By David Gewirtz
A few weeks ago, we ran a product review that featured the Dell Axim X50v as what we called the ultimate photographer's PDA. While there was certainly interest in the Axim itself, a surprising number of you were also curious about what we used as backdrops and props for the article's photos. Apparently, the picture shown in Figure A captured quite a lot of attention.
FIGURE A
Here's the photo that caused the fuss. (click for larger image)
Becky Ohmea writes, "I really like how the texture of the background makes the subjects stand out. Are those backdrops expensive? Where can I get one? And how much are the matching stands?"
It's really a yoga mat
Becky, the backdrop is not expensive at all. Denise bought that particular mat for about $22.95 from Hugger-Mugger (at http://www.huggermugger.com). That's right. That lovely purple backdrop is really my wife's yoga mat (officially called a Tapas Sticky Mat), shown in Figure B.
FIGURE B
I, uh, borrowed my wife's yoga mat. (click for larger image)
A few months ago, when Denise was doing her yoga stretches, I noticed the mat and commented that it was both an interesting color and texture. As a photographer, I'm always keeping my eyes open for objects that might be useful in shoots and this mat definitely caught my eye.
This mat is also interesting because it has slightly different textures on each side, as shown in Figure C.
FIGURE C
Depending on which side you use, you'll get a slightly different look. (click for larger image)
To set up my shot, I just taped the mat to a back desk, as shown in Figure D, using blue painter's tape, which leaves no residue (as long as you remove it in less than a few days). Just for the record, it took me almost three weeks to give my office a spring cleaning and one of the more happy results was my spare desk is now clear enough for fun projects like this. It's anyone's guess how long that'll last!
FIGURE D
Here's the mat, taped in a drape, on the desk. (click for larger image)
By draping the map in a shallow curve on the desk, you can begin to see how the nice, gradual background takes form. What was cool about this yoga mat is that it's got a fun, almost spongy texture, shown in Figure E, and that makes it particularly nicely suited for draping.
FIGURE E
These yoga mats have a really cool, spongy texture that holds small objects very nicely. (click for larger image)
The sacred dollar store
This, of course, brings us to the matching stand, shown back in Figure A. Ya see, uh, the matching stand isn't exactly a matching stand. It's a cheap, incredibly ugly napkin holder that makes a much nicer photo prop than a napkin holder. It's just a happy coincidence that the purple color of the napkin holder matches. We also got a blue one, shown in Figure F.
FIGURE F
Yes, it really is a napkin holder. (click for larger image)
Here in Central New Jersey, we have these interesting innovations called dollar stores. As you might guess from their name, everything in the store is a buck. So, these two napkin holders, which came from Denise' favorite dollar store, cost a dollar, each.
Combining these objects, we're talking about under $25 for some professional-looking backdrops and stands. It doesn't take much money, just creativity. For example, if I'd wanted to take a picture of my favorite little abacus, I could drop it on the napkin holder, which is then on the yoga mat. But, if you look at Figure G, you'd never, really know that's what I'm using.
FIGURE G
Use these found objects to showcase your favorite pieces. (click for larger image)
To be honest, I didn't like the above shot. I found the napkin holder stand very useful when trying to prop up a PDA with a camera, but the abacus would work quite well without the stand. I like Figure H much better:
FIGURE H
Here's the abacus, shot at a slight angle. (click for larger image)
Many of you are eBay sellers, so for a more detailed eBay picture, I also took a more straight-on shot, shown in Figure I.
FIGURE I
Here you can see much more of the detail of the object. (click for larger image)
Compare those last two pictures, and then look at the setup of my "studio," shown in Figure J.
FIGURE J
Just lean the object on the backdrop for a clean picture. (click for larger image)
Keep an eye out for found objects
In this article, I've shown you a number of pictures that showcase how a few simple found objects can make a wonderful, professional-looking backdrop. As you go through your day, keep your eyes open and use your imagination. You, too, may find something very inexpensive that'll create great pictures.
And yes, I did return the yoga mat to Denise. And yes, I did ask her if I could borrow it before I started strapping it to the desk.