Got a new backdrop

[jimboudreaux]

Hey everybody, I haven't been on her much lately cuz I've been extremely busy, but I did get a new backdrop recently and thought I'd share a pic I took with it. I added another just because I haven't had a chance to share it yet either. As usual, all comments are welcome

[jimboudreaux]

Does anybody have an opinion on my new red backgound? Does it work ok for a portrait of a male as well as a female? Do you think I've gotten decent enough at this lighting thing to try to attract actual customers?

[mdonahoe1]

Jim,

I don't see why you couldnt use either color for both men and women. But, IMO, I always prefer a white or black backdrop for indoor shots. These remind me of the backdrops they use for school portraits. Not that that is bad, just what it is. As to your lighting, i think you are doing VERY well with it, in fact all your portraits have been great! I believe you should persue professional portraits!!

[Kaye]

Jim, I love you new red background. I have not commented prior to this, as I have little knowledge of portraits and lighting. (I am currently battling with the B&W assignment having posted a couple to B&W). Still awaiting couple of answers from tutor before I progress further).

I think your new background and also your others can work well with either male or female, young or old. I would choose your background dependent upon their attire, or vice versa. Eg. have your model wear certain colors, etc, to match.../ or contrast the background you wish to use.

I am a lover of a really soft/shallow DOF in portraits, and think your background would be brilliant used this way.

[jimboudreaux]

Thank you Marianne and Kaye for your comments, I really appreciate your support. I guess i just don't have enough confidence in my abilities yet. I am thinking of pursuing portrait photography simply because I need to start making some money. I feet like each of the backdrops i have now will work for either sex as long as their clothing doesn't clash with it.

[mrdoug]

Love them both! There are so many "things" out there for us to purchase, i.e.; strobes, backdrops, upgraded lens, editing software, etc.
Our priority lists, although most likely different, all contain the same items. I would love backdrops like the ones you have. Great images too.

[jimboudreaux]

Thanks, Doug. You can usually find backdrops online for a minimal cost although there are some that are very pricey. I started with a kit from http://cowboystudio.com/product/c15/p15-02.php which had a black and a white backdrop. I found you can get deals on more backdrops from www.amazon.com and http://cart.owens-originals.com/default.asp. There are many other sites, but these are the only ones I've used so far. I personally suggest you don't buy any backdrop smaller than 6x9 ft; my favorite size is 10x13 ft. The only issue I've had with the cloth ones is storage. any time you fold them up, they'll have creases in them when you unfold them. I've got two of mine hanging from water pipes in my basement lol.

[reval8r]

Hi Jim,
Both back drops will work with either guys or gals. The big thing to remember is that cool colors (blue, green) will recede and look further away, while warm colors (red, orange, yellow) will look closer to the subject. If you're working on a budget, gray backgrounds are great. You can get tones from almost white to black and they gel well for colors. I often use a gray muslin or thunder gray paper because they are so versatile. If I could only have 1 background it would be thunder gray paper.

The lighting on these is OK. What does bother me about these two images is they are feminine poses. It might work for young male teens and boys, but not for us mature guys. The two things you need to concentrate on when shooting males is the body should be turned toward the main light source and the head should never be tilted to the upper shoulder. Just something to keep in mind and to practice.

Larry

[jimboudreaux]

hey, thanks for tips, Larry. i appreciate it