How to use a Black Background for Any Type of Photography 📸

[@UXXV]

Black velvet. Brilliant! Never thought of that in a decade plus of work!

[@ChrisJenkspiano]

As always a great educational and instructional video with enough detail not to feel like its a sales video etc. I've watched a lot of Karl Taylor's content (or Visual Education) and it's always well produced, balanced and doesn't fail to reveal tricks and tips of the trade. I'm grateful for this resource

[@Mphonik2013]

Vantablack is super expensive like defense department expensive. They use it in optical satellites. Karl you might already know about this stuff but they have this paint called Black 3.0 which supposedly blocks out 99% of visible light. I am not going to post a link or advertise for the guy but you can search it. I believe he is on your side of the pond. I purchased some and its kind of thick to spread but it's pretty black with a velvety finish. Only think I would recommend if you paint a substrate with it do a coat of the cheaper 2.0 first. And keep the background covered when not in use because the surface is ruff and once dust gets on it you cant really get it off and the dust will now reflect.

[@S1D3K1CKer1992]

Can we just appreciate he matched his shirt to the video theme? Brilliant explanations as usual and valuable tips.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you.

[@TrueEssencePhotography]

Exactly

[@tmewborn1]

Thank You Sir, Very interesting, As an Engineer I find Your use of Engineering principals very enlighting

[@josephchan4198]

Awesome classes. Thanks.

[@evkollo8939]

Apart from the cool lesson itself, the most distinct and understandable pronunciation in English I have ever heard. That is important for non-native speakers. Thank you! p.s. There's also full matt or dead matt paint that has even fewer reflections than the matt one. Available as DIY as well.

[@speterlewis]

Great tips. Shooting against black is a favorite of so many of us, and this will help us do it better and more consistently!

[@richardtenhue6425]

Karl Im sure im not the only one who appreciates how informative your videos are! Thanks for sharing your knowledge bro, Subscribed.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks for the sub!

[@messylaura]

i use black velvet, i also work with oxy-acetylene for welding, i found using the aceteylene soot to coat something straight from the flame with the soot it is dead black but you cant touch it as its just a soot layer and rubs off very easy. if i want to simulate a hole in something thats not flammable like a car body panel i place a round mask over the area and pass the flame over it to make a soot circle (the flame is not hot enough to burn paint), the result is a black circle that sucks up all the light that hits it.

[@TheOlandex]

Your work is inspiring and your knowledge second to none. Thanks Karl!

[@Raken508]

If you are looking forward to Vantablack, you should check out Black 3.0 by Stuart Semple. It's the new blackest black AND you can buy it as an individual.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks

[@GrahamGphotoParker]

Hi. Is there different types of black velvet and have you got any reconditions where to get some. Cheers

[@renatozorn7162]

Wooow! Excellent video! Do you like the lightmeeter (hand lightmeeter in Brazil)? Thanks and CONGRATS!!!

[@sandro6691]

Excellent videos. I'm enjoying binging on your channel and looking forward to checking out your website classes. Thank you for you work.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Awesome, thank you!

[@marc942]

Clear, concise and appealing as usual. Much appreciated by this newbie.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wilteduk007]

I'd love you to try out a background painted with musou paint, it looks like a close alternative to vanta black.

[@Amarrebhai]

As usual I got lot of good tips and am more informed than I was before I clicked on this video, thanks again for the the quick yet thorough explanation.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad to hear it and thanks.

[@jeanlechasseur9011]

You have a way of making things very clear to understand. I thank you for that.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

You're very welcome!

[@mikewall827]

Great tutorial as always Karl. Here's to Vantablack being available soon!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Fingers crossed!

[@wheatfieldproductions1564]

I follow you from a long time ago, you are a menstruous photographer, congrats. What a good content.

