Backgrounds

Dug this one out recently. Last year I was taking pictures of the different backgrounds I had and was drafting my daughters friends to sit in front of them for an informal portrait. I think I even made a print for this young lady, but it was color and cropped much closer. This time I left the original ratio and converted it to black and white Thought it looked ok, but that background is brighter than what I usually like. Adding the vignette definitely helped.

This paper background is sort of a light bone color. I had originally bought it when I was experimenting with different colored gels. I don't think I ever officially used it for a portrait other than this one time. Maybe I should revisit using it and trying some black and whites with it...if it's still usable. 

Most of my backgrounds are muslin, but I really like the paper backgrounds because they're seamless. The problem is the size. Most paper backgrounds come either 53" or 107." Nothing in between. This is a problem because 53" is almost too small, and definitely too small for groups. AND I can't set up the 107" anywhere in my house. I did try to cut one down once to about 84" but nearly destroyed it. Dull saw I guess. I kept it in my garage during the summer months and when I finally decided to use it, the paper had warped from the heat. 

Canvas backgrounds are really nice, too, but costly. I think the best backgrounds are the ones found outdoors.