Black back ground

[Ross]

Yes. The deeper the nap the better. Dark gray is also good as is brown. Try different colors and see which you like.

[LauraN]

Another method that I've tried is to use any solid colored background that is different than the flower and then use photoshop to change that background to any color that you want, simply by clicking on that area with the magic wand and changing the color. It has worked for me when I used a cotton background before.
If you don't mind using a flash, you can also accomplish the same thing by shooting at night, as the flash will hit the flower and leave the background black.

[Bolero]

Thanks LauraN, I haven't used the magic wand facility, I will check that out. I get worried with the flash idea that it may leave the flower looking washed out but it sounds like a great idea.

[Orchidflowerchild]

The trick to keeping light paterns from showing up is to have the flower well-lit, but the backgound in shadow. I only use backdrop cloth for studio work. Since I don't have a tripod or lights, right now, I just shoot things in the GH, against the dark floor, and photoshop the background out.

I've actually had a lot of fun experimenting with background fabric colour, in the past. I shot a very nice C. Brabantiae against a teal background, and it really made the pink flower look great.

-Cj

[Bolero]

That's interesting, thanks for the information. I will have to keep experimenting until I get it right.

[Ray]

Opening the aperture so you have a shallow depth-of-field helps, too,

[Bolero]

Yeah I've done that by accident once or twice, need to work out how I adjust it. Learning about white balance might also help me.

[orchidexpress]

Just make up a wood folding stand so that way you just have to drape your material over your stand and then just shoot.

Happy Growing!

[Ross]

Like this one? Just about all my photos are made in front of this setup.

[orchidexpress]

WOW....what a set up you have!!!!!!
Wish we did not live so far apart...you could
take some pictures for my website.
You have it all going on!