Do you like this gelled backdrop?

[johneric8]

I just wanted to see if you experts liked the colors of this backdrop? I have 10 days of hardcore, I mean hardcore shooting with many local schools in the area bringing their theater kids to me to shoot their end of semesters. Seeing that it's going to be boys and girls in costume I wanted a fun background that would add pop.. I know some will say use a white backdrop but, I was told by my employer to get funky... I'm stuck now with my gray backdrop with gels.... So, does this look cool? I really don't want to change it unless it just doesnt work..

Blessings!!

[symes]

my opinion is going to be the boring one...the colours you have aren't going to match every kid so I would use a plain white backdrop...but don't be afraid to photoshop it for a more powerful creative backdrop if you want...it is a lot of work I understand but I just don't think your red and blue is going to work with every theatre student that comes in...they are the subject and I think you lose that with this backdrop...

sorry,

[johneric8]

Point well taken.. These kids parents are used to seeing there kids on a stage with multi colored lights so I'm not sure that too many contrasting colors is an issue... I thought about a plain white backdrop but, I have to laugh at your suggestion in regards to doing photoshop on each photo! I do a group shot for each class as well as individuals for every student! Can you imagine doing photoshoped backgrouds by yourself on 3,448 photos?
these sessions are about getting those kids in and out the door as quickly as you can blink! I do agree a white background is safe but, I'm not sure I like to play safe all the time..


Also, remember- these are theater kids so lots of color isnt always a bad thing.. I'm not trying to create a print add or clothing advertisement. This is all about fun!

[René Damkot]

In this case I like it.
I could imagine that in some cases the colors of clothing and BG *severely* won't match however.
On the image you posted: Two thing that draws the eye (In my case), is the fold of clothing on her back: It just catches the light and gets a distraction. (there is a shade behind her arm, then a lit line of clothing)...

Also, the wrinkles in the backdrop (left, red side) are a bit sharp. Maybe Iron it....

I could imagine some of these deep colors giving problems when printing...

[symes]

I have to laugh at your suggestion in regards to doing photoshop on each photo! I do a group shot for each class as well as individuals for every student! Can you imagine doing photoshoped backgrouds by yourself on 3,448 photos?

No I most certainly can't :)

[johneric8]

In this case I like it.
I could imagine that in some cases the colors of clothing and BG *severely* won't match however.
On the image you posted: Two thing that draws the eye (In my case), is the fold of clothing on her back: It just catches the light and gets a distraction. (there is a shade behind her arm, then a lit line of clothing)...

Also, the wrinkles in the backdrop (left, red side) are a bit sharp. Maybe Iron it....

I could imagine some of these deep colors giving problems when printing...

Thanks Rene .. I noticed the wrinkles as well but, it was too late that day to fix it.. The problem with that photo was that I had her too close to the background and didnt notice the spill.. Most of the time this isnt a problem.. This is one of the most challenging shoots ever because you have like 10 classes of 20 kids waiting out in the hall for you to photograph them and you have no time to blink. I basically just ask the kid what their charecter is and place them on the backdrop and start shooting.. I dont have Marty Zucker time here, just seconds... These parents arent going to care if there is a small hotspot that is for sure.. Also, I'm not trying to win a rembrand lighting award I'm just trying to get scene set with low overhead..

Blessings

[Yiskah]

I like it and the wrinkles just add character.... just like on people:)

[DwightMcCann]

Well, crud, just make them all wear that purkle dress and that will take care of the clash of colors! :-) Lovely background. And I'm not complaining, just asking, "How come you didn't post this in People or Glamor?"

[johneric8]

Thanks guys this is why I asked your expert opinions here... I like your suggestion Dwigth, maybe I should require all to wear the purple dress.. I have seen some crazy costumes thus far believe me! I trying to catch my breath right now because I'm heading back up there for a long shoot here in a bit. To answer you other question Dwight, I really wasnt sure where to post it! But, the fact that you weren't put off by what I was trying to accomplish is enough to give me the confidence to push forward!

Blessings

[amonline]

Not for that subject's clothes, but yes.

[bill boehme]

Not for that subject's clothes, but yes.

I agree with this and also would like to add that the wrinkles seem to mess with the subject's hair because of the proximity.

[johneric8]

I agree it would be much better without the wrinkles but, this isnt an issue for the company I'm working for it has no effect on what I will be paid either.. Maybe it's because I took the picture but, when I look at this particual photo I really only focus on the girl and her face.. Nothing about the backdrop for me takes away from the subject.. Of course this is just my opinion. The photos these kids get from their normal school are on a white backdrop I don't want to send more photos of them home in the same year with another white background... Believe me, I have weighed my options and I would have gone with a black background before white..