BAD Backgrounds Yield BAD Photos - Don't Let This Happen to Your Work

[Harriete E Berman]

While our panel of experts from "Photography in Flux" at the recent Professional Development Seminar (SNAG Conference Seattle) did not declare a "standard" for photography backgrounds, they did make it clear that
BAD BACKGROUNDS create BAD PHOTOS. 

To the right are two examples of bad backgrounds from Marthe Le Van's (editor of Lark Books) Power- Point presentation.

In the following photos, I have concealed the identity of the jewelry item so that you can focus on just the bad backgrounds (and to protect the identity).  A short description of the PROBLEM and suggested SOLUTION follows each photo so that you can avoid such problems in your photos.

PROBLEM: In the photo above the texture of the background is too similar to the texture in the metal. (I would swear this is a dirty paper towel, but I could be wrong.) Additionally the silver metal is very close to the color of the background. There is not enough contrast between the earring and the background.
SOLUTION: A plain background without texture would have improved this photo. Perhaps a darker grey background may have provided more contrast between the earring and the background.

 

PROBLEM: The background in this photo has a distracting crease. When photographing jewelry, any defect in the background is simply too obvious.
SOLUTION: If your cardboard or paper background is damaged, do not use it. It will ruin your photo along with ruining any chance that your photos or work will be accepted.

To see more examples, read the entire post on ASK Harriete....
See both the PROBLEMS and the SOLUTIONS for improving your photos. Share the information with your fellow makers.
So sorry to say this...but all you have to do is look around to see nice work in a BAD photo. Don't let this happen to you. 

 

A BAD background sends an unintended message. This message may be amateurish, commercial, over-stylized, or a dated appearance.

Next time you see bad photos.....kindly share the article....give a maker a well deserved boost.