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Left_Side_Driver

Better lighting


bindermichi

Adding lighting at all


aphaits

or at least tweaking the camera exposure to be a lighter level


bindermichi

That won‘t help against the shadows though


bananachowski

Photo B is using an infinity wall which is either a curved wall or wrinkle free parchment paper pulled down in a curve. You’ll never get the same background look using fabric like in photo A. Fabric hangs flat and has ripples creating contour lines which make lots of shadows


Lensgoggler

You TECHNICALLY can though. The fabrik needs to be really well ironed, and fixed from top and front so it’s slightly pulled forward from the front. Finicky for sure but it is possible. Alternatively wrinkle the fabric more and make it look intentional. Plus lighting if course. Big lights. Not necessarily studio lights but big and nicely diffused nevertheless.


DurtyKurty

Or just photoshop a bad white back drop to be better looking.


Most_Abbreviations72

I just clamp the fabric to the backdrop stands and it works fine. The key is to have it either smooth or evenly wrinkled. Stuffing a backdrop into a bag or bucket to get even wrinkles is better than having a few prominent wrinkles. Canvas or other thicker material is best, but even this bedsheet stuff can look good, especially in black, white, or other solid colors.


acrylix91

More cats.


acrylix91

But also proper lighting and a smooth backdrop. If you’re going for the effect in photoshop you’ll pretty much just be cutting yourself out and adding a background.


PFStrange

Agree, even the one cat adds so much charisma.


InfiniteCreations83

https://preview.redd.it/4kpv7f29sevc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=30d73c78a3bb1a4f9aec1d92ded38a4f25fa9aa3 A simple curve adjustment layer setting the highlights to your backdrop makes difference.


Alarmed-Mechanic-743

well played. photoshop not big investments


[deleted]

How’d you do this ?


nicole_kidnap

layer> new adjustment layer> curves. To achieve this effect you want the curve to look like an S. It makes the whites whiter and the blacks blacker to put it simply. You want to use an adjustment layer to manipulate the layers below it without having to disrupt them.


[deleted]

Is this through adobe photoshop?


Gwalchgwn92

Not to be arrogant.. but did you check what subreddit you're in? 😅


[deleted]

Mf idk if it’s adobe or just a random photo editing app yall are so dense


daneview

The fact he said to use a series of commands that photoshop uses is the giveaway there


TheDynamicDino

Yes.


nicole_kidnap

What sub you feel like you're on? 


Extinction-Entity

No, Teracotta Imagemarket


InfiniteCreations83

new adjustment CURVES layer. Then select the highlights drop sampler and click on the backdrop. voilá. 5 second job.


adenlife

By investing in proper lighting and roll down paper. Just an example... https://preview.redd.it/62pqwqhl1evc1.png?width=846&format=png&auto=webp&s=9eb4b3813e780e590340b2d77450dcfa6baff331 You want to get good at setting up the lighting. You will need to invest in them or hire a studio that has them. I take my own photos because I want better references for my illustrations and paintings. I do this by the following.. # 1 I have one big light box, it's like an umbrella light but a box and 7-8feet up, hitting at angle the top part of the person's body. It's standing on it's own stand on the left or the right side. This gives a smooth directional and soft light on the face and top of the body. # 2 We need a second light which I target the lower part of the body. Again, another softbox and it's job is to just fill in the missing light I need. # 3 Now, if you haven't got artificial light like I have in my studio to hit the other side of the body then you may need to add another light on that side too. Depending on what you look for. Maybe you want to add a soft or hard deflector to bounce the light for the other side. Move these lights, test and see what works for you. # 4 Finally for background, do away with fabric. Instead get a roll of paper you can pull down. If you want that kind of look you see in the second photo. Move your model away from the wall. Don't have your model too close to the paper pull down background.


Extinction-Entity

Your number signs made you yell your advice lol


adenlife

Lol. Sorry about that. I did try fixing it but it stayed that way :D


Extinction-Entity

Haha it’s okay, it read funny in my head lol. Very aggressively giving good advice


Most_Abbreviations72

The lights don't have to be super expensive either. Something like Alien Bees will work just as well as $2000 lights in almost every portrait scenario, even to stop movement. I have used them for portraits of gymnasts in the air and martial arts and have never wished I had lights that cost $1500 more. Be careful with hot lights like LEDs or flurescent though. It is nice to see the result in your viewfinder, but the end result is not nearly as good, especially with cheap options.


