Friday, January 03, 2025

Digital Backgrounds in Photography


Who'd of thunk it? Using an old TV screen like this to make a photo like this....

👇

Some say that showing the 'secrets' of behind the scenes ruins the magic. In a sense it does, but it doesn't help others learn how to improve or try new techniques. In the past, I've used my laptop screen with pretty good success. However, I could only do little figures and not something like the above Watch Tower.

I tried some more fun shots before I dismantled the TV and put it back in storage. I don't have the room to leave it set up.

The one below is similar. I used an AI generated image of a desert and placed this minifigure and her horse on top of a piece of wrinkled paper bag I had. I used my cell phone flashlight to light her up from an angle and there it was....

A warrior traveling in the desert.


I had one more I tried. I set this Pegasus and the warrior on a mirror close to the TV so I could 'shoot' her flying on her steed.
I chose a photo of mine from the archives to use of clouds.

It came out pretty good, but I had to use a 'mist' brush to cover up the lines where the mirror met the screen. I did a slight radial blur of the background.
I need to try this again. Her face and the reflection of the light on her face are awkward. But the idea seems sound. Maybe next time I can put them on a tilt to imitate flying.


In portrait photography [which I have no care to do -- I tried it and failed], Digital Backgrounds are used. As they can be for Still Life Photography too.

The backgrounds can be digital printed items, or a smart TV like I used. I've even used scrapbook paper for backgrounds.

I've also used scraps of wood that I've painted and textured.


It worked well.


I really prefer to 'make' my own backdrops but I enjoy using all the tools I can. I do have a light box too. I'll probably shake the dust off from that and explore some created scenes with that.

I did this last year, it was quite fun to create a story without words.

The Interview


Since our temps dropped to very cold again. I may explore some of my old methods and try some new methods of photography.

I should really really ... gather some items and do some more still life shots.


There is just so much one can have fun with.

Have a good day. 

12 comments:

  1. How boring am I. I just read books!

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    1. Not boring at all! I too read books and they can be anything from poetry to guide books and all sorts of topics.
      :)

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  2. I showed Sue the process and result on Flickr yesterday. Perhaps she will find a way to use the idea on one of her prompts this year.

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    1. It is fun and can also be frustrating but worth a try!

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  3. Anonymous9:03 AM

    If I only knew 25% of what you know about photography!!!!! Lori

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    1. Thanks, it is just a matter of a lot of practice.

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  4. They are all good but I do like the last photo best. It's cold here with sunshine. Which usually means it cold!

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    1. The last photo is one I like a lot also. It seems to be the most difficult kind of shot for me to do. I should get back to doing things like that to challenge myself again.

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  5. Very cool. I like the idea of using the tv. My grandkids are so creative with the legos. I will have to show them your ideas.

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    1. I've heard that ipads or something like that work well also!

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  6. Fun stuff! I have a light box at home and just began to use it before we left, I have lots of scrapbook paper for backgrounds!! Thanks for that idea! Stay warm...it is brutal here today. The wind is always blowing here.

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    1. Scrapbook paper is so awesome to use for so many things! I've used in in my lightbox to give texture to a shot.

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