what's the best Photo baackdrop for family photo?

[JadynH]

Hi! I was searching for some good collections of photo backgrounds and I found variety of collections of photo backdrops at Photographicbackdrop.com But my problem is that. I don't know what background would be best for a family photo? Any Idea?

[J-man]

IMO it depends on what colour clothing you will be wearing , for me dark clothing - light backdrop light clothing dark backdrop that's just how i would choose .

[KmH]

There wouldn't be just one 'best', and to a large degree it's a personal preference.

What I like and what you like could be very different.

You should also consider what kind of lighting you will be using, how far from the backdrop you can get the family, and if you will be lighting the backdrop or not.

[Mr Mikey]

Have you considered a green screen so you can then use any background photo you have for the backdrop?

[Steven G Webb]

Originally Posted by J-man7510

IMO it depends on what colour clothing you will be wearing , for me dark clothing - light backdrop light clothing dark backdrop that's just how i would choose .

It does depend on the wardrobe. You'll want your background to be in the same key as the rest of the scheme. I disagree with J-man though. If your subjects are in dark outfits, then a dark background is appropriate. Some people are under the impression that contrast between the subject and background makes the subject stand out. In fact, it's easier on the eye when the whole picture is in harmony.

There are many things to consider. Is this a formal portrait where a traditional "old masters" type background would be most suitable, or is it an informal or casual portrait that would be better with an environmental or outdoor setting? I am partial to painted canvas backgrounds for portraits of 5 or more. There's enough to look at with all the faces without crowding them into a scenic with additional elements for them to get lost in. However, sometimes families want to dress casually and they fit better outside than in the formal studio setting.

It's good to give a lot of consideration to the background. The more forethought you put into it, the better. In your end product you want the background to go un-noticed and your subjects to look their best. The only way to insure that is to study it in advance while you have control.

Steve

[12step]

Originally Posted by Mr Mikey

Have you considered a green screen so you can then use any background photo you have for the backdrop?

I second this idea.



12

[Steven G Webb]

Oh that green screen was so easy. It takes pretty good command of lighting both subject and background. The process of extraction isn't always simple and there are issues of handling edges of hair, especially blonde and gray. If you do have success with the subject image and extraction, the lighting and key still need to orchestrate with the background. More especially when the replacement background is an environmental. The light used on the subject has to match any directional light on the background. Then there is the matter of depth-of-field and keeping the subject appearing to actually be present, rather than cut-out and pasted on top.

I realize there is nothing easier done than said; but, chroma-key is not necessarily the simple answer to a complicated question. Maybe it's exactly the opposite.

Steve

[Sailor Blue]

The mottled gray backdrop seems to be the most versatile. Look at Benji's tutorial on how to use gels to change the background color and you will see just how versatile this type of backdrop can be.

Using Gels To Change The Background Color

Personally I like two tricks you can play with lighting backdrops. One is to light them unevenly behind the subject, usually so that the backdrop lighting is brightest on the shadow side of the face in a portrait, and of course darkest on the brighter lit side of the face. This uneven lighting separates the subject from the background better than flat background lighting does, and to me it looks more interesting than the "spotlight behind the subject's head" lighting does. The lighting can fall off from side to side or at any angle across the backdrop.

The other trick is to set up the backdrop at an angle to the camera. This allows you to throw the near and far ends of the backdrop out of focus while keeping the part right behind the subject in focus. It can also produce some interesting lighting on the backdrop.

If you have a long studio and can control your lighting well then a white background is certainly versatile. With proper subject/background separation and lighting control a white background can be any shade of gray or even black. You can use colored gels with a white background too, but the colors won't be as saturated as they will be with a gray or black background.

[Steven G Webb]

How many people are in this group we are discussing? Is there an intent to photograph them at full-length? The width and breadth of the studio area and the size requirement of the background could influence your decision. Not necessarily for the color but for the material used.

Steve

[JadynH]

Thanks a lot for all of your kind thoughts! Now I have gathered things to learn about photo backdrops.