I have seen some fantastic photos where the background is either black or white, allowing the focus to be on the subject. I recently used a black t-shirt as a background for a macro shot. What are some options to make a solid background, more non-existant than part of the photo?
I recently bought two packs of card with foam core (one black, one white). They're rigid, light and there are 5 A3 pieces in each pack, allowing me to build an open box in the required colour. The black has a matt finish whereas the white has a slightly glossy surface.
I picked them up in the local Staples for about £10 a pack - I would imagine you could similar stuff in the US.
My black backgrounds are black cotton velvet (velveteen) as it is non reflective. I also use poster board for my backgrounds with color. I'm going out today to get some white seamless paper for the white background. It comes on a roll. I'll let you know how it works.
I've been using a black scarf lately, of all things. It is just the right kind of material that doesn't have much in the way of texture. Works wonders!
Yup. I used a black scarf for my indoor macro shot too.
Also, my long charcoal grey wool winter coat performs nicely in a pinch.
I have also heard about the non-reflective quality of velvet too.
An old white window shade, ( use the flat white side ) works great for a seamless background. I use black (thin ) poster board and black velvet like material also for my black BG shots.
