Help with backdrop?

[chanba]

Hi all

Im new to photography and this forum. I was just wondering if anyone could give me some tips? I have been practicing by taking lots of photo of my daughter, i took this one this morning, I know its not the best photo, but i really like it, and its good to practice!

My questions is, obviously i have not done well with the backdrop posistion, and cant crop the photo down, so is there anyway to fix this, or do i have to start again? I have tried using the clone tool, but it didnt come out to well!

I have been using Photoscape and Gimp.

Thanks


6a by cherylbarnes, on Flickr

[edbayani]

if you can reshoot, stretch the3 background so there are no folds or creases. i'm not familiar with gimp or photoscape, i use cs2. but if you can select the baby and the green chrismas decor and the christmas balls including the foreground cloth, then inverse the selection to select the bacground, you can fill it with gradient color. but be careful with the selection specially the edges of the baby.

[chanba]

Thats great, thanks for your help, i'll give it a go and see how i get on!!

[Wesnile]

I would use the clone tool to extend the cloth behind the baby then dodge highlights to nuke all the white. Probably would have to mask a good bit of the decor and baby for the dodging to not affect the baby

[chanba]

Hi wesnile,
I did try to clone the cloth to start with, but it was ver obvious i had done it, will try it again and then use the didge tool to see if it looks any better!
Thanks

[AnneWynne]

I use PS Elements, so not sure if you have a profram that will allow you to do this, but:

Use a selection tool to select your background to the side of the subject. Once you have your selection made, use the Free Transform tool to stretch the selection to the edges of your photo. Once you have the area covered you want covered, deselect and fo onto the next area you want to stretch out.

You may or may no like the results, it will distort the background some.

In the future, use a backdrop stand to help you spread out your backdrop more. It can be a simple as a couple of large spring clams holding the backdrop to some shelves. Check out DIYPhotography.net | Photography and Studio Lighting for easy and inexpensive hacks for holding backdrops.

BTW, I think the photo is really cute and nicely posed.

Anne

[chanba]

Thanks Anne, I'll go and have a look if i can do that.
I've tried the other two ways but it didnt come out well, I think i just need more practice!

[Murtasma]

Lesson learned

2 extra minutes preparing the shot can save you hours in post processing time.

Cute Picture BTW love the setup. I would redo the image with a larger sheet if you have one and make sure the wrinkles are out unless you want that look. Just be sure the background covers your entire frame next time.