos done with no PS modification.


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July 24, 2007

 

Debby A. Tabb
  Also Dolly,
If you are using a 3 light system, Please remember , never use a back light on a blacj unless you want to add color, then use a gel on it.
A backlight on a black backdrop will give it a more charcol look not black.
I do hope this helps,
Debby


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July 24, 2007

 

Dolly L. Davis
  Thank you very much Marius and Debby. Wow, this is really a learning process. I will try that. I have the 3 light system, but only using two with the black backdrop. I have 4 gels, came with my kit, but never tried them yet. I am off to practice, practice, practice today! The room is my dining room, not big enough for a studio setup really, but I am trying to make it work, at least to learn more for now. Thank you so much. I appriciate more tips if anyone has any. When I get the money sometime, I will have to take some BP courses. :0)


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July 24, 2007

 
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