Which backdrop?
Most photographers are so focused on their subject that they forget to pay attention to the background.
It’s a natural thing tot do: when you’re looking at your subject, your eyes are only focused on that subject and your mind is playing the trick that all other things in reach of your photo frame get “blurred” and “out of focus”.
So it is very important to be aware of that.
Backdrop outdoor setting
When I’m photographing for example a bouquet in a outdoor setting, I first look at the background; is the background in balance with the bouquet in terms of color, shape and light? Are there any disturbing elements that distract the attention from the bouquet? Are there strong colors like red and yellow? Are there strong highlights?
Only then I focus on the floral arrangement.
Which backdrop in your (home) studio
When photographing in the studio or in your home studio I suggest you choose a dark grey background. Why dark grey and not black or white of a different color?
A white background often doesn’t turn out white in a picture and will look “dirty” while a black background mostly “kills” the depth in the photo.
Dark grey in itself is neutral and in opposite to colored backgrounds it always balances with the colors from the flowers.
Take time to place the arrangement in the right place on the background; don’t place it to close to the back, leave as much space as possible. In this way shadows will not be visible on the backdrop, leaving the arrangement free when creating more depth.
Working this way makes it possible to play with the light(s). Myself, I use the front light in such a manner that it not only creates a nice light on the arrangement but I can also play with the way the light hits the backdrop.
How I do this, you can find out in my video tutorials.
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