SWNZ Forums

MattG wrote:1: Backgrounds

I have a selection of large pieces of card (A3 or A2, from the stationery store) or sheet plastic that I use as backdrops, usually just by placing them on a flat surface and against a wall, so that there is an even curve at the right angle between the ground and back. The card I use most often is a large silver-coloured piece, as it can be used to look quite white under strong lighting, but generally just gives a nice gradient of grey that works as contrast against most collectibles.

I've been using the large anti-static foam envelope that came wrapped around someone's new LCD TV (you get smaller versions around iMac computers too). Just use a clip or some sellotape to hold it up against a wall / door / etc. and then adjust the curve using something small and weighty at the front underneath the camera's view. I've also got a few white cardboard boxes that make good stands.

It's also best to use something to stand the camera on rather than holding it. A tripod would be great, but I've just been using a pile of big books of various thicknesses - add more to the pile to raise the camera, take some away to lower it.

Here's a quick pic of my current favoured set-up (and the results)...paired cheap, daylight-balanced (5500K) continuous studio lights, and a sheet of white styrene. All just portable gear that's fairly quick to get out and store away when finished. The fully artificial and controlled lighting means I can take sample data of just the background and use it for custom white balancing.

Hey Matt, great thread, where did you get the last figure from, it looks great.

badges2nz wrote:Hey Matt, great thread, where did you get the last figure from, it looks great.

Thanks. It's the Kotobukiya/ArtFX Jaina Solo 'Bishoujo' Statue (1/7th scale).

Awesome thread Matt - very useful