Editor's Note: We welcome Scott Wyden Kivowitz to the Photofocus team. Scott is a father and photographer whose dedication to teaching photographers comes through in a straightforward and no fluff style. Scott is also the Chief Community Officer at Imagely, the WordPress Photography People. Sometimes the simplest things can produce the most results. Sometimes the least expensive things can open up more doors than you ever thought was possible. Sometimes photography feels like magic. White backgrounds are such … [Read more...] about Four ways to photograph a white background
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Quick Tip: Use an inexpensive pegboard for a creative portraits
If you’re getting bored shooting on the same background you can create a unique look by using a simple $15 pegboard as a background with a larger light positioned behind it shining through. Change it up by adding different color gels to the light. The key is to experiment, have fun and create great photos. Want to learn more? Check out this article, “Using a Pegboard to Shoot Creative Portraits” … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Use an inexpensive pegboard for a creative portraits
Portrait Tips: Try color to liven up a shoot
I know, I know, I'm always saying that the background is just in the back and the important thing is your subject. It kinda drives me crazy when photographers pull their hair trying to find backgrounds for their shoots. The most important thing in a picture is the person and their expression, the second is the light, and the background is way down the list. Nonetheless, the background needs to be there, and using a paper background gives you many options and can even add some energy to your shoot. Unlimited colors, unlimited fun Paper … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Try color to liven up a shoot
Creating custom backdrops for your photos using stock images
To me, the backdrop or background of a photograph is its foundation. The backdrop sets the stage, the tone and reveals or hides things that might add or detract from the subject respectively. The go-to backdrop is seamless paper in its myriad of colors. Many companies sell custom painted backdrops on canvas or muslin for the "old master" look. Still, others, use big printers to make backgrounds. Backdrops can be made in Photoshop. Then the subject can be inserted in front of it. Rather than shooting backgrounds yourself, there is a vast library … [Read more...] about Creating custom backdrops for your photos using stock images
How to Remove People From An Image Using Luminar
Amber is a model friend of mine who recently came back from a dream vacation in Iceland. She purchased a Canon Rebel T6 — a nice entry-level DSLR. She doesn't want to become a professional photographer, she just wants to take better photos. Armed with a few quick tips, she came back with beautiful images. Here’s how I helped her edit a good photo and made it better by removing other photographers that were in her photo. What Software Should She Use? Lightroom, Photoshop, Luminar, and Topaz are a few programs that have amazing tools to erase … [Read more...] about How to Remove People From An Image Using Luminar
Gear Review: Angler Collapsible Backdrop, 5×7′
Collapsible backdrops are great for location shooting and small studios — even large studios use them for convenient and inexpensive options for backdrops. The video below shows the 5x7' chroma key backdrop. You can use chroma key backdrops to replace the background in your photo or videos, but Angler also has other colors with the same build quality. This is a well-made backdrop that should last a very long time. Even the carry bag is better made than most others that cost a lot more money. I use this kind of backdrop on location every week. … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Angler Collapsible Backdrop, 5×7′
Portrait Tips: Fix It Now, Not In Photoshop
It's important to keep a shoot moving along, keep your subjects engaged, and keep up appearances that you know what you're doing, right? We all want to appear to be in confident control. However, it's also important to pay attention and make adjustments so that you don't waste time making pictures that are going to cost you more work to finish than they may be worth. Let me give you some examples. Lint & Pet Hair You will spend decades of your life retouching lint and hair off suits and jackets if you don't catch it before you start … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Fix It Now, Not In Photoshop
Quick Tip: What Makes a Great Photo of a Speaker?
One of the things I'm asked to photograph often are speakers at corporate events. These can be boring and uninspiring if not photographed right. So remember this — look at the background and position yourself so there's some texture and depth present behind your subject. In the photo above, the picture frames to the left created a geometrical interest that draws the viewer into the subject's face. Whereas with the photo below, the cross-section of metal helps to frame the subject. If you can, play around with the positioning of your camera, … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: What Makes a Great Photo of a Speaker?
