Creating Black Backgrounds for Stunning Flower Photos

Or how to get a black background when you don't have one!

Many subjects look stunning on a black or dark background, but often you are taking photos where you don't have one. There are a few ways you can create them One is by using a flash, which I won't be discussing and the other is using strong light.

Firstly, it is better if the subject isn't dark too, otherwise, some parts that are in shadow might not be seen clearly.

• Put your subject (or find one) in strong light or sun
• Position it so the background (mid tone or dark) is in shade
• take your exposure only from the subject

Your background will now go dark or black!

The background behind this flower was a mid green fence. I have used things like tree trunks, dark shadows and other similar things. I have even used a dark jacket on or off a person, pieces of black velvet or anything else dark. The key thing is to make sure the background is in shade. Even black velvet in the same light as your subject, won't show up as black. The texture will be visible and it will look light black or dark grey.

This happens because of the huge difference in the amount of light between full sun and shade. It is impossible to record detail in both in the one picture.