Backgrounds for Dogs

I have two rolls (9') paper, black and white. I have two 10' wide muslins, one light blue mottled and one red mottled. I would like to get some more variety; what would you all recommend for additional choices. I like the earth tones Jim has been playing with and that Julie recommends; any specific recommendations

Depending on the brand, I usually look at the "Moca"or "Coco" and go one shade lighter and warmer from there.

Then a nice warm gold looks good. Almost burnt orange in person, but much different under lighting.

I have a wonderful blue tiedye muslin that I use (can be seen on the FP with the photo of the dal). I have two different styles of that one - one darker blue and one lighter blue. I also have a red one that I don't use very often because I find that the sensor has a hard time handling it (I get what appears to be a bleed that I cannot comprehend). Most of my clients - almost all of them - prefer black and/or white.

James

I love deep reds(on the burgandy side) browns, whites, creams and very occasionally black. I hate most blues. Who has a house that blue goes in these days? Especially med blue. Deep forest greens are nice too. Oh, gray, love gray. Still hate blue.

If I am shooting for myself, I will do some wild vivid colors. Problem is, very very few have a house that will look good with hot pink, turquoise or bright red. That is more for display work.

I have been criticized for shooting for what sells vs artistry, I have called boring, but, the reality is I will have to get a new job if I can't sell what I shoot!

White and brown almost always sell as it works great as home decor.

For shows, I have my "old masters" brown/burgundy standby, a medium blue which works for show pics and a mottled lavender which works surprisingly well for show shots. For portraits, I add in my own favorite which is black because it goes with any decor and because I know how to light it for any color dog -- especially black & tan . I'm planning to add some grey/charcoal combination soon but without a studio, there's no reason for me to stock any others.

Jim

Gosh, Julie, I get the idea from your post that you do not like blue

Thanks all for comments.

I believe Julie was traumatized by a blue backdrop as a young photographer.

That's cute, hopefully cute to Julie also. I enjoy Julie's photographic style and the fact that she is so focused on the client's needs

I'm trusting in her sense of humor. She's given me quite the earful on blue BGs

I travel with black, white, shades of browns, shades of black/grey old masters, a burgandy, and 6 vivid baby backdrops ... right now sage/thistle is winning the popularity, followed by a vibrant blue/purple LOL
I have a bright orange that is gaining popularity ... of course, I debut a new backdrop a month, so, at shows, I get repeats alot, because they just must have a portrait on the new one

Thanks Nina; I notice on your studio images, you do not use modeling lights (the pupils are huge); is this your preference. I like your backgrounds and antique chairs

gack blue! lol. I was traumatized. Spent awhile in a nice soft room after all that blue.....

Love your sense of humor; blue is not my fav either.