How to Replace a Portrait Background Easily with Adobe Stock
A portrait against a neutral background is great as a headshot. It lacks excitement, concept, and story. Here's an easy way to turn a simple portrait into a show stopper--change the background. Drop out the background Use your favorite method to make the background transparent with a layer mask. Solid objects can be outlined with the pen tool. Others, like the portrait shown here, might be done with the Quick Selection tool. No matter. Use Select & Mask from the Select menu to make the hair look more realistic. The file has to be saved a … [Read more...] about How to Replace a Portrait Background Easily with Adobe Stock
Portrait Tips: Include Details
I’ve said many times that the background in a picture is just a backdrop that’s its job is to not ruin the portrait. Well, this time I’m backpedaling a little. The right background or environment or details for your picture can really help explain about a person and give them context and a bit of a story in a single image. This sort of environmental portraiture is my favorite kind of work. Descriptive Details If you can include details that are descriptive without being distracting then it can be worth including them in your picture. But … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Include Details
Portrait Tips: Consider the Background
I'm a big believer that the most important thing in the picture should be the people. Many clients want to know where we'll shoot, where is a great background. I'm usually not looking for great backgrounds--I'm usually looking for backgrounds that don't ruin the picture! There are some great backgrounds, but for the most part, as long as it's not so distracting that attention is drawn away from my subject, the background is not a big consideration for most of my work. Of course, there are exceptions, and when there are these tips will help … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Consider the Background
Background Layering Makes All the Difference
Backgrounds are important no matter what you’re photographing, but especially when photographing products. Layering different elements together can help make for an interesting yet non-distracting background, and can lead to a more “complete” photograph. When photographing any type of product, it’s important to keep in mind what you’re using for a background. I shoot a lot of my food work in its natural environment, using different textures to add interest. On a recent food shoot, I worked with owners of an apple orchard who wanted to … [Read more...] about Background Layering Makes All the Difference
Seven Tips For Better Photographic Backgrounds
It’s easily the most important lesson I learned in photography - how to make better photos by controlling the background. I am a background fanatic. Some photographers talk non-stop about low-light performance, or color saturation or sharpness…for me it’s all about that background. I have walked away from some pretty nice photographic subjects because I didn’t like the background. It always bugs me to the point of exasperation if I can’t find a decent background for my subjects. I think I’ve written four or five posts on this subject … [Read more...] about Seven Tips For Better Photographic Backgrounds
Simplest Way to Get a Great Background Anywhere
Anytime there is good light, I try to make a portrait. It keeps me sharp, and it’s fun. I often approach strangers when there’s good light and say, “Hi, I’m practicing my photography, and there’s some great light right here, would you help me make a portrait?” I’ve met hundreds of wonderful people this way, and made some fun pictures, too. Great light with a great subject makes it easy to make a great picture. But getting a great background can make all the difference in the world. Let me show you how to get a good background almost anywhere … [Read more...] about Simplest Way to Get a Great Background Anywhere
A Simple Lesson In How Light Direction & Background Can Make Or Break A Photograph
I was at one of the most beautiful places of its kind in America - Green Cay Wetlands last week. Green Cay is in Delray Beach, FL, and it’s open nearly every day from sun up to sun down and it’s free! Green Cay’s absolutely one of my favorite places to visit with or without a camera. It’s very peaceful and on any given day you will see not only 25 species of birds, but also snakes, alligators, insects, flowers, butterflies, rabbits, raccoons and more. Of course for me the attraction would be the birds. The wetlands are a water reclamation … [Read more...] about A Simple Lesson In How Light Direction & Background Can Make Or Break A Photograph
Adding Video Background to Keynote Presentations
