Photek's "Background in a Bag" Question

[Renee Brown]

Hi All,

The holidays are almost here and my son wants to buy me the Background in a Bag from Photek, which is on my wish list.

I am learning Grisaille and Verdaccio and I want to created the Old Masters look with my portraits. (Karin, I hope you are around to answer this question, since your backgrounds are what I am striving for). I have my studio lighting setup now and it is time to concentrate on the background fabric.

The problem is do I go for the 8' x 12' setup or is the 6' x 7' easier to transport and handle? Is that enough fabric and is the setup wide enough in most cases? Also, there are several color choices. I am leaning toward the black "People Popper" setup they offer. Especially, since that dramatic light effect is what I desire.

Is the black background too harsh? How many of you use the neutral color? Plus, can I get the dark, warm shadows with the old master look by lighting into a neutral backround color? Or is the black background the best choice?

Renee

[Karin Wells]

I mostly photograph my subject with a neutral background. I prefer the large 8'x12', pearl gray material with collapsible supports.

In composing the actual painting, this neutral background allows me the flexibility to add objects or landscapes that I've photographed separately. And it is much easier to have a strong color statement in the foreground and on the subject - not the background.

I also have the smaller background...but seldom use it as it "is never big enough." It is dark red and I sometimes use it as a drapery prop.

The reason I do not use black is that I want the light to "do its thing" and this doesn't work with black. I do not recommend black because it tends to eliminate the "atmospheric effect" that I get from the neutral gray. However, I always include a black object somewhere in a painting...but I really prefer it to not be a background (dark yes, black no).

I wrote an article about photography at http://kcwells.com/technical2.htm and included info. on this particular gray background...

Hope this helps!

[Renee Brown]

Karin, Thank you. Your lighting and technique page is very valuable information.

Thanks for specifying which color, as Photek provides many choices.

Renee