Art Ketchum's Column Choosing Backgrounds for more interesting Photos--Story & photos by Art Ketchum “Choosing a Background is as important to your photography as the film is to your camera”. I take pride in trying to match or choose a background that will add to the image I am trying to create. In years past I would use background paper extensively to create different effects from using White paper to make High Key images, to using colors, including all shades of Gray and Black, for everything from Rembrandt or glamour portraits to model composites. My style of photography using paper backgrounds was to use acetate gels over one of my lights aimed at the background to create more striking effects. More recently I have been using muslin and canvas backgrounds from Backdrop Outlet. The images illustrated in this article will show you how to create different effects with pieces of fabric, muslin, canvas, and other natural backdrops. The big advantage of Muslin cloth backgrounds is their portability, and the class they add to the final image if chosen correctly. I also like the fact that using a light source on the background gives me a totally different background, I can allow folds to form in the background and create a draping effect, or have my model stand close to the background for a shot that looks like it was done for Vogue or Elle. I can have my subject stand 4 or 5 feet from the background and change the intensity of the color of the background. If I want to get really creative I will set up one of my White Lightning Lights with a 7 inch reflector and a sheet of colored acetate to give a totally different look to the background. If you do not own a background light, my suggestion is to purchase one of the small Morris Poplar, small slaved flash units for the purpose of lighting your background, they also make colored gels that fit over the head of the light to create colored lights. You can do some really creative things with these little lights and they are very inexpensive $85 in a kit with stand, umbrella and special socket. Available from Backdrop Outlet, call them for a free catalog 1/800/466-1755. Creating a background for an image you have in mind is easy if you have a subject that has planned her outfits or looks. In the case of the girl with the old camera, I bought the camera on a trip I took to Germany. I wanted the camera to decorate my studio, but I knew when I bought it I would use it for a prop at some point. When in the course of talking to one of the models I planned on using in one of my Chicago Workshops, The model told me she had dozens of period costumes from her collection of vintage clothing. I explained the image I wanted to do to the model and she came into the studio prepared for the shot that I envisioned in my mind, I looked over the Backdrop Outlet catalog and chose a background that I felt would fit the scene with period costume and Old time camera. This is the type of image that will end up a cover shot, or at least get a great deal of recognition in my portfolio. One of the easiest ways to come up with ideas for great images is to start building an idea file. I regularly look through the fashion magazines, including many of the foreign ones along with of course both the American and foreign Photographic magazines. I am constantly looking for ideas that I can incorporate into my photography. I do not mean to copy the image exactly as it appears but to combine ideas and incorporate your own thoughts into the new image you want to create. Once the idea is in your mind it will be much easier to put on film if it is well thought out and you have a subject that is good in front of your camera and wants to cooperate in your shooting idea. Great idea photos are not only good to build your reputation but when your model or subject displays a unique photo, friends and clients will ask who did the photography. This is the kind of recognition we all strive for, as it brings more clients or customers to your door. When you look at other images in this article you will notice images that were planned, based on the clothing for the model or subject, like the American flag background and Bustier. Other images were done for the models portfolio or composite. In many cases I try to look for natural backgrounds to create more realism depending on the models outfit and need for the photo. Many of the images illustrated were created for commercial accounts and were the product of my imagination and other creative friends and talented co-workers. In all cases I look for backgrounds that will add contrast to the subject so as to give the three dimensional quality I want in all my images. All the images in this article were created for and used by Backdrop Outlet for their catalog. You can request a FREE Catalog by calling 1/800/466-1755 and see hundreds of images of mine, and the creative use of backdrops. Or check their website www.backdropoutlet.com Lighting and Posing for all the images illustrated are in my new Book PORTFOLIO. Art Ketchum, is a Chicago based Commercial Photographer/Lecturer and Author of “Profitable Model Photography”, and his latest book PORTFOLIO, The new Book PORTFOLIO shows how each of the images was created with lighting diagrams and dozens of helpful tips on creating your own sensational portfolio. PORTFOLIO has received rave reviews from Shutterbug magazine, PhotoVision, Studio Photography & Design, Amazon.com and many others. PORTFOLIO consists of 128 pages illustrating all of Ketchum’s secrets to building your own dynamic portfolio. Mostly color with some black & white, showing why and how each of the over 100 images were created including lighting diagrams. To see more and order PORTFOLIO go to www.artketchum.com Art also writes formany different photographic magazines, and has dozen’s of covers tohis credit. Art gives many workshops in hia studio in Chicago. For information on Art’s Book, Videos, or up-coming Classes and Workshops Write or Call: Art Ketchum Studios, 2215 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL. 60616.or call: 312/842-1406 or check his website www.artketchum.com. Art Ketchum Previous Topic / Index / Next Topic coming soon! Read more about Art Ketchum at www.artketchum.com.