• Photos

  • Level

  • Score

BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Macro Photography Tip

Photography Question 

Diane Dupuis 		 

Backgrounds for Shooting Flowers


 
  sample re: material backdrop
sample re: material backdrop

Diane Dupuis

  
  sample re: material backdrop
sample re: material backdrop

Diane Dupuis

  
 
I like to take macro pictures of flowers and was wondering what was the best background to use. I want it to be plain, but I'm not opposed to solid colors (i.e., black, white, blue, etc.). I've tried with material, but many times the weaving on the fabric shows up (instead of a blurred solid color). I'm focusing on the flower before shooting. I'd appreciate any suggestions you may have! Thanks.


To love this question, log in above
April 23, 2004

 

Bob Cammarata 		  Generally, a dark background looks better with a brightly colored flower. If you use material, get more distance between the flower and the background and use a wide aperture setting. This will help to place your background nicely out of focus.


To love this comment, log in above
April 23, 2004

 

Diane Dupuis 		  Thanks, Bob, for the advice. Unfortunately, I cannot change the aperture on my Finepix 2600. But I will work on more distance. Does anyone have suggestions as to what to use to hold the flower in the right position so you can have your both hands free?


To love this comment, log in above
April 24, 2004

 

Bob Cammarata 		  Go to a local craft store and get some of those thin metal flower rods and a block of styrofoam. The rods will usually slide up into the stems of most flowers. If not, you can use twist-ties to secure them. Once you've attached the rods, stick them into the foam and position the flowers however you like. You can also, of course, display them in a narrow, decorative vase.


To love this comment, log in above
April 24, 2004

 

Diane Dupuis 		  Thanks so much Bob!


To love this comment, log in above
April 24, 2004

 

Darren K. Fisher 		  You have already gotten some great suggestions but thought I would throw some more at you. I have been known to use shirts as a BG, example in my gallery under pure. Another great thing to use is black velvet or as I did fave velvet. CHEAPER!! For keeping the flower in place a good idea for this is clips like people use for their hair. Hope these help.

Darren


To love this comment, log in above
April 27, 2004

 

Julie Randolph 		  Are you familiar with Photographers Edge magazine? They sell something in there that will hold your flowers in place while shooting. I don't remember what it is called but you can find them on line and have them send you a catalog.
Julie


To love this comment, log in above
April 27, 2004

 

Lori Lozzi 		 
 
  daisy example 1
daisy example 1
F/2.3, 1/30, ISO 320, no flash, indoors/available light

Lori Lozzi

  
  daisy example 2
daisy example 2
F/3.2, 1/125, ISO 100, -0.3 step, no flash, outdoors

Lori Lozzi

  
 
It looks like you've gotten a lot of great suggestions. Here's what I've done, as I also enjoy taking close-ups of flowers and such. I've attached examples of 2 Gerbera Daisies I photographed using construction paper as a background. I just wedged it between the leaves and the stem (daisies were still in the pot). The other pix, the daisies were in a wine glass as a makeshift vase on my kitchen table. I propped the paper up behind it. I am still basically new to photography and use what I have available for backgrounds, etc. I hope this helps.
-Lori


To love this comment, log in above
April 27, 2004

 
This old forum is now archived. Use improved Forum here

Report this Thread