Work space

[mark]

I have been trying to figure out how to set up a permanent place to do still life images. I have everything figured out except for the back grounds.

I’m looking for ideas. What do you guys use?

 

[tedr1]

The choices are many. Simple ones for table top work might be plain foam-core boards, white gray and black to suit the subject, perhaps 20 x 30in, the sort they sell at Michaels and other craft stores, these have the benefit of being self-supporting, and being "blank" they contribute the least to the image. Then there are fabrics, silks, muslins, burlap, screens in many colors. Then things can get more sophisticated with backgrounds that are actively lit with gradients or shadow patterns for example. There are also background papers made on rolls, one brand is Savage, these come in a variety of colors and also some textures and patterns.

 

[WilmarcoImaging]

As tedr mentioned, there are lots of options.

A blank wall (no background) is an option. My taste lately is a black muslin, hung from two lightstands and a crossbeam.

 

[mark]

What about heavily textured backgrounds. Are those muslin. I know anything goes just wanting to build the tool box. I live in the middle of no where and the nearest art store is 2.5 hours away.

 

[WilmarcoImaging]

Any flat surface will work to a greater or lesser degree. A white bedsheet can be used if you want a light background. A piece of plywood painted to your taste can serve as well. Painting one's own background is a historical discipline in photography. User cjbroadbent, a modern master of still life photography, addresses this nicely on the large format site.

With a high quality background, rendering it in sharp focus is an option. This means placing the subject closer to the background, and/or using a smaller aperture.

Lower quality backgrounds (wrinkled, creased, lint, dusty, strange surface, etc.) are better rendered out of focus, in my view. This means placing the subject farther from the background and/or using a larger aperture. Out of focus backgrounds give a more monotone or uniform effect. Lighting the background can accentuate imperfections in the material, something to consider. When the background is rendered out of focus, this is less of a concern.

The two examples are not strictly either-or. There is a range of possibilities between them. It depends on your desired aesthetic, and materials available.

 

[Arklatexian]

I have been trying to figure out how to set up a permanent place to do still life images. I have everything figured out except for the back grounds.

I’m looking for ideas. What do you guys use?

Even if you have a permanent place to do still life, try to make it so you can change things like your backgrounds, lighting and such. You will be making and lighting a small "set" for each still life so design your worksite so it is flexible in use. You do want to spend some time photographing rather than all of your time "dressing" your set........Regards!

 

[winger]

One of my favorites for still life stuff is a piece of black polyester fabric I got at Joann's. It isn't really shiny and it doesn't wrinkle. I know you said you're a long ways away from a craft store, but Joann's does sell online, too. If you're not in the US, there's still likely a fabric store you can order from. backdropoutlet.com has LOTS of choices, too, if you want to just get something already made.

 

[jtk]

What sort of still life do you have in mind? For E-Bay sales or some sort of art? How will you light? \

How wide?

 

[mark]

What sort of still life do you have in mind? For E-Bay sales or some sort of art? How will you light? \

How wide?

Wide?

Mainly food stuffs and interesting things I find. All black and white. Not sure I would call it art but not for selling anything.

 

[jtk]

Check Ebay for black background fabric that's billed as wrinkle resistant...

White backgrounds become reflectors, which makes light control difficult unless you have a real studio space..