Children's Portrait Photography Handbook

Backgrounds.

Along with a wide range of props, costumes, and acces-
sories, the photographer offering this style of portrait
must also have a wide range of hand-painted canvas back-
grounds, which are available through many vendors.
These backgrounds are usually done in pastels or neutral
tones to complement brighter shades used in the chil-
dren’s costumes, and can be either high-key or low-key in

nature. Sometimes, the details in these backgrounds are

purposely blurred so they do not attain too much visual

attention in the photo.

Some photographers even hand-paint their own back-

grounds using acrylics and a thin-gauge canvas. Other

photographers use soft muslin backdrops that can be

hung or draped in the background. There are even

“crushable” painted backgrounds that catch highlights

and shadows in their folds and wrinkles, producing a dap-

pled look.

CLOTHING 91

LEFT—A flowery sun hat seems to suit the personality of this

beauty. The image was made in available light and treated with the

LucisArt plug-in by Cherie Frost. Photograph by Frank Frost.

ABOVE—Everything in this photograph by Kersti Malvre, entitled

Cupcake,is perfectly coordinated. The large, dark furniture is

barely visible, but gives the portrait scale—and the little girl’s out-

fit is delightful.