[@studiodannygolan6190]

As always Karl, another great video

[@VisualEducationStudio]

I appreciate that

[@cats_a_roundoninstagram743]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@VisualEducationStudio]

My pleasure

[@viviRMTNiviv]

Any camera specific settings to achieve these kind of black subject on black backdrop photos? Without the accessibility of extra lights to use? New to photography, just have an RX100 camera and looking to take photos of someone wearing a black dress with a black backdrop and dont want the edges to get lost

[@VisualEducationStudio]

There are never any camera specific settings to use. The camera settings to use such as your aperture is a mechanism to control how much light comes through to your sensor and how much depth of field you want, the setting for the amount of light is based on how much light there is which is never a constant and the amount of depth of field you want is a creative choice. The shutter speed is another mechanical component of a camera that also relates to how much light there is and also if you have movement that you want to capture frozen sharp or blurred. Unfortunately many people that are new to photography ask about camera settings without realising that it's like asking how many layers of clothes should i wear to go outside today. It depends on the weather, the wind, the time of year and your own comfort levels, decisions that should be made by you. The most important thing to learn as a new photographer (especially in relation to your question) is light. You should do our free course and it will get you up to speed: visualeducation.com/free-photography-course/

[@rodrigoundaa]

thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge

[@VisualEducationStudio]

My pleasure

[@JayJanePhotography]

Is that Vander-Black? looks amazing! Just like it was a black solid layer generated in photoshop.

[@slowlyrusting4044]

As always, great demonstration and expert explanation. Thanks, Karl.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Very welcome

[@gregoryhauser1506]

Thanks, this vid helped me choose what color to paint my studio which is nearing completion. 18% Gray walls to 8’? The rest white to 18’ height. Undecided for ceiling white or grey it’s a small studio “L” shaped built-in “V” flat x 2.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

I'd go white for the ceiling and consider black foam board panels which you can stick with velcro when you need to black it out

[@gregoryhauser1506]

Wow thanks for the reply! I’ll look into it and see what’s available locally. It’s a home studio, was an atrium but had water damage which destroyed my floor. So I’m reclaiming the space. Has 18’ ceiling + sky light with blackout sunshade. I think I’ll paint the walls grey up to ceiling and the ceiling white. I want to mention you work inspires me quite a bit since my style is similar. 🥂

[@johnhoughton7794]

Just had a set of your DVD's delivered today from ebay. Going to make a great Birthday present to go with his camera for my son.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Well enjoy but it's much cheaper to watch them on our platform and you get everything we've ever made! :)

[@johnhoughton7794]

@@VisualEducationStudio I'm a member of your platform for 2 years, Browsing ebay's DVDs found a set for under £10 could not resist.mind you the X1D cost £4000.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Ha Ha great stuff, I think I've still got some kicking around the studio for nostalgic reasons!

[@eccentricsmithy2746]

Would black microfiber sheets be a good alternative to black velvet sheets?

[@WilkinsonStarLtd]

Thoughts on paper backdrops? we use these but it doesnt seem to look clean on the final image and you can see creases in the paper ?

[@navagiopoint]

i just bought white paper and black. I think gonna give the black 1 star rating, looks almost oily

[@angphatnguyen4537]

Musou Black paint can asorbs 99.4% light almost like Vanta black and it available on the market

[@kenspo]

Good stuff as always!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Appreciate that

[@IvanMoyaR]

Amazing as always! Thanks for the tips. I’m about to jump into Karl Taylor education

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Great thank you.

[@iamwhatiam6281]

sometimes in portraits I find more interesting a black background without rim light just because expecially with hard lights or high contrast images, the edge lights add separation where I don’t want. I love when the illuminated part of the subject stands out from the black. but obviously the illuminated part must be properly exposed. low key photography is not so simple like it seems

[@voiceonearts]

Vanta black IS technically available to the public, an artist made their own version that isn't effected by the trademark and it is available to artists. Worth looking into, an artist here in Dallas has used it for paintings! It's very cool. Expensive though.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks for the info.

[@n900video]

@@VisualEducationStudio There is also "Black 3.0 - the world's blackest black acrylic paint"

[@voiceonearts]

@@VisualEducationStudio sure thing! Thanks for ALL your amazing info! I can't get enough of all your concise and professional knowledge, the framework of these lessons are so inclusive and motivational!

[@voiceonearts]

@@VisualEducationStudio I believe it's called Black 3.0

[@voiceonearts]

@@n900video yes, that one hahaha thank you!

[@satyajitmukhopadya6159]

Karl my favorite

[@mjl1958]

Is black Molton a suitable alternative to velvet?

