Using real scenery as a backdrop

[bpate]

Ron asked me how I did the backgrounds for my work train shots so here is a brief explanation.

I made a simple portable diorama that was quite flat, as seen in this photo. This is placed it on a handy fence post and the train is put on the track.

Composing the photo from a low angle allows for the background to look in perspective.

The cropping makes all the difference.

 

[Ralph]

That's a terrific effect Barry! Beautiful work on the train as well!
Ralph

 

[ezdays]

I'm thinking that's a great backyard, train not withstanding...

That being said, that's a great way to compose a picture with no backdrop or scenery work. :thumb: :thumb: Kinda tough to run trains that way though.

Don

 

[bpate]

Thanks Ralph,

It is Don, Getting the power lead up there is not easy and then the little blighters run fall off the edge as soon as you power up!

 

[Woodie]

Barry,

I took one look at that photo, and said to myself, "That could be one of my fence posts out the front.... barbed wire, grass, gum trees and all. Now where in the 'ell in the US looks just like the view out the front of my place. Boy, that scenery looks like Australia".

Then I saw that you're from Melbourne!!! DOH!! To used to the volume of US postings and pics I suppose.

BTW... Lismore Nth NSW here.

and a pic of a couple of $10 weathered oil tankers I took a week or so ago. Need a small diarama to do it properly.

 

[Jim T]

Boy, what a difference a little background makes!!

Jim

 

[Eddie Landreth]

Barry - That's beautiful modelling as well as great photography! You got the knack for it man!:thumb:

 

[bpate]

Thanks Woodie, Jim and Eddie

We live in a great country Woodie, and of course our American friends live in another great country too, as do our Canadian friends.... etc...

 

[Arlaghan]

Great concept and works beautifully!

I think you could take it a little further with one of those lens... I forget what they are called ... that makes the foreground bigger and the background smaller... is that a wide angle lens? Anyway, it would help to reduce the background image so that things that are too close to be in proper perspective (say a house or whatever) would be reduced to your modelling scale.