Background wrinkles

[schastain]

When I shoot a portrait infront of my background materials,,black and other colors, I see too much details in the materials. I've tried using an on camera flash and bouncing it off the ceiling..but I can still see the defects. Can you tell me how to make the back ground blur more while keeping the person in focus.

Thanks for the Help,
Steve

[MagicallyDelicious]

You need to stand the person away from the background to get the DOF.

Use a large aperture to blur the background keeping the person in focus.

If your using a white backgrond try lighting it if dark try not to let any light fall in it.

[Croasdail]

When I shoot a portrait infront of my background materials,,black and other colors, I see too much details in the materials. I've tried using an on camera flash and bouncing it off the ceiling..but I can still see the defects. Can you tell me how to make the back ground blur more while keeping the person in focus.

Thanks for the Help,
Steve

Steve - I am so glad you are asking this because it just bugs the heck out of me when I see shots with wrinkles in the fabric. The above post is dead on. Moving the subject further away will do tones. Also, ironing never hurt. you can also look at bringing the lighting source more in focus on the subject allow ing for less light falling on the backdrop.

[schastain]

bringing the lighting source more in focus on the subject allow ing for less light falling on the backdrop

Thanks for the help...how do I focus the light on the subject and keep it off the background?

[chtgrubbs]

Well, if it is a muslin background, it is supposed to be wrinkled. The whole point of muslin was the drape it in a way to introduce texture and depth effects as opposed to the flatness of seamless paper or canvas backgrounds.

[schastain]

I agree, but when the muslin distracts from the person the photo is no longer acceptable. Lately, I've had to take the photo into photoshop and blur the background...I know there must be a better way.

[taygull]

I just got some muslin, do any of you guys steam out the wrinkles?

[freefallu]

bringing the lighting source more in focus on the subject allow ing for less light falling on the backdrop

Thanks for the help...how do I focus the light on the subject and keep it off the background?


whats the point in having a background if you cant see it ?

[taygull]

whats the point in having a background if you cant see it ?

....maybe he wants you to focus on the subject? There are many reasons why you want not want to see a background in a picture. High Key - Low Key - Product Shoots...many many reasons