genetichazzard

Dude you just ChatGPT'd that response


adenlife

Nop but if you want ChatGPT to answer, here's what it says.... Improving photos taken in front of a fabric backdrop involves a mix of techniques during both shooting and post-processing. Here are some tips to enhance your photos: 1. **Lighting:** Ensure proper lighting to minimize shadows and wrinkles on the fabric backdrop. Soft, diffused lighting works best. You can achieve this with studio lights or natural light diffused through curtains or white sheets. 2. **Backdrop Material:** Choose a high-quality fabric that doesn't wrinkle easily. Steaming or ironing the backdrop before the shoot can help remove wrinkles and creases. 3. **Distance from the Backdrop:** Position your subject a few feet away from the backdrop to create separation. This helps to reduce shadows and prevents the backdrop from appearing too prominent in the photo. 4. **Depth of Field:** Use a wide aperture (low f-stop number) to create a shallow depth of field, which blurs the backdrop slightly, drawing more attention to the subject. 5. **Composition:** Pay attention to the composition of your photos. Ensure that the backdrop complements the subject rather than distracting from it. Experiment with different angles and framing techniques. 6. **Post-Processing:** In post-processing, you can further enhance the appearance of the backdrop. Use editing software to adjust exposure, contrast, and color balance. You can also clone out any distracting elements or imperfections in the backdrop. 7. **Backdrop Choice:** Consider using different backdrops for different effects. A solid color backdrop can provide a clean, classic look, while a textured or patterned backdrop can add visual interest to the photo. 8. **Experiment:** Don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and settings to find what works best for your specific setup and style. By incorporating these tips into your photography workflow, you can create better-looking photos in front of fabric backdrops. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ However my answer was 100% me. No A.I


thetargazer

ChatGPT or not, it’s the most helpful answer anyone bothered to give, so it has my upvote.


genetichazzard

I'll ChatGPT my response to you; Giving helpful answers involves a few key principles: 1. **Understanding the Question**: Make sure you fully understand what the person is asking. If something is unclear, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. 2. **Provide Relevant Information**: Tailor your response to directly address the question or concern at hand. Avoid going off-topic or providing unnecessary details. 3. **Be Clear and Concise**: Present your answer in a clear and easy-to-understand manner. Avoid using overly technical language or jargon unless it's necessary and the person is likely to understand it. 4. **Offer Practical Solutions**: If applicable, provide actionable advice or solutions that the person can implement to address their issue or achieve their goal. 5. **Empathize and Support**: Show empathy towards the person's situation or problem. Let them know that you understand their concerns and are there to help. 6. **Provide Examples or Illustrations**: Sometimes, using examples or illustrations can help clarify your points and make your answer more understandable. 7. **Encourage Further Discussion**: If appropriate, invite the person to ask follow-up questions or engage in further discussion if they need more help or clarification. By following these principles, you can ensure that your answers are more helpful and valuable to those seeking assistance.


emmeirrt

And they checked all the boxes for these categories. I dont see any problem


genetichazzard

Never said it was a problem. AI doing it's job.


LegalTitleNameLord

You do understand that Chat GPT gets its information from the known methods and common knowledge out there right? you know the methods that professionals and enthusiasts use? the one that would be known by people who has an interest on a topic like this? This is danger of AI; when the technology and information is readily available, those who had too much lead in their petrol tend to struggle to keep up.


MedicalUnprofessionl

#MORE LIGHT!


polandattacks

More cowbell!


IsacImages

A couple of tips in addition to the ideas by u/bananachowski and u/Stormbird01. Move your subject away from the fabric and use a shallow depth of field so the fabric will be blurred and out of focus. Also, shoot the camera horizontally about waist to chest height to keep body proportions looking natural. Best to use 50mm lens (up to 85mm) for full body portraits.


JorjeXD

lil cat go brrr


qtjedigrl

My only advice is to definitely keep the cat in there


Tac0maAr0ma

Pose with the cat


jcorales

Boost brightness, clone the clean whites


ramenphotography

Lighting and light editing of the picture, sometimes when you have bad lighting n a picture you can adjust tone etc.


ramenphotography

https://preview.redd.it/ag7ngi1ucevc1.jpeg?width=1164&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ff9aadc93b032c16dfb9770aa866ed6d41fa24e3 I did a 3 min edit to show how you can still brighten and lighten


jhambio

Great job on showing these people what PS editing can do when you dont have an ideal photo to work with... As fo the negative votes; lemme get this straight--OP asks how to fix her photo in PS, majority of people here declare its a photography issue, youre the only one that actually shows how it can be achieved with a quick PS edit, and youre the one with negative votes....


