Backgrounds

Taking good photo's of your tree's can be challenging. Discuss your ideas and tips here.
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Ray M
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Backgrounds

Post by Ray M »

Hi all,
I was asked how I got the background in some of my photos. The method is fairly simple. I have purchased a sheet of 1.00mm thick white styrene to use for photos I want to reproduce and show a lot of the detail. A white background is quite good for this purpose. The styrene is very useful in the sense that you can put dirty or wet pots on it without damaging it. Wipe it over and it is ready to be used again.
IMG_4902 -1.jpg
Make sure the backdrop has a curve. This will prevent horizontal lines showing. If you use separate background boards you will usually see horizontal lines across the photo.
IMG_4903 -1.jpg
I have a good camera and flash. The attachment on the flash is a Gary Fong Lightsphere. http://www.garyfongestore.com/featured- ... ULDNsqDl8F These can be purchased in Australia.
With one flash and the Lightsphere I can get reasonable photos for showing on the WEB.
IMG_5552.jpg
IMG_4904 -1.jpg
When taking more serious photos I usually use some Valentine. This is available in different colours. This is very good at not showing creases. I place the roll on a table and pull out the material leaving a curve.
IMG_4810 -2.jpg
If you don't like this effect you can place the bonsai on a stand, or use a table with different colour backgrounds. One colour on the table and the other for the background. This will of course create a line across the photo. Take particular notice where the line is and move the camera angle to place the line in the appropriate position. You can also use the depth of field of the lens to soften the line. If you get more serious you can throw different colour lights on the background.

Hope this helps someone. :fc:

Regards Ray
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Jason
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Re: Backgrounds

Post by Jason »

I always imagined that these set ups were hard and technical! Never imagined you can get such an effective photo from the simple materials (camera aside).

Once I have a bonsai worth photographing :lol: , I'll definately be trying this!
Last edited by Jason on March 15th, 2013, 6:02 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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GMA
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Re: Backgrounds

Post by GMA »

An excellent post full of useful information. Thankyou for taking the time to put it together.

G
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Shane
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Re: Backgrounds

Post by Shane »

Thank you, Ray. Straightforward.
Bonsai was meant to keep me away from the computer.
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Re: Backgrounds

Post by irish »

Hi.

Thank you will be trying both options.

Regards.
Irish. :aussie:
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Ray M
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Re: Backgrounds

Post by Ray M »

Hi all,
So embarrassed. :oops: When I checked the post I realized I spelt velveteen incorrectly.

Sorry folks. This is what happens when you don't check the spell check!!!!! :reading: :palm: :oops:

Regards Ray
Last edited by Ray M on March 15th, 2013, 10:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Backgrounds

Post by bki »

i was thinking that it was the brand name of the velveteen Ray.
i think your idea in using white background for demonstrational purposes and using dark velveteen for "elegant" looking webshots is perfect.
more trees.....
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