Backgrounds

[Ellen83]

Hi,

I'm wondering how to achieve the very clean looking backgrounds. Also the colouring - is there are good technique to use with backgrounds?

I have inserted some images of the clean backgrounds I'm referring to. Some are shot by Nicole Bentley, others are from Harpers Bazaar - (so I don't have the photographers name, sorry)

Thanks

El

[skoobey]

Use a seamless paper??? lol

[capice]

seamless paper and blur with surfaceblur

[franko60]

Seamless paper and control depth of field.

[0lBaldy]

Ellen83, Welcome to RetouchPRO
Hope you enjoy your stay here and make lots of friends.
Poke around, have fun!

a good explanation on making a new background in post can be found here: How to extract girl from background? A background layer can also be made using one of many gradients

[Wolfman]

Originally Posted by Ellen83

Hi,

I'm wondering how to achieve the very clean looking backgrounds. Also the colouring - is there are good technique to use with backgrounds?

I have inserted some images of the clean backgrounds I'm referring to. Some are shot by Nicole Bentley, others are from Harpers Bazaar - (so I don't have the photographers name, sorry)

Thanks

El

They were all shot on seamless paper with clean, soft light using either soft boxes, umbrellas or beauty dishes..... as far as getting color onto the backgrounds like the green one..... either lighting it with a green gel on the light source or changing the color selectively in photoshop.

[franko60]

When shooting backgrounds remember this golden rule: if a reflected reading from the background reads 2.5 stops more than an incident reading at subject position, then the background will record pure white. It doesn't matter what colour it started out.

Conversely, a reflected reading from the background 2.5 stops less light than an incident reading at subject position will record pure black.

Once you understand this, you can control the tonality of your background by adjusting your light ratios. You can also control the colour of your backrgound by using color gels. You have absolute control.

An afterthought: with the increased dynamic range of today's sensors, with some cameras you may need to amend the above to read 3 stops instead of 2.5. Test with your camera; there's nothing like testing to help you understand and gain control.