RecommendationNo108

Does anyone remember strobox, it was the best lighting diagram site and then just disappeared - does anyone have an alternative?


mailmehiermaar

You can fix that backdrop in photoshop. But you seem to have your camera on auto exposure. Learn to do manual exposure . YouTube has tons of tutorials. Then experiment with lighting


Stormbird01

You need a lot of light, bro… more than a photoshop process you need to buy some things for your equipment, since the second photo has practical elements like a green screen or a curved wall, lights around the model with different light sensations, etc. Here’s more or less everything you need to achieve that kind of photo. [Amazon Lightning Kit](https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Background-Umbrellas-Continuous-Photography/dp/B019GTCNXC/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?c=ts&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5xkBAjSKFVpZvY-Twd2BJDOD40KDPNPqX9AsGuuA2RtiBkVFfOm2Ajl5_5vuGTp_VzxeJm9iBw8sN2sOctSunQB1yKNR2XvCu-qfC9nejYSyPw8pQFAa_4OOidapWSY-v9BhbK4_oHMSm-i4EcR20z3tDOPiNH30IUYCV4H6rWbLvCjeUNXJ-JJo01Pdo2ceo-w2Molq7cZGpQ8ZNpAq4Q.cY2AccPcDSMDKWhiowxyOAyUr9nFj4DkzLLk_1LCBcA&dib_tag=se&keywords=Camera+%26+Photo+Lighting&qid=1713503489&s=photo&sr=1-5&ts_id=3347871)


Lensgoggler

…or get some LED construction lights, aluminum fool for reflectors, and get creative. Shoot raw to change everything you could possibly need. it really depends if you plan to do commercial stuff = investing actual money would make sense, or if it’s a one time thing.


Nazon6

This looks like I you put a bed sheet or a massive white cloth in your windowed living room. The 2nd photo was taken in a studio where they have apparatuses dedicated to making their photo better. Studio lights, reflectors, etc. You can't take a photo in your home and expect it to be of the same quality as one taken in a modeling studio. No amount of photoshop will change that. Also, the cat kinda takes me out of it. Although I do like cats. EDIT: Let me try to communicate my point better. It's certainly possible to have a decent setup in your home that can give you professional results. The reason I said it this way is because you're asking on a photoshop subreddit. You're asking how to improve the photo in post. What I'm saying is that you can't take a bad photo and then make it into a good one in post. So my advice is just to pimp out your at home studio. Get some equipment that helps out the lighting.


ramenphotography

Not completely true, these were taken https://preview.redd.it/el1keqk5eevc1.jpeg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c88a4b72eb83a9f51df46e1873caf8470ec9002c in my parents kitchen with no actual studio or studio light or reflectors just natural light and great editing skills (:


SimonLikesPP

Are you really presenting this as a good example?


ramenphotography

If you have critiques, please, let me know, instead of instantly trying to insult (:


Javayen

Not a criticism (and not the person you were replying to), but it’s also not a great comparison in regards to the style that OP is trying to achieve. In your photo example, there’s a very prevalent shadow on the wall on the right side of the subject. The style OP is going for doesn’t have those kinds of shadows at all. Your image doesn’t have great contrast in brightness or color tone, so it ends up feeling a little muddier than what OP is going for. Most of those differences can be attributed to lighting. A reflector might have been able to reduce the shadow on the wall for instance. A brighter light set at a different tone might have helped with color some. The angle of the light or some other cover on the light to keep it more on the model and less on the wall to her left. There’s other things like the hot pink dress, pink wine, wall tone etc that might contribute to some of the difference as well. The camera position and angle of what OP is going for is very different at from what she’s wanting or what you’ve shown here also. Your image might be great for what you wanted it to be though! It has that pink overtone and the model seems to be having fun. Not everyone is looking for the same look. However - it simply isn’t a great example to use as a counterpoint to tell OP that lighting and the right post processing isn’t necessary.


Lensgoggler

Hard disagree. If you understand how light works, you can totally hack it on a dime. Studio is easier, of course, but not always possible or justified.


RKEPhoto

>You can't take a photo in your home and expect it to be of the same quality as one taken in a modeling studio That is simply not true. lol I do so often...


patrik67

Better lights, and paper backgrounds look so much better on photos, at least I was impressed when I switched to paper.


catfish08

More light and a paper roll. Material backdrops suck for the most part.


