How to Use Black Backgrounds in Photos
Black backgrounds can be very effective when used in photographs, and can be achieved either in the actual process of taking the photograph or with photo editing software after the photograph has been taken. A particularly effective use of a black background can be when it is used for showing contrast between two extremes of dark and light. Black backgrounds can be used for dark foreground images and views, but care should be taken. The glinting yellow eyes of a black cat is one image that would be a good and effective use of a black-on-black image.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Creating Black Backgrounds with Software and for the Camera
-
1
In photo editing, even a simple free program such as Microsoft's Paint in Windows can be a useful tool in providing a black background for an image.
-
2
Using the Paint program, go to "File," and Click on "Open" and look for a .JPEG file to use. Click on the chosen photograph, and then use the "Free-Form Select" star-shaped tool from the "Tool Box" on the left side of the program, and trace around the part of the image that you wish to use, then go to "File," and then "Edit" and click on "Cut." Then go to "File," and Click on "New." You will be prompted to click on "Yes" or "No" regarding the changes to your image. Click on "No," which will preserve the original image.
-
-
3
Click on "File," then "Edit," then "Paste," and the image you have traced will show up. Then go to the "Fill In Color" tool in the "Tool Box," and select the black color from the "Color Box" at the bottom of the program. Click on a blank white area around the pasted image, and the background will then become a black background.
-
4
Getting a black background for a photograph can be easily achieved with any black fabric or a sheet of black paper of a suitable size. For best results, put the backdrop on a wall. With both fabric and paper, the backdrop can be kept in place by tacking.
-
5
If you are just interested in taking a portrait photograph, then you will obviously need only a small piece of fabric or paper. Do remember that a dark-haired model may need careful lighting, so as to make sure that the hair and black backdrop will not become indistinguishable.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Taking a photograph of a full moon will give you a good idea of how effective a black background can be.
Always think out beforehand how your chosen image or subject will look with a black background, and what you may have to do to achieve a good result. This will save you time when you actually start the job.
References
- Photo Credit moon with black background image by patrimonio designs from Fotolia.com
