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05/04/2005 02:51:57 PM · #1 |
I've found that using cheap 'velvet' from the local fabric store makes for an uneven, somewhat reflective background in higher light. Anyone have a suggestion for a specific type or a place to get decent black background material?
Does anyone use other materials?
Thanks,
Wade |
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05/04/2005 03:04:12 PM · #2 |
My guess, velvet is the absolute wrong choice if you don't want reflectivity. You'd probably be better off if you could find a large roll of matt black "construction" paper.
Something that will absorb and not reflect light....further more, is "black" the best background? perhaps a dull matte color might be better. Part of the problem is we don't know what you're using it for. I mean, simply painting a wall matte black might be good too... |
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05/04/2005 03:04:41 PM · #3 |
Black wool serge
absorbs light with little reflection
Kev
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05/04/2005 03:23:32 PM · #4 |
Originally posted by theSaj:
My guess, velvet is the absolute wrong choice if you don't want reflectivity.... |
this pic is done with velvet and I have seen so many posts about using velvet..
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05/04/2005 03:30:01 PM · #5 |
| As long as the light that is hitting the background is at least 3 stops less light the backbround will go black. So get your subject as far away from the background as you can. |
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05/04/2005 03:36:40 PM · #6 |
I found a black cloth that was almost see through and purchased 3 yards of it. I sorry I don't know the name of the cloth but it was basically flat with little shine and being very thin light went through it instead of reflecting off it. At the time I used it I had a Panasonic FZ1 camera and the pictures turned out OK. I think the cloth was purchased at target or walmart for about $2.00 total. Here is an example of it being used as a back drop and base.
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05/04/2005 03:50:35 PM · #7 |
I used velvet here. I like it, although it did show up on the right side of the ring but that's silver. Velvet in itself is a nice texture and came out flat the few times I've used it but tough to keep clean and wrinkle free.
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05/04/2005 04:51:57 PM · #8 |
Thanks for the replies.
I'm primarily doing macro shots in a laboratory actually. Taking images of non-moving (dead) things up close for research. But on the personal side, I am searching for a fabric/color that will best work while photographing my wife's pottery/ceramic pieces. We have a decent tan colored backdrop, but want something very dark for the light colored pieces.
As for location, getting away from the background works in the front-back direction, but not really from underneath or at a slightly downward viewing angle. |
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05/04/2005 04:54:20 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by wadeNC:
Thanks for the replies.
I'm primarily doing macro shots in a laboratory actually. Taking images of non-moving (dead) things up close for research. But on the personal side, I am searching for a fabric/color that will best work while photographing my wife's pottery/ceramic pieces. We have a decent tan colored backdrop, but want something very dark for the light colored pieces.
As for location, getting away from the background works in the front-back direction, but not really from underneath or at a slightly downward viewing angle. |
A dark blue backdrop might work for the lighter pieces. This may cost a little more than you were intending to spend.
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05/04/2005 05:06:13 PM · #10 |
flannel works really well at absorbing light. Fleece isn't bad but you have to watch out when you get too close.
d
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05/04/2005 05:09:32 PM · #11 |
| I have used black fleece fabric and had really good luck with it. The nappiness of the fleece seems to prevent reflecting of the light and give it a true black look in the image. It picks up lint like crazy, but that is another problem. I think the lighting can be crucial (and tricky) in these kind of things. |
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05/04/2005 09:15:34 PM · #12 |
I just spoke to a studio photographer yesterday who uses a HUGE sheet of black velvet as a backdrop for portraits- full length- and says he wouldn't ever use black paper again- he says the velvet doesn't reflect light at all, while the paper does. I'm on the hunt for a piece large enough to use as a backdrop.
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05/04/2005 11:20:22 PM · #13 |
I agree - black velvet is so much easier to work with and is much less reflective than other surfaces. You just have to play with your lighting a bit. I buy mine at JoAnn Fabrics. It's wide enough for macro and studio shots and some portraiture work. I haven't gotton a really big swath for doing group shots, but I want to at some point.
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05/04/2005 11:26:39 PM · #14 |
| I am suchhhhhhhhhhhh a rookie...BUT...I know you can get black muslin backdrops on ebay...sometimes around $40 U.S. for 10x16 or some such... |
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05/04/2005 11:26:53 PM · #15 |
Originally posted by dsa157:
I agree - black velvet is so much easier to work with and is much less reflective than other surfaces. You just have to play with your lighting a bit. I buy mine at JoAnn Fabrics. It's wide enough for macro and studio shots and some portraiture work. |
For small work, I went and bought pieces about 1/8 - 1/4 yard each of several colors. |
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05/04/2005 11:35:06 PM · #16 |
one word.....douvatein.
its what we use all the time at work when wanting a black back ground, or a black hole. does not reflect. comes in any size. fire resistant.
call your local motion pix rental house, as for prices. make sure to let them know that you are a student, or an up and comming film maker. doing so will get you some discounts.
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05/05/2005 12:43:42 AM · #17 |
| This is kind of a weird, crafty aside but if you sign up for the mailing list for JoAnn Fabrics, they'll send you a 20% off coupon every week or two. Then your fabric is cheaper! |
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