Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

I bought a cheap silver sequin backdrop and had an opportunity to try it out with my 3 daughters and wife. I would have liked to increase the bokeh and make the background more creamy. I learned from this photo session. They all had fun with the old man snapping away.


Practice practice practice.

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Joe Blow

If you want to improve the bokeh, put more distance between the subject and background. Bokeh is the out of focus points. If you are too much in focus, you would get the blur effect. While there is no magical number, I would suggest a minimum of three times the distance of camera to subject to the background. Even more is better. You came closest with that in the third photo.

Second, if I may add. If you are using a speed light, bounce it off a white card or white surface off to the side. Side lighting gives your subjects shadows which makes for more definition. A straight on light (or flash) causes the subject to appear flatter and less appealing.

As a suggestion, you might try shooting these in B&W. That would help mute the colors in the background and make it less confusing. That would highlight the sequins as bokeh. B&W works best though with those shadows to give it contrast and definition. You should be able to change it to B&W in whichever editing program you're using. This is just a suggestion and subject to your own tastes.

Experiment and enjoy.

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Thanks Joe! I really appreciate the input. I will dabble with the B&W and also experiment further with the speedlight(s). I have some light stands to mount up to 4 speedlights (2 SB800s and 2 Godox 860s) with diffuser heads/softboxes. IMHO I would place these photos in the "snapshot" category as opposed to fine art photography. Gotta start somewhere. :)

Jim

Bob Mevis Loc: Plymouth, Indiana

A little bit more bokeh, would be better but, you came closer with # 3. Just my humble opinion.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Did you use direct or indirect lighting? It seems a bit harsh particularly with the reflections bouncing off the backdrop.

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

I used direct. SB800 speedlight. Agree 100%. It was too harsh. I was competing with backlit sunlight coming through sliding glass door. I had no other options at time.

Joe Blow

If possible, use that "competing light" to your advantage. Turn the subject and back drop so the light is from the side. If the light is too harsh you could try to add some reflected light or muted flash fill. You can always experiment using a bowl of fruit or other still life to get an idea of what will work in your environment. When you think you might have your set up right, call in your volunteers again.

I keep my back drops in my garage. That way I can control my light better. What is hanging on the walls just off camera is irrelevant. When in use I pull them down. When done, I just roll them back up and keep them hanging off the rafters out of the way. (My lawn tractor usually sits there.)

Have fun.

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Awesome! Funny you should mention garage. I just told a friend I was going to have to put these backdrops on rollers and have the like pulldown shades in my garage.

Will definitely put your suggestions to use soon. Thanks again

PS... the lawn tractor sounds fun. My SS Camaro sits in the garage. Its a garage queen.