Creating Black Backgrounds Instantly
If you like to create black backgrounds for sunlit subjects, there are several ways to do that but the easiest method is what I call the FHRS/Sky Exposure technique.
FHRS stands for Focus, Hold, Recompose, Shoot. It is normally used as a tool to help with hand held macro focus, but can also be used to create black backgrounds for your macro and wide angle portraits.
RULES:
1 - Your subject must have sunlight striking it.
2 - The background colors and tones must be at least slightly darker than your subject.
3 - When taking the shot, your camera must be angled slightly downward at your subject.
METHOD
1 - Aim the camera toward the sky at a 45 degree angle from the sun.
2 - Push the shutter half way to the focus detente and hold it there.
3 - While continuing to hold, aim the camera at your subject on a slightly downward angle.
4 - You should now see a black background behind your sunlit subject so continue holding, adjust your focus, then take the shot.
NOTES
1 - If your subject is too dark, try again but aim the camera 90 degrees from the sun.
2 - If your background is too light, try again but aim the camera 30 degrees from the sun.
3 - Be creative and conduct experiments. Try setting exposure to a sunlit part of a tree or to a cloud.
Below are two images of the same Deptford Pink wildflower. The left image used "subject exposure" which is the normal method of aiming the camera toward the subject and taking the shot. The right image used the FHRS/Sky Exposure technique. It took me perhaps 5 seconds to create that black background and with a little practice, you can do likewise. :)
