Beginner Doing Team Photos

[kitykity]

Hello there!

I'm new to this forum... I'm going to be starting team and individual photos for young kids' soccer teams this spring. I'm starting to set up a portfolio to give to coaches, and one of my biggest questions right now is this: What should I use for backgrounds? I have seen some photographers in the past use the natural background of what is around them (the soccer field, etc.) but I'm curious about using chroma-key and digital background images... do you think they're a good idea? Where are some good places to find such things (meaning decent looking digital background images--they seem difficult to find)... or should I spend the money to get a hand-painted backdrop? Your opinions are welcome... and thank you!

Susan

[ACArmstrong]

Don't use chroma-key - it's not worth it. You'll still be unable to "magic wand" the background and get it all out. You'll still have to painstakingly erase, or better yet "clip" the subject out of the photo. And, not to sound snooty here, if you're not good at it, the photos will look cheap.

IMSHO, you should use the natural surroundings for sports.

[masdog]

Like AC said, natural backgrounds work best. It is also probably the only background that the coach will want.

[livin4lax09]

yes, use natural bg's. They look very good if done correctly. Also, remember to use fill flash. It can make the difference between a good portrait and a bad one.

[JSPhoto]

Natural background & fill flash

JS

[masdog]

Here is one rough example that I took today of my college hockey team.