Decisions

When I saw this inexpensive framed art in the thrift shop, I was pretty sure it would work as a background for photographs.

For $3.99, I figured I’d give it a try. I had to pry the float frame (which was cheaply made) off with a screw driver. Then I used a box cutter to slice the canvas away from the inner frame.

Next step, fix the background to the wall with pushpins, making sure the print was level.

This is all a lot of work and most of it is just plain old fun. I pull out the various tools I need, drape old IKEA curtains over tables, try out different vases and flower combinations. I usually take these still life photos with my 35mm lens and the 85mm lens to see which works best. I open and close the garage door to see if the photo looks better with flatter, even light or with more contrast.

And if I am feeling especially energetic, I get out the tripod (why is it so darn hard for me to line-up a tripod properly?).

I realize that professionals often shoot tethered to a laptop so they can see their results in real time. I do not have this luxury. I do the best I can, often using the Live View mode on my camera.

But basically, the result is always a surprise.

This one?

Or this one?

Or maybe this one?