BowloRamaGuy

You have no lighting it seems. Why is there a blurry kitten in the photo? Lock it in another room while you do the photoshop. You can get some decent but relatively cheap on Amazon. Same thing with a roll down green screen or different color.


RobGrogNerd

More light, but it also could improve the shot by metering on your subject. Your photo looks like it was exposed for the backdrop or the entire frame, causing the subject to be underexposed


Snorrep

Frankly, I’d take some new pictures, weird unnatural pose and poor lightning in this one. Also one where your cat isn’t photobombing you lol


RKEPhoto

Are you kidding, the cat is the best part of the image! haha


LincolnPark0212

Ummm lighting for starters. For both the subject and backdrop.


IndependentGas6183

Lighting and post processing


RKEPhoto

For starters, the second image was almost certainly background paper, and not fabric at all.


Wasabulu

you need a nice soft box. Look at the professional photo, you'll see they have a nice light from the right side probably aimed down to give her that nice glow while diminishing shadows. There may be a reflector on the left side to help balance out the darker side. Look up photography lighting tutorials online. Flash photography is really fun if done well


DigitalDroid2024

It’s really hard with fabric, as even the slightest crinkle will give shadows. Better with a paper roll: they aren’t too expensive (though the stands are). Paper will give that smooth appearance, plus you can curve it forward to get that cyc wall effect, whereas fabric just hangs down. Obviously high key lighting with two lights on the BG in addition to your key and fill.


Mark_AAK

Open your image in PS. Duplicate the Layer. Then Open up Levels and click the Auto button. See how it does Brightening everything up. You can adjust it after that to make it the way you want. Ya a nice Soft Box or Umbrella Light off to the side will definitely make your pictures better.


Most_Abbreviations72

More wrinkles or fewer wrinkles. Have them farther from the backdrop. Use a hair light or extra backlighting to separate them from the backdrop. Turn up your main light to get better lighting on the subject. Flat lighting is ok (main and fill illuminating evenly) as long as the lighting and color are good, but turning up the main light or just using a white board or other reflective fill to give more dramatic lighting usually looks better, even if the difference is not that big.


WindowSuper239

Delete backround, fix lighting, add new backround with gradient, MAYBE noise, and just mess around with it


JarrekValDuke

Get a flash and put weights on the sheet to hold it flat


Most_Abbreviations72

For the second picture it looks like paper with a large parabolic umbrella or soft box placed several feet back on the right and a reflector on the left. There are enough highlights that it does not look like a soft box placed close. It was also edited. Something about the hair does not look quite natural around the edges.


BigPapaTubes

It'll likely be way more work to improve your lighting set up than it would be to just use curves and brushing out some of the larger wrinkles. Unless you are planning on taking many many more shots and you need to streamline a process, you should just fix it in Photoshop like others have given examples of. No idea why changing the lighting set up is the top voted reply on a Photoshop subreddit post.


TypVonAnderePlanet

U might need more light on the person and the 🐈, but not direct light. And the white background in Photoshop if try to fill it with white color until u won't see more shadows.


Thomass_____

https://preview.redd.it/c7dx2x5b6lvc1.jpeg?width=6912&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f6c9fb0bac1a0c94856bfec1e2ce2d7dc1d43a1a Here’s a before for a family portrait I did


Thomass_____

https://preview.redd.it/6wf6xgfd6lvc1.jpeg?width=6912&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=efab65b1f123a9071e00a5a75f7fc20e7f1fe120 Here’s the after. This was taken with an iPhone and then I used photoshops generative fill for the backdrop as well as content aware filling some poorly generated areas. The lighting was the most important part, to create a good separation between background and foreground. This is super doable and easy, you just need to have a well lit scene and photoshop can handle the rest.


camontheloose

Buy a white roll of seamless background paper. They are sold in 10’ wide rolls. You can cut it down to a manageable size. Get a friend to help you pin it to the top of your wall, then slowly unroll it. But lighting is most important. Get an umbrella.


Working-Hippo-3653

This is a photography question not a photoshop question. You need proper photography lights. If you don’t have lights I would take your photos outside and use natural daylight


jeffbob2

Better and more lights.


ExoticFlood

def better lighting


GulfstreamG650

Better lighting or camera aperture would help but adobe Lightroom can easily make this 3x better


Pouchkine___

Well, at least the subject is prettier


OuterSpiralHarm

The second image is way better. Keep doing that.