Old Mister Crow's guide to photographing bonsai and kusamono

mike_p

Carl, I was mistaken to call it cream. It is the white #20. You should get the black also. If there's such a thing as a "non-reflectivity index", it's far better than black velvet. Sucks up light like a black hole.

Mike

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pootsie

Yes, more thanks to heap upon Carl.
He is a great example of the benefits of a good education

I like the advice about a baseline and stand. FWIW, I've had a few years of mucking around with a small budget and have come up with something good enough for a "backyarder" at least. I use three regular 100W household spots from side angles like Carl's reflectors, plus whatever is around.

My background is an old curtain that I've "crumple-dyed" with 3 colors of plain old RIT dye. "Crumple-dye" is like tie-dyeing without any organization. The mottling effect eats up the shadows.


EDIT: Oh, cool. Just a moment ago I noticed that the firm is tossing out some blow-ups printed on good sturdy foam-board. I will have new reflectors soon! (Of course, since they are blow-ups of a 7 year-old's confidential medical records protected by HIPPA, I will have to cover that stuff up. That's the lawyer in me!)

pootsie

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Carl_Bergstrom

Thanks, Mike; I'm sold on the white. I'm actually quite pleased to hear that it looks cream in color. A real white would be too white.

I'll probably buy some floods before I replace my black velvet (mine is photographic quality, not fabric-store stuff), but on down the road, I'll look at one of these photek black backdrops as well.

Cheers,
Carl

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FlyBri

This would make a good 'sticky' thread. Just keeps getting more informative. Now all I need is some $$$, some space, and - of course - some trees worthy of the 'photo glamour' treatment.

FlyBri.

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mike_p

Carl, another one I like is the # 80, Earth Tones. It gives a warm tone to the image, and I've found it very good for 3 point displays with compatible materials. I don't seem to have saved any images where I've used it. I'll have to set it up and shoot a few.

Mike
EDIT: I took down the blue and put up the #80 Earth Tone for a quick shot using multiple flash. The tree isn't up for critique. I just ran out in the rain and grabbed something just for a prop.

Attached Images

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__________________
Bonsai is not a hobby.
Bonsai is a way of life.
MP@BBB Studio

There is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way
Gautama Buddha

Carl_Bergstrom

That would be great, Mike. I really appreciate it. I've admired your photo setup for a while now, you know.

Best wishes,
Carl

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TreeBay

Don't tell anyone, but those photek background-in-a bag fabrics are the same material as the $17.99-19.99 Vellux brand Walmart blankets. You just have to find the right color. Of course the photek stuff is hemmed nicely and some are painted on one side for a texture.

Size of the king/queen is 102x90 inches. I have seen creme, royal blue and baby blue. Black is hard to find. Someone in this post got one online through JC Penney online. I don't know if it's there now:

http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/mb_...hread_id=427009

Regards,

Matt

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Adam_MA

I found them Here although they are a bit more expensive as the normal blankets that you find in the stores. I have a green one at home, maybe I will try a quick shot and see how it turns out..

Adam

Bart Thomas(deceased)

Matt wrote:

They are still on the web page, including black. Full through king. Don't know if they are in stock.

Good tip!