Background for photographing orchids

[EDDIE]

Hey guys,

Im interested in creating a black background as a backdrop for photographing orchids...something simple maybe, anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks,
Eddie

[ronaldhanko]

I use black velvet and drape it over something - a frame I've made or something similar.

[EDDIE]

Ron,

Thanks, by the way, do you know where black velvet can be purchased? Thought about looking at Walmart...

Thanks, Eddie

[ronaldhanko]

Originally Posted by EDDIE

Ron,

Thanks, by the way, do you know where black velvet can be purchased? Thought about looking at Walmart...

Thanks, Eddie

Walmart, fabric stores. Look for the shortest nap you can find and look at them under the light - some are rather too reflective to be used as a background if direct light is on them. Also a couple of clothes pins (clothes pegs) work well to hold it in place - I use velvet with pegs in the field when I cannot get any other good background

[Call_Me_Bob]

yes black velvet. i use maroon velvet, because that is all i have ATM. but velvet usually doesn't reflect light as much as other things

[RosieC]

The only black velvet I could find in my local stores was too reflective, which as Ron indicates won't work.

I found a black blackout roller blind and it works well... I still really need some way of holding it up, but currently hang it over the back of two dining chairs, then roll it up when I've taken the pics.

[Call_Me_Bob]

Originally Posted by RosieC

The only black velvet I could find in my local stores was too reflective, which as Ron indicates won't work.

I found a black blackout roller blind and it works well... I still really need some way of holding it up, but currently hang it over the back of two dining chairs, then roll it up when I've taken the pics.

i just use chairs too!!

[EDDIE]

Rosie,

I imagine one could find a black blackout roller blind at a hardware store or department store? I went to Walmart today after church and couldn't find any black velvet or maroon velvet...

Eddie

[RosieC]

I got mine from a UK store called Dunelm Mill. They sell curtains, bedding and general homeware. I'm not sure what stores in the USA you would find them in.

[EDDIE]

Thanks Rosie...I will check around.

Eddie