DAY 247

FASHION & BEAUTY

The Seamless Background

WHY SO GRAY?

Seamless paper backgrounds are inexpensive, durable, and manufactured in over 40 colors in 9-foot-wide rolls. Twelve-foot backgrounds are produced in five colors. Extending them to the floor creates a sweep of color with a gradual curve from the vertical to horizontal ground plane. They can be easily supported with a wall mount system in the studio or on a background stand on location. Every photographer should have background paper rolls in gray, black, and white on hand. White is the staple for beauty imagery and gray for fashion.

Why gray? Gray is a neutral color that goes with any color of clothing; it does not clash or compete with your wardrobe choices. In most cases, it is not necessary to use background lights to illuminate the gray background. A large soft box or umbrella has enough light spill to evenly illuminate the background. When using a white or color background, a strobe light from either above or the side is needed so that the brightness is retained.

Adding color paper to an image can make a strong visual statement. Choose a background color to play off of an accent color in the wardrobe or something as subtle as the eye makeup of the subject. Avoid selecting a dominant color of the wardrobe as a background color. —MR

Photo © Matthew Roharik.