how do you make the background all one color (black or white)

[MichelleK]

I see all these amazing pictures where nothing is behind the person, it is like they are in the matrix. Just all white or all black...is that pictures done in a studio or a photoshop thing...can someone enlighten me on how you get pictures like that??

Thanks, Michelle

[John_B]

MichelleK,
Do you mean something like this? ???


Just Hanging Out
http://johnbdigital.com/wildlife/hanging_out.jpg
Click for Specs (http://johnbdigital.com/wildlife/hanging_out.htm)


If so it can be achieved in a number of ways, one way is when a photo is taken in low light and flash and small aperture is used (not enough light to fill the background so it comes out black, thats how the photo above was done). Another way is to use a curtain (or anything else of the color you want) as a background.
Here is a shot with a dark black fabric.


A Forgotten Coin
http://johnbdigital.com/macro/forgotten_coin.jpg
Click for Specs (http://johnbdigital.com/macro/forgotten_coin.htm)


and here is an example of a light fabric


A Gold Pearl
http://johnbdigital.com/macro/gold_pearl.jpg
Click for Specs (http://johnbdigital.com/macro/gold_pearl.htm)


Another way is via software, you can select only the area you want darker or lighter and adjust contrast to darken or lighten or even color.

Hope that helps :)

[Jim G]

It's quite possible outside of a studio environment, too - shots like:

http://static.flickr.com/81/243833230_2a221ee674.jpg

- it's just having a brightly lit subject and having the background reflecting little or no light... easily done in a studio with a proper black backdrop.