How do I set up my background?
The setup of a Scenic Background is simple! With the recommended 3M hooks, all you need are two small, sturdy spots in which to attach the double sided sticky tape that holds the hooks in place. Scenic Backgrounds come with small grommet holes along the top to help you with positioning. Simply apply the hooks to the surface (a wall, door, counter, mantel, ect.) as high as you want the top of the background to be, and place the grommet holes on the hooks. It’s that simple. The 3M hooks leave no residue and will not harm paint or finish on your walls or wood. It is the perfect choice to setup anywhere!
What type of camera should I use?
One of the great things about Scenic Backgrounds is that it doesn’t matter what kind of camera you use. Film, digital, point-&-shoot, SLR it simply does not matter. Any time you take a picture, SOMETHING is in the background, a bookshelf, a sofa, kitchen cabinets, etc. Why not make it fun and original with a Scenic Background? For the point and shooters there is no reason to change the way you shoot, just hang the background up and shoot away. Voila, instantly your subject is whisked away, to wherever your imagination takes you.
How far should I place my subject from the background?
Placement of your subject in front of the background is a completely a personal choice. There are however some simple guidelines you can follow to help create the best images possible. When using a flash, make sure your subject is placed far enough in front of the backdrop to help avoid any distracting shadows. If you want to isolate a certain portion of the background simply move your subject and camera closer to the background. A tighter crop with a longer focal length will help.
What is the rule of thirds?
If you don’t already know about the "Rule of Thirds" I am about to change your life. The rule of thirds is not just a photography aid. It has been documented as being used as long ago as 1797 as a guide for landscape painters. And, it has been used for hundreds of years as a simple yet effective guide to composition.
The rule-of-thirds states that the subject of your image should fall on any one of the intersecting lines of an image, when the image is divided equally into nine parts. That's it. In layman terms it is simply telling you not to place your subject dead center in your picture.
How should I frame the background with my image?
Be creative and go crazy. The best way to learn what you like is to shoot, shoot, and keep shooting. Think about changing your perspective on your subject, lay on your back and shoot up. Stand on a chair and shoot down. Get real close and shoot real wide. This is the fun part of photography, learning what you like and how to shoot it. |
