Photography Question - Orchid Board

mnh3281 · #1 11-15-2006, 12:54 PM

Hi all!

I have noticed a lot of you take pictures

where the flower/plant is standing out against a black background. How are you all doing that? Are you actually taking it against something black or is it something to do with the settings used during the actual process of taking the picture? I just love how you can get a true feel for the flower with this set up! Thanks in advance

Ross · #2 11-15-2006, 03:59 PM

Well, as for me, if I want a black background I use a black background (velveteen). I don't always use black though. Another explaination is that when you use flash (if, in fact you do) then the subject may be so bright compared to the background, that the background turns black. This is pretty lame, to me. I believe in having the background complement the subject. If you want to block the background because it's the neighbor's house, etc. then try hanging some fabric of a complimentary color behind the plant. If it's far enough behind, it will be out of focus and just a blur of color. Hope this helps.

Ross · #3 11-15-2006, 04:03 PM

Oh yeh, I forgot... experiment with different colors and setups. Use a tripod or some stable support for your camera while exposing the image and it will be pretty sharp. If your camera allows you to set the settings, go for Aperature priority and set a high number like f16. Then you will be required to use a tripod, but will have maximum depth of focus (ie. more stuff in focus)

mnh3281 · #4 11-15-2006, 04:05 PM

Thanks so much! I think that will help out a lot. I just get bothered when my pictures are too busy and the focus isn't necessarily on the flower/plant. I will work on that! Thanks again

Ross · #5 11-15-2006, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mnh3281

Thanks so much! I think that will help out a lot. I just get bothered when my pictures are too busy and the focus isn't necessarily on the flower/plant. I will work on that! Thanks again

If your camera allows you to control the focus then you can control the focus point. For instance, some cameras have a scribed area in the viewfinder that is supposed to tell you where the focus is occuring. If so, then try holding the shutter down slightly (not enough to expose the image, but enough to get the picture to show on the LCD) then move the camera while holding the shutter button in the same position to the composition you want. Then finish pressing the button. Easier to do, then to describe!

mnh3281 · #6 11-15-2006, 04:31 PM

O.K. I will try that! Now I want to go home and experiment!

orcdfrk · #7 11-15-2006, 04:40 PM

you could also make your own photographic background which is what i did. Pick up a section of muslin fabric; walmart has this; and then a box of dye. I'm trying to remember the name, RET? I think. Walmart has this too. Here is a link on how to do it http://www.instructables.com/id/E4FZSVG35FEQ6T2CLC/

Ross · #8 11-15-2006, 05:24 PM

I did this for a while, but most of the fabrics were way to bright and looked funky as backgrounds. I opted for professional background material and it works way better

orcdfrk · #9 11-15-2006, 11:21 PM

Ross some of my pics in my gallery were shot with mine as a backdrop and aside from a little 'tie-dyed' look, its not all that bad I think. But for about $20 its good enough for taking orchid pics

Ross · #10 11-16-2006, 09:46 AM

Since orchids aren't my only subject and since I do work for demanding clients I opted for the colored flocking paper from http://porters.com/Merchant2/merchan...egory_Code=K1A Certainly costs more but I also get 12 yards and it's about 9 feet wide!