Does velvet come out looking badly in professional photos?
Asked by
jca (
36062
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November 27th, 2010
My pre-schooler is getting holiday photos taken in about an hour. I chose a dress that is black velvet on top for her to wear. I now remember hearing that velvet absorbs light and is not good for photos. However I’m not sure if that’s outdated info or if the newer cameras have a better outcome.
Do you know if velvet is not a good thing to wear for professional photos?
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3 Answers
If the photographer uses side lighting, then the velvet will reflect on the high parts of the drape and fall into shadow on the low parts. This will show nicely.
If the photographer is using top lighting, then the velvet drape will not be so well defined.
School photography is usually done with two side lights.
The myth that black velvet or white doesn’t show well is exactly that… a myth. A good photographer does their job and can show all colors and textures without worry.
Black velvet is a popular backdrop as well. We use it to absorb light fall off when we want the background to be completely black. But it would show up if we put lights on it.
they use these subtle lights that are like tissue paper umbrellas.
that’s just the modelling light. they flash with much higher power when the photo is snapped.
it doesn’t matter what kind of lights they use. what matters is where they put them. I’m sure its side lighting for schools because that decreases eyeglass reflections and lowers the risk of a light falling on someones head.
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