 |
A busy background or one of similar
texture and tone can totally upstage the
subject of a photograph. |
|
Not only can
textures and color
be distracting,
but countertops,
cupboards and
furnishings can
draw attention
away from the
project. This
photo also suffers
from the glare
created by the
camera’s onboard
flash unit. |
Background
A good background for a photo doesn’t
draw the eye away from the project.
The project should be the focal point of
the photograph. The texture and lighting
should focus on the scrolled work. That is
why it is important to think about what is
behind your project when taking a photo.
A good background makes the project
stand out. That means, for a light project,
choose a dark background. A dark project
shows up best against a light background.
Try to pick a plain background. Poster
board, a bed sheet, a canvas drop cloth, or
some sort of fabric all work well. If you are
using fabric, be sure it is clean and free
of folds, wrinkles and lint. A roll of photo
background paper is your best bet and
can be picked up at a photo supply store.
Make sure paper backdrops do not have
tears or creases. Avoid putting the project
on a piece of carpet—the camera will pick
up any color variation in the carpet and
the carpet’s weave will distract the eye.
Besides, it will look like you just placed
your artwork on the floor.
Most scrolled work is small enough to
move around, but delicate fretwork (such
as a large clock) or large intarsia can be
difficult to move. In these cases, you need
to be even more aware of your background.
Detailed wood grain patterns, such as wall
paneling, are distracting and pull the emphasis
off the scrolled project.
If you want to photograph your project
in the shop, try throwing some cloth over
your extra tools or move the project to the
least busy part.
Whatever you choose as a background
for your project, make sure the project
is far enough away that your lights don’t
cast a shadow onto the background. This
shadow can be as distracting as a textured
background—especially to fretwork pieces
with heavy detailing.
Above all, think about where you are
going to photograph your work. Resist using
the sofa or kitchen table as a photo studio.
If you have room to scroll, you have
room to shoot. |
Plywood Photo Studio
