How to Make a Background for Glamour Shots

Set your model against a white background so that she is the focus of the photo.

Glamour photography is a popular genre of photography. It focuses on the face and sensuality of a model. Professional glamour photographers have expensive equipment and many backgrounds to use in their studios. However, it is easy for any photographer to take powerful glamour shots. All you need is a decent digital camera and a good photographic eye. Since glamour shots are about the model, it is important to select a background which does not detract from the model. Natural settings offer lots of options to complement the model, but some photographers prefer the intimate setting of a studio. There is a simple way to turn any room into a basic studio using just a piece of white cloth. Use this technique with different kinds of fabrics for more backgrounds.

Things You'll Need

• White cloth or sheet
• Removable art hooks
• Wire/String
• Clothespins

Instructions

1. Affix the removable art hooks to the wall. It is important to use hooks which allow some space for string or wire to be tied to them and jut out from the wall just a bit. Space the hooks far enough apart so they are slightly larger than the desired frame. Six feet is a safe bet, but as little as 1.5 feet may be enough in some circumstances. Place the hooks high enough on the wall that they are above the desired frame. Again, xix feet is a good height.

2. String the wire or string up between the hooks. Tie it on one hook first. Pull it taunt and tie it to the second hook. Too much slack can cause a saggy background.

3. Place the cloth over the wire or string. Make sure the cloth folds over the wire and hangs a little on the back side, and well below the frame on the front side. Use a lighter cloth, as the art hooks may not hold a lot of weight. Add a third hook in the middle if it looks as though it might come down.

4. Use the clothespins to attach the cloth to the wire exactly like hanging the wash out to dry. You may choose to make it an entirely flat background or make ripples in the fabric for visual interest by bunching it up at the top before clipping it to the line. Make sure that the ripples do not make the background too busy.

Tips & Warnings

• Add props to the photograph for added interest, but don't use busy props.

References

• Glamor Photography: Taking Glamor Shots