I recently attended an Adobe event and saw Rufus Deuchler presenting about mobile apps. As interesting as this talk was I was transfixed by the presentation he was giving because it has a moving background. I pondered the fact that Adobe might be releasing some new presentation software where this was a feature, but when he switched from the presentation to an iPad I caught a glimpse of the presentation software, to my surprise it was nothing more than Keynote. As a Keynote lover I thought Id explore this more fully. Heres my conclusion and … [Read more...] about Adding Video Background to Keynote Presentations
Extracting From A Green Screen – The LAB Trick
If youre shooting in a studio for compositing with Photoshop then you may be using a grey or green backdrop. I was spending a long time making masks until I saw this cool tip from Photoshop trainer Dave Cross, the time its saved me, thanks Dave! Open the images For this example Ive got two images, one of a wall and then one of a young lady listening to music, if youd like to work along theyre both available from Fotolia. The wall is a black and white image, but Im looking to have the image in greyscale so this shouldn't be an issue. It should … [Read more...] about Extracting From A Green Screen – The LAB Trick
How to Create the Look – Adding a Background Element
Background Story Finding Inspiration As Caitlin was getting ready to leave, I noticed a long-sleeve shirt she had buried in her bag. The plaid button down red shirt with her jean shorts gave me an idea. I wanted to see how the red plaid, button-down shirt would look again a blue, clouded sky. She changed and we began our second shoot. We shot a few images, but something was still missing. Just then my buddy Jerry, a homeless guy who lives by the beach, rode up on his red bike. Jerry has watched several of my shoots before and asked if he … [Read more...] about How to Create the Look – Adding a Background Element
Quick Tip – For Clean Backgrounds Increase Subject To Background Distance
Can't afford one of those super fast f/1.0 pro lenses so you can make your subject pop right off the screen when someone sees your photos? You can still have a nice, clean background by simply increasing the distance between your subject and the background. In the photo above, I am shooting at f/8! "How can that be?" you ask. Simple. The bird is 15 yards from the background. At that distance the detail in the background fades completely away, even at f/8. If you want the subject of your photos to pop; to separate from the background, make … [Read more...] about Quick Tip – For Clean Backgrounds Increase Subject To Background Distance
A Tip from Hollywood: Outdoor Portrait
The other day I received a photo attached with a text message from Hollywood shooter Mike Kubeisy. He was on the set of NCIS LA photographing what they call "Afghani" mugshots of the stuntmen for the show. The message read,Do you understand what I did?. We often send messages like these to challenge each other to think outside the box. This simple challenge intrigued me so much I stopped eating lunch and analyzed the image carefully. It was an outdoor set up for a portrait head shot, but what was Mike really trying to tell me? Camera "T" … [Read more...] about A Tip from Hollywood: Outdoor Portrait
Using Backgrounds Wisely
It can happen to the best of us; that moment when you panic and look at a location and your brain freezes and you can't think of anything even remotely unique and fun to do. At that moment, try to remember to use your backgrounds wisely. What I mean by that is a background is not always just a background. You can play off shapes, reflections, contrasts (or lack thereof) and expand your possible shots exponentially. Recently, I was in Portland for Mystic Seminars (an awesome, small group wedding photography conference) and met up with fellow … [Read more...] about Using Backgrounds Wisely
It’s All About That Background…
I love to talk about backgrounds. For me, the background is often one of the most important elements to a photograph. Thats why when I get to a location, my Background Alert System is turned on and I immediately start looking for a killer background to host my subject. I was photographing ducks at a local pond in the late afternoon and noticed the reflections of some buildings, local vegetation and the sky were creating very interesting and unique backgrounds. I made a few test exposures and while the light was fading, there was enough to make … [Read more...] about It’s All About That Background…
Benchmark: DIY Rolling Studio Gear Rack
Lately, I have been researching studio configurations. Jeremy Cowart's Triptik Studio Walkthrough got the juices flowing; especially the rolling backdrop that doubles as storage for bounces, flags and other gear. My space is an open floorplan and I already have plenty of stuff on casters, including my edit desk. I'd never thought of something like Cowart's rolling wall. Genius! I made a mental note to do something similar and moved on. Then, I stumbled across the video below from on Lifehacker. Ramsey's concept is a bit different than … [Read more...] about Benchmark: DIY Rolling Studio Gear Rack
