Friday, October 24, 2014

How to Get a White Background in Stock Photography

How to Get a White Background in Stock Photography

The goal of stock photography is to create images that can represent a variety of angles and uses. Images must be bold and highlight the subject of the photo rather than a message. White backgrounds are crucial in stock photography as they allow whatever subject that is being photographed on it to stand out and pop without any distraction in the background. A person looking for a stock photo of a tomato wants a tomato and not a farmer's entire picture table. White backgrounds can either be made as full-scale backdrops or as small item light boxes.

Instructions

Backdrop

    1

    Set up a backdrop stand. You can either purchase a professional stand from a photo supply store or create one yourself. Homemade stands are most often made from PVC plumbing tubes found at hardware stores. They are lightweight and can be formed into frames by using joint pieces. Use reinforcing tape at all of the joints to make sure your stand does not crumble under the weight of the backdrop. If you prefer to use what you have lying around the house, look for coat rack stands or blank smooth walls upon which you can hang a backdrop.

    2

    Select a white backdrop. You can virtually use any type of material as a backdrop as long as it is white and free of texture. Thicker materials work better such as canvas, linen or photo backdrop specific drapes. White bed sheets can be used but tend to be see-through when illuminated. If using a sheet, double it.

    3

    Attach your backdrop to your stand or wall making sure it is large enough to cover the area you wish the camera to take in. Drape it so that it covers at least 3 feet of floor in order to disguise the horizon seam (where the background meets the floor). A curved angle will give the illusion of infinite space.

    4

    Set your white balance on your camera. The most important thing a photographer can do when desiring a perfect white background is to set the white balance on the camera. All digital camera models have different procedures for setting the balance, so consult your user's manual if you are unsure. Properly setting the white balance will cancel out any unnatural light effects that may add warm (yellow) or cold (blue) hues to the backdrop. Set the balance to studio light (you must tell it whether you are using incandescent or fluorescent) and adjust the temperature accordingly.

Light Box

    5

    Acquire an empty five-sided cardboard box or create one using cut foam board and tape. Line the box with white paper (do not line if using white foam board) allowing the background paper to drape fully over the floor of the box to hide the horizon seem. Secure all coverings with tape.

    6

    Cut a 3 x 3 inch three-side square in the top of the box (only cut three sides so that the fourth side acts as a hinge to allow you to open and close it).

    7

    Place two lights in front of the box angled inward at both sides, and a third light through the hole in the top. Position any small object inside of the box to take shots with a completely white background and foreground.

    8

    Set the white balance as outlined in step 4 of section 1 above.


How to Get a White Background in Stock Photography

The goal of stock photography is to create images that can represent a variety of angles and uses. Images must be bold and highlight the subject of the photo rather than a message. White backgrounds are crucial in stock photography as they allow whatever subject that is being photographed on it to stand out and pop without any distraction in the background. A person looking for a stock photo of a tomato wants a tomato and not a farmer's entire picture table. White backgrounds can either be made as full-scale backdrops or as small item light boxes.

Instructions

Backdrop

    1

    Set up a backdrop stand. You can either purchase a professional stand from a photo supply store or create one yourself. Homemade stands are most often made from PVC plumbing tubes found at hardware stores. They are lightweight and can be formed into frames by using joint pieces. Use reinforcing tape at all of the joints to make sure your stand does not crumble under the weight of the backdrop. If you prefer to use what you have lying around the house, look for coat rack stands or blank smooth walls upon which you can hang a backdrop.

    2

    Select a white backdrop. You can virtually use any type of material as a backdrop as long as it is white and free of texture. Thicker materials work better such as canvas, linen or photo backdrop specific drapes. White bed sheets can be used but tend to be see-through when illuminated. If using a sheet, double it.

    3

    Attach your backdrop to your stand or wall making sure it is large enough to cover the area you wish the camera to take in. Drape it so that it covers at least 3 feet of floor in order to disguise the horizon seam (where the background meets the floor). A curved angle will give the illusion of infinite space.

    4

    Set your white balance on your camera. The most important thing a photographer can do when desiring a perfect white background is to set the white balance on the camera. All digital camera models have different procedures for setting the balance, so consult your user's manual if you are unsure. Properly setting the white balance will cancel out any unnatural light effects that may add warm (yellow) or cold (blue) hues to the backdrop. Set the balance to studio light (you must tell it whether you are using incandescent or fluorescent) and adjust the temperature accordingly.

Light Box

    5

    Acquire an empty five-sided cardboard box or create one using cut foam board and tape. Line the box with white paper (do not line if using white foam board) allowing the background paper to drape fully over the floor of the box to hide the horizon seem.

    Enhance your photography skill,The Top Secret Photography Techniques

    . Secure all coverings with tape.

    6

    Cut a 3 x 3 inch three-side square in the top of the box (only cut three sides so that the fourth side acts as a hinge to allow you to open and close it).

    7

    Place two lights in front of the box angled inward at both sides, and a third light through the hole in the top. Position any small object inside of the box to take shots with a completely white background and foreground.

    8

    Set the white balance as outlined in step 4 of section 1 above.



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