Background Choice

Hope it's Okay to put this question here - it doesn't involve lighting but it is related to studio work

I was just wondering how you decide on what colour of background to use? Does it depend on what your subject is wearing? The type of result you're after? etc.

I share a studio with 5 or 6 other amateurs and when I use it I tend to just use what the last guy left up - we have two rolls, black and white.

Mind if I jump in here?

Great question that is right in line with one i've been toying with...

I'm building a studio (garage) and am planning my backdrops...what do I want?
I'm thinking 10x20 black muslin, 10x20 white muslin, and then a couple smaller colored wash muslin.
Should I get blue, green, brown? So many colors to choose from, even if I DIY.

Sorry to jump in your post!

No problem at all. If the replies can answer both our questions all the better

The rule in portraiture is the key of the clothing denotes the key of the background and the key of the lighting. This means for a subject dressed in white or pastel clothing a white background and high key lighting (few if any shadows, NOT overexposure) should be used. Conversely, a subject in dark clothing should be posed in front of a dark background and low key "moody" lighting can be used. In fashion photography a white background is used for nearly everything as it takes the art directors copy easier, plus if needed it is easy to drop in another background or a company logo.

One problem in portraiture with white and black backgrounds are they are boring which is why most professional portrait photographers use muslin or canvas backgrounds in greens, browns and blues. I own about 25 backgrounds in muslin and canvas in a wide variety of colors, plus seven photographic sets in my meduim and low key camera room, and an all white high key camera room with a curved floor to back wall (a cyclorama.)

Benji

casp3r wrote in post #12045349
No problem at all. If the replies can answer both our questions all the better

That is why Casper is the Friendly Ghost.

I think Thunder Grey is the best universal BG

I went with one each of black and white seamless, plus 2 muslins, with earth tones in one and grey-blues in the other. It covers pretty much the gamut of colours someone might wear or want to be photographed in front of.

Savage Thunder Gray #27 seamless paper as mentioned by drdiesel! You can make your BG any color almost with gels. Easy to get whites and blacks too. Search 'Thunder Gray" here and you will see. Paper rolls don't travel as easy as fabric BGs, but if you want ONE to start with, this is it.