Powerful Environmental Portraits Need 3 Things
Environmental portraits show people in their place, their habitat. The environment sets the mood and the place of the story, and a single look at the photograph can tell you what the story is about. Let me show you three things I think about as I light the background to make an environment worth photographing. 1. It's Gotta Be Believable Lighting and posing a person so he looks his best is my primary concern. (Here are two other articles about lighting and posing to help people look great.) After that's under control, I've got to figure out … [Read more...] about Powerful Environmental Portraits Need 3 Things
Food Photography Tip: Don’t Ignore the Background
When I photograph food, I'm very particular about everything in the frame. The tabletop, textiles, colors, and dishes all play a role to bring a the scene together. I typically set everything up ahead of time, even before the food is cooked, so that things are ready to go well ahead of time. Once the food is on the plate, I don't stop paying attention to those details. In a recent shoot, I had a small cup of coffee in the background of my scene. I filled it up with coffee and a little bit of cream, and placed it in the background of the … [Read more...] about Food Photography Tip: Don’t Ignore the Background
5 Overlooked Photoshop Features You Should Be Using While Editing
I have to keep it realI space out at the screen often when I edit my photos. Once that happens, things get tricky, and I usually end up missing some areas that need to be touched up. Thankfully, there are some overlooked features in Photoshop that have helped me catch those areas! Although these features won't immediately change how everything looks on a picture, these will help tune your eyes and bring attention to troubled areas. Rotate I don't know how much time you spend editing your pictures. If you spend anymore than 10 minutes working … [Read more...] about 5 Overlooked Photoshop Features You Should Be Using While Editing
How to Choose the Right Location for a Video Interview
Choosing the right backdrop for a video interview can be tough. In this tutorial I walk you through choosing a location and what things should be considered. These techniques work for photo shoots as well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BUc7L2zQew This is an excerpt from a full-length class from out partners at lynda.com. The complete course is 2 hours and 28 minutes and shows how to assemble the right gear, frame your shoot, and control the lighting on the set of a video interview. Get techniques that will flatter your subjects and your … [Read more...] about How to Choose the Right Location for a Video Interview
A Simple Setup for Product Photography on a Graduated Background
For the past nine weeks I have been taking a ceramics class here in Portland, and on the last day I brought in my camera to photograph some of the other students' work. I didn't want to go too elaborate with the setup, so I opted to make use of the beautiful diffused window-light coming into the classroom. I recently purchased a graduated backdrop from Amazon to use for my pottery, the Varitone Graduated Vinyl Background #09 (31"x43"), and decided that this would be the perfect time to test it out. I placed it at a slight angle to the window … [Read more...] about A Simple Setup for Product Photography on a Graduated Background
Simple Background Magic for Photos
I want to share a simple way to apply a "texture" to a plain or seamless background. A texture is an image of almost anything that can be appropriately ghosted back adding a "texture" to the background. I use images of side walks, freeway underpasses, brick walls, sheets of paper, rusted steel, graffiti, roads, cracked glass, wrapping paper, you name it. Truly, infinite possibilities. This simple technique can provide you with the power to control the drama, mood and overall feeling of your image. It will also provide you with perfect … [Read more...] about Simple Background Magic for Photos
Using Longer Focal Lengths to Compress and Blur Your Backgrounds
One reason for using a telephoto lens (such as 100mm or 200mm) is to keep some distance between you and your subject. This can be great for portraits of people, as well as nature photography (so you don't scare away any animals). However, longer focal lengths affect more in your images than just bringing your field of view closer to your subject or focus point. Some of the biggest changes you will see will be in regards to depth of field and compression of the background or foreground of your images. Take a look at the following two images, … [Read more...] about Using Longer Focal Lengths to Compress and Blur Your Backgrounds
