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Finding textures and backdrops

May 04, 2008, 06:03:07 PM

While birdwatching today, I came across an old barn and farmhouse and I took advantage of the opportunity to shoot some textures and backgrounds for possible use:

1.

Using #1, above, I did this (it needs work, especially around her face/hair, but I'm just using it as an example

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Comments and Harsh Critiques gladly accepted. My photos are ok to edit.

My photos and art: http://wildmaven.org

Ginnypenny

Reply #1 - May 04, 2008, 08:40:44 PM

That's cool Marian, but a lot of work. Can you just take your subject to that location? I would love to shoot a bride at that barn, it's so gorgeous.
Replacing backgrounds just doesn't fit with my workflow, I would be billing clients negative dollars at that point. I also think it is hard to perfectly execute. The lighting should match, and getting the edges to be seamless is tedius at best.
one suggestion though, blur your backgrounds a touch before adding your subject, it will give it more of a portrait feel and look less fake. It is strange when both the subject and backdrop are perfectly in focus. Fake some DOF with gaussian blur.

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Susie
www.charlesbarnardphotography.com
www.definitionimages.com

Marian Murdoch

Reply #2 - May 04, 2008, 10:00:26 PM

Thanks for the suggestion about DOF, Susie.

Unfortunately, the barn itself is on private property, clearly marked by at least a sign every 10 feet. Tongue

It's a shame, too, because the colors in the wood are so amazing!

It's all beside the point right now, though. Since we closed the Gallery no one wants to make the drive to our home for portraits, and business is non-existent. Sad

I've offered to do location shoots, too, at no additional cost, but people here in rainy washington want indoor shoots.

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Comments and Harsh Critiques gladly accepted. My photos are ok to edit.

My photos and art: http://wildmaven.org

Ginnypenny

Reply #3 - May 05, 2008, 09:13:22 AM

I'm sorry. I sorta know what you mean about indoor shoots. Here in Utah only half of the year is bearable to go outside, mainly because we have harsh winters.

You need to build a studio (yeah I know, way easier said than done)

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Susie
www.charlesbarnardphotography.com
www.definitionimages.com

Marian Murdoch

Reply #4 - May 05, 2008, 11:28:05 AM

Quote from: Ginnypenny on May 05, 2008, 09:13:22 AM

There are some nature trails nearby and I'm thinking about doing a "A Day of Portraits at Theler Trails" event when the weather gets nice. Put out flyers, advertise at the local diner, and Theler will even post it on their big sign. People will sign up for 30 minute spots during the day and I'll shoot on the boardwalk along the wetlands, by the barn, around the beautiful flowers in their master garden area, etc. Theler can setup a booth explaining all about the trails and wetland protection and I get to make money.

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Comments and Harsh Critiques gladly accepted. My photos are ok to edit.

My photos and art: http://wildmaven.org

Ginnypenny

Reply #5 - May 05, 2008, 11:35:28 AM

great idea.

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Susie
www.charlesbarnardphotography.com
www.definitionimages.com

Mike Hodgson

Reply #6 - May 05, 2008, 11:58:44 AM

Very Nice locations, hope you get a bunch of people. $$$$ Big Grin

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