[@bp-blackshark]

Velvet have a 3-dimensional surface, thats why it is working so great, to absorb light. Think about a surface like that: .I.I.I.I.I.I.I.I.I. The "standing" fibers will catch and reflect any beams of light, which are coming from a certain direction. There is nearly no flat reflective surface which is showing into the direction from the camera, like you would have with a regular paper or vinyl background. Molton would probably be better as paper, but a roll of Colorama Velor-background (1,32m x 7,30m) doesn`t cost you an arm and a leg: about 80€...or if you need a big background: Velor background from BRESSER: 2,70m x 6,00m...120€

[@sluggztube]

Thank You. 🙏

[@Daweisstebescheid]

realy awesome, thanks for sharing 😍👌👍🙋‍♂️

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you too

[@EliasMabuza]

Very useful, ever inspiring! Thanks Karl!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

My pleasure!

[@MikeGiovinazzo]

on point as always

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Cheers.

[@robertonegrin9001]

Thank Karl.

[@AlainLafleche1]

Your vidéos Are so Interesting for a beginner like me. thank you.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you like them!

[@davidowle3772]

Kopro VL Flock fabric is available...

[@kubilaysener88]

Love the videos, very good explained. Amazing teacher!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

cheers

[@dmitriwildfong-nishman3844]

Don't know if anyone mentioned it in the comments yet, but British artist Stuart Semple has created a matte black acrylic paint, Black 3.0, that absorbs an astonishing 99% of visible light and costs only $24 for 150ml, the only special rule is you have to promise you won't let the artist Anish Kapoor use it ever. I recommend Googling why if you want a fun story about artists feuding. Likewise, a Japanese company called Koyo Orient Japan has created Musou Black, a paint that absorbs 99.4% of visible light. For around $30, anyone can buy a 100ml bottle of Musou Black. Perfect and affordable for your blackest of black backdrop needs.

[@jacquelinemartin9793]

Hi Karl, For the black Velvet. Is it safe to say that this fabric should be 100% cotton? If not, what should it be made of and where can one purchase in Canada/USA? I've been trying to find 100% cotton Velvet, but haven't found any yet Thank you for this wonderful video

[@jacquelinemartin9793]

Hi Karl, Hoping to get some guidance on Velvet Fabric Please. Is it 100% cotton one needs to look for? I have seen so many types, but haven't yet been able to find 100% Cotton in Canada Any suggestions as to where to purchase? Thank you

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Hi, please contact our customer support which be reached through your member home page on Karl Taylor Education.

[@jaspergoodall3206]

Great lessons. One question: in your product photography you sometimes have a kind of semi- reflective but mat substrate of some kind under the product. What is it? Mat black Perspex maybe? Any suggestions? Thanks!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Hi yes it's matt black acrylic

[@emptyandseephotos7858]

Diamond is formed in long time pressure under ground of black carbon. So is your valuable video!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you.

[@RagingBubuli]

Musou black is also an alternative and is already commercially available for the public.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

cheers

[@apocalypse487]

Musuo black is another alternative. It's available to the public.

[@guillermomartinez3125]

you should check musou black paint

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Will do thanks

[@fabfourdub1284]

There is many new black paint now that does similar effect as vantablack...cheaper and available.

[@noyb154]

generous. thanks.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

You bet!

[@teleking58]

Not duvatyne?

[@chrisogrady28]

It must be hard to get the cove back from black to white

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Three coats of Dulux Vinyl Matt

[@senstravels5513]

Black 3.0 is the blackest black commercially available.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Great thanks

[@mohammadfarooq7229]

Sir iam useing frist time 1985 wedding photography

[@zuriazuria1156]

☺️🍃🙏❤

[@pitaorj]

you can buy musou black instead of vanta black.

[@akjohn445]

How can I like this video twice?

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Not sure, but thanks :)

[@KeyurBhatt8]

I am waiting for your every video and one time buy 1 month subscriptions

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Cheers

[@KeyurBhatt8]

Very kind of sir for upload learning video thanks so much

[@rp.aguilera]

who the heck dislikes this video???

[@MrAtomicPhotography]

It is a (weird?) fact that you can´t please everybody, no matter how hard you try.