Senior Portraits: Background, Props, and Shooting Ideas

Join portrait photographer James Schmelzer as he shares his cutting-edge ideas and concepts for creating and lighting unique backgrounds for studio portraits.

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James Schmelzer

Release Date: 2009-09-23

Lessons

Introduction

<p>An introduction to the instructor and what will be covered in this course</p>

Duration: 1 mins 54 seconds

Zebra Print

<p>Controlling the light on an animal print background with daylight-balanced fluorescent bulbs by Westcott</p>

Duration: 8 mins 24 seconds

CD Wall

<p>The reflective surfaces of the CDs make for an interesting challenge</p>

Duration: 2 mins 35 seconds

Shag Rug

<p>Breaking up the wall behind the subject with fill light</p>

Duration: 1 mins 43 seconds

Beads and Hand-Painted Foam Core

<p>Creative painting and turning your light into a spotlight with Turbo Spot</p>

Duration: 4 mins 33 seconds

Old Boards and Chipped Paint

<p>Be sure to offer a variety of backgrounds for your customers to choose from</p>

Duration: 3 mins 11 seconds

Pillows and a White Background

<p>Inspiration can come from walking around the mall and looking at the window displays</p>

Duration: 7 mins 38 seconds

Rose Petals

<p>One of the more beautiful and popular poses for high school portraits</p>

Duration: 5 mins 1 seconds

Frosted Tungsten Bulb

<p>Trying to match the color temperature of the chandelier</p>

Duration: 4 mins 0 seconds

Black Couch, Tiled Floor

<p>Mixing these elements with a bead background and the correct lighting</p>

Duration: 1 mins 56 seconds

Painted SubFloor as Background

<p>This eye-catching material works great in this setup because the subjects can lean and touch on the background</p>

Duration: 1 mins 58 seconds

3D Wall Paper

<p>Many different ways to be creative with this background material</p>

Duration: 2 mins 52 seconds

Antique Couch

<p>Antique store is another great source for interesting set pieces for the studio</p>

Duration: 2 mins 54 seconds

Glitter Board

<p>Using studio lights with barn doors attached are great for creating lighting patterns</p>

Duration: 3 mins 57 seconds

Ring Flash

<p>This type of flash can be used to give a fashion look to all of your images</p>

Duration: 2 mins 18 seconds

Conclusion

<p>Learn the rudiments to lighting and have fun taking senior portraits</p>

Duration: 1 mins 3 seconds