[Slick]

I'm starting to do some macro shots now that I have the equipment to do them. My question is what do you use for background material for studio type shots. An example would be a shot of a coin. I've tried muslin and ticking cloth but I can see the pattern in the material if I do and I'm trying to avoid that if possible.

Thanks in advance.

Slick

[Tom M]

I use plain white printer paper.

[codiac2600]

Coloured velvet myself.

[egarrard]

Place the subject farther from the background. As you only use as much DOF as you need with macro shots, the details in the background should be blurred into a more even consistency. In other words, ise the bokeh!

[JCSullivan]

What egerrard said was my first suggestion. But, I also use white/black bristol board and the felt back of a cheap table cloth.

[Slick]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I try to keep enough distance between the subject and the background but that's not always possible. Or maybe I'm doing something wrong. I'm using a couple of different set ups trying to decide which way to go. I work outside the country most of the year so I don't want to lug to much equipment around. Mainly I've been using a Pentax SMC M 100mm f4 Macro sometimes with a Vivitar 2x Macro Focusing Teleconverter if I want to get closer. I also use a bellows at times but not so much any more. I also just bought a Kiron 105mm f2.8 Macro from someone in the market place here so I'll be trying that out as well once I get home to get it.

Plain paper is probably the best bet for me as I can get that wherever I'm at. And getting more distance between the subject and the background as well.

Slick

[ryan s]

White poster board? The 24x36 pieces are dirt cheap ($.79 each). That's what I use, at least.

Don't think that would travel well, though :/