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?
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
