Lead Adventure Forum

Other Stuff => Model and Miniature Photography => Topic started by: Ragnar on April 09, 2020, 10:13:20 AM

Title: Using a photo backdrop, my setup
Post by: Ragnar on April 09, 2020, 10:13:20 AM: For those interested, I photographed some figures today, and this is typical of the setup I might use. Photo was bought off Ebay.

(https://i.imgur.com/8YSHVzW.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/fYdFRK0.jpg)

And after cropping etc, this is the end result. To be honest, I could have had the photo a bit closer but I don't mind the blurry background look.

(https://i.imgur.com/CVhhTbh.jpg)
Title: Re: Using a photo backdrop, my setup
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on October 06, 2020, 02:20:00 PM: Ragnar - I missed this first time.

The blurry background is something people actively seek - often unsuccessfully :) . But it would be interesting to see some photos using your background when it is not blurry. It’s an attractive backdrop which I think should be part of the photo - let’s face it, if you want the blurred background to enhance the subject, almost any background will do.

Have you got examples where that particular background is in focus?

EDIT Just found an example of what I was talking about that you posted on a different topic. Very nice...!

Doug
Title: Re: Using a photo backdrop, my setup
Post by: Ragnar on October 07, 2020, 04:23:01 AM: Good point Doug, I was probably being lazy that day.

(https://i.imgur.com/REbjfoi.jpg)
Title: Re: Using a photo backdrop, my setup
Post by: Mick_in_Switzerland on October 07, 2020, 06:54:14 AM: That looks very good :-*
Title: Re: Using a photo backdrop, my setup
Post by: DintheDin on October 07, 2020, 07:04:55 AM: The idea to shoot the miniatures on an elevated grass base is very inspiring, thanks for sharing!
I'll be following this thread with great interest, it would be desirable to see more examples of your photo sessions! Cheers!
Title: Re: Using a photo backdrop, my setup
Post by: Ragnar on October 08, 2020, 02:52:11 AM: Thanks chaps.
Title: Re: Using a photo backdrop, my setup
Post by: syrinx0 on October 08, 2020, 06:43:39 AM: Quote from: Ragnar on October 07, 2020, 04:23:01 AM
Good point Doug, I was probably being lazy that day.

(https://i.imgur.com/REbjfoi.jpg)
Now that is a great picture! Not lazy at all...
Title: Re: Using a photo backdrop, my setup
Post by: BZ on November 03, 2020, 03:36:01 PM: I use a stock photo, printed out in 60cm x 40cm size by an online printing service. It was by far the cheapest option, 7 euros with delivery. I would show my setup, but i dont know how to insert a picture here...
Title: Re: Using a photo backdrop, my setup
Post by: Mr. White on November 03, 2020, 03:48:39 PM: I can’t tell...how is the photo propped up in the OP?
Title: Re: Using a photo backdrop, my setup
Post by: Ragnar on November 03, 2020, 07:53:48 PM: Jack, the print is just naturally curved and balances there while I take the photos. I did consider making a stand to prop it up but... it works fine as is.

@BZ, check here: http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=102903.0
Title: Re: Using a photo backdrop, my setup
Post by: BZ on November 03, 2020, 07:55:38 PM: Quote from: Ragnar on November 03, 2020, 07:53:48 PM
Jack, the print is just naturally curved and balances there while I take the photos. I did consider making a stand to prop it up but... it works fine as is.

@BZ, check here: http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=102903.0
Thanks!
Title: Re: Using a photo backdrop, my setup
Post by: BZ on November 03, 2020, 08:01:37 PM: Quote from: BZ on November 03, 2020, 03:36:01 PM
I use a stock photo, printed out in 60cm x 40cm size by an online printing service. It was by far the cheapest option, 7 euros with delivery. I would show my setup, but i dont know how to insert a picture here...
So there is my photo setting with the print:
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/16223-031120200015.jpeg)
Title: Re: Using a photo backdrop, my setup
Post by: BZ on November 03, 2020, 08:03:15 PM: And an example picture:
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VpjVtCfQBg0/X3ncLRgaXoI/AAAAAAAATvM/PxO3Jkp5FFoJXKkHrj5r64839j_fOY5UQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1096649_picasa.jpg)
Title: Re: Using a photo backdrop, my setup
Post by: DintheDin on November 03, 2020, 08:04:29 PM: Very nice!
Title: Re: Using a photo backdrop, my setup
Post by: BZ on November 03, 2020, 08:12:42 PM: Quote from: DintheDin on November 03, 2020, 08:04:29 PM
Very nice!
Thanks!
Do you use a macro lens?
Title: Re: Using a photo backdrop, my setup
Post by: DintheDin on November 03, 2020, 08:15:27 PM: Unfortunately not! :'(
Only a small Sony. I would like to learn more about using backdrops. My last try is this:
Title: Re: Using a photo backdrop, my setup
Post by: BZ on November 03, 2020, 08:33:32 PM: Quote from: DintheDin on November 03, 2020, 08:15:27 PM
Unfortunately not! :'(
Only a small Sony. I would like to learn more about using backdrops. My last try is this:
Me neither. I use macro extension tubes, but there is a blind spot where without it is too wide, with it its too narrow...
You should maybe try to use some natural looking light source, because your foreground is a bit too dark. I use my painting desk lamp (with variable color temperature), but I also have a light box (made of a plastic box, tin foil, thin-white packing paper and a daylight bulb, cost maybe 12 euros).
And try to tilt the background photo, to get rid of the flare. I had to set it in negative angle (so bent in the front), to eliminate it.
Title: Re: Using a photo backdrop, my setup
Post by: DintheDin on November 03, 2020, 08:35:02 PM: Very good pieces of advice! I'll try to apply them next time. Thanks!
Title: Re: Using a photo backdrop, my setup
Post by: Anatoli on December 05, 2020, 10:48:53 AM: I can also share a tip to take photos in front of a computer screen with a background of your choice. Works really well :)
Title: Re: Using a photo backdrop, my setup
Post by: Ragnar on December 05, 2020, 08:48:20 PM: Quote from: Anatoli on December 05, 2020, 10:48:53 AM
I can also share a tip to take photos in front of a computer screen with a background of your choice. Works really well :)

I did that once with some sci-fi figures as I wanted to create character cards. Turned out well although I think those pictures are long gone now.
Title: Re: Using a photo backdrop, my setup
Post by: fred on December 06, 2020, 08:15:39 PM: I’ve done this a couple of times - took a bit of setting up to get the figures the right height, but it is so easy to find all sorts of different styles of backgrounds to use
Title: Re: Using a photo backdrop, my setup
Post by: Phil Portway on January 24, 2021, 11:44:43 AM: Some great advice chaps!, cheers. Hopefully I can improve my pictures
Title: Re: Using a photo backdrop, my setup
Post by: Hammers on February 17, 2021, 09:50:13 AM: Well done chaps. I like seeing how you experiment to sharpen your game.