My Backgrounds

[woodtrapper]

I am experimenting w/backrounds as per advice from memberes from last week.This green backround is a lot better than just a plain white backround.I have another project in the works which I will be posting soon.

[AlArchie]

That's a lot better than clutter! You might try picking up a piece of black felt for a background. That shows only the piece you are photographing.......no background and no shadows. burlap works pretty well too. It's a neutral tan shade, and doesn't show shadows very well either, though not as thorough as the black felt.

Al

[Lynn O. Doughty]

YIKES! You're on the right track but the wrong siding!! That green reflects onto the carving to where the original color of it is lost. You need to use something neutral such as grey. Also, you need to move your carving away from the background you're using to get rid of the shadows cast by it. Move it forward about one foot and put it up on something so you don't get reflection from the table.

I built a little stand with a 1" dowel about 12" long with a small 4" circle of thin wood attached to the top and a 1' square of wood on the bottom. I painted the whole thing flat black so it wouldn't reflect light and would be easy to remove with a little photoshopping. It works great.

For a background go buy a couple sheets of poster board at hobby lobby. I use a light gray for dark carvings and a dark forest green for lighter ones.

I think if you look back through my posts you'll find one on how I photograph my pieces. Hope this helps!

[AlArchie]

Here's a couple examples.....the black is on a large section of black "scrubbie" stuff, very similar in appearance to black felt...I just had some of it around. The other is burlap from the fabric shop. either works well. Lynn's sugggestions would be good too, and easy to find!

Al

[mark yundt]

I think the guys are right. Try to stay away from strong colors. Neutrals always work well,as well as black. Cameras ,and photographers in general use off white to greys as a balance to find color and exposure settings.Lynn is also correct I think in not using the backdrop as a wall, too many shots are made this way and distracts from the carving by having shadows too close,,, it's distracting. As I said , and I think Lynn uses something similar, is to use a complimentary background, further away so the camera focuses on the subject and the background is slightly out of focus.My favorite still seems to be my description earlier, a sheet (cloth or poster board) sweeping up and away from the sculpture. No shadows, no real background, just the piece. Check the "hats " I just sent in in the gallery or in the post. "trophys". It's personal taste to be sure, but I like the look of just seeing the carving without a distracting background.

[Irishman]

I took the advise from a few carvers and went with a black back ground. It certainly makes a difference...and really brings out the details of the carving. I use a velvet type of black material and have been quite pleased with it.
Your green background is quite strong and may detract from your carving. Like said earlier - go with soft colors to accentuate your carving.
Patrick

[mark yundt]

This was quick and dirty, but I think you'll get the idea. A bit of poster board,DULL SIDE OUT,a chair and a lamp...pretty basic. Vary the colors,or use cloth sheets if your carving is large,but the principle remains the same.No shadows, just carving. Like the old saying goes...a picture is worth a thousand words.

[tnartist05]

Another neat carving Davy!! TnArtist

[Thomp]

remember scrapbooking section at wallyworld or craft stores has scenery pages 12x12", you can catch them for a quarter each most times....

if the cowboy needs a desert or a bad land scene or a lake scene you cant beat it for a quarter....

[Callynne]

This has been a great thread, I know I need help getting better pictures of my work! I like to take the pictures outside when possible, just drape my tan cloth over the back of a deck chair. Problem is our weather doesn't often cooperate!

Inside I usually position my two daylights on either side of the drape, place the carving and take the pictures. That's the best I've been able to come up with, your suggestions, especially curving the poster board sounds really good. Looks like it's time to experiment some more! Thanks everyone! Deborah