Free Digital Photography Backdrops

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I want to run a small photography studio out of my home. Any suggestions on how to get started?

I have a digital camera and Photoshop. Nothing fancy really. But it's enough to take pictures and send them off to be developed on matte so the end result would be very professional. I also have a numerous set of backdrops my grandpa (who was a hobby photographer passed down to me) I've done pics for friends, of new babies and pregnant woman, and most I did for free. But for the ppl I didn't know too well I charged $20 a person per sitting fee and then the flat rate cost of what they charged me to develop the pics. Is this a good rate? too high, too low? What do you suggest? Any ideas on how to get started? Thanks

One thing I'll recommend is getting a solid education in running a small business; such a course of study can be found at your local community college. That kind of foundation will help your business.

There is more to hanging up a sign and saying, "Here I am for your photography needs." You'll need to worry about a whole host of additional details, such as licensing, taxes, insurance, depreciation, etc., to name a few.

I'd say your $20 per person per sitting fee is WAY too low, because you're shortchanging yourself and wouldn't be able to cover your overhead. By and large, you're giving away your services; how much is your time worth?

Here's where you'll need to pay attention to the details, because that's where you can be tripped up. Therefore, consult both an attorney and an accountant to cover all your bases. While it may cost you money now, imagine how expensive it'd be if you didn't.

How to use digital photography backgrounds & backdrops & chromakey green screen techniques


free digital photography backdrops5
free digital photography backdrops5
free digital photography backdrops5

Free Digital Photography Backdrops

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Lighting Tips For Photographers

If you're an old school photojournalist like me, you probably still use many of the techniques learned on your way up the professional photography ladder. Digital cameras and computer software definitely have some great advantages over 35 mm SLRs when it comes to special effects. Now days though, many photographers simply load up their images with these special effect filters to make ordinary photos look interesting. You can, however, still create great images using basic tools such as a tripod, strobe and shutter release cable.

If I'm photographing a client and can only take pictures in the evening or low light situations, I'll always be ready to get creative portraits. First, I'll find a nice location and good composition consisting of low or ambient light. Moving object such as cars or people can add to these photos and create a nice blur in the background so keep that in mind when setting up your shot. Once you've decided on a good location, put your camera on the tripod and connect your shutter cable. You should use a TTL or sync cord so the strobe is off camera and won't give your subject that dreaded red eye.

The important ingredient here is a slow shutter speed so set your ISO and aperture to balance with your shutter. Under exposing your subject is necessary because you will be lighting them so be sure to bracket. Also, if your camera has a rear sync shutter, turn that on too. This will allow the flash to fire at the end of the shutter's exposure and moving objects will appear to move in their true direction. Let's say we are using a street corner as the backdrop for our portrait. Pose the subjects and tell them to stand still, very still. Wait for some cars to pass by in the background and then pop the shutter. Light from the cars will give you some nice streaks through the frame's background and your off camera strobe will light up your subjects, free of red eye. Shutter speeds between 1/10 and 1 full second can give you some great effects and ambient light. Slower shutter speeds may create ghost images through your subject.

This technique comes in handy when I'm creating a portrait or working as a wedding photographer or even a corporate photographerand want to shoot at night.

About the Author

Steve Matteo Photography has been operating professionally for over 15 years. As a wedding photographer, Steve uses his photojournalist skills to put together a story of the clients wedding. Aside from bridal party and family photographs, none of the wedding photographs are posed. Steve uses available light as well as strobe to capture the candid moments.

Photography Lighting Techniques : Backdrops in Photography


free digital photography backdrops5
free digital photography backdrops5