Painted Wall For Photos???

Why black? I know it looks good as a background with fish photos, but black is a tough on cameras to get things right. You can add black later on your computer with some photo editing software. You'd be better off with something more in the middle like tan or gray. Personally, I like a white background for my fish pics. However, white also is tough to deal with the camera and getting lighting correct BUT it allows the colors to be seen in the fins and such where there is some translucency. If you're not worried about that, then I think a neutral color would be best. I too had a painted wall in my garage dedicated to fish pics with a neutral backdrop tho...

 

I think it's easier to throw a colorful fish on the wall to test your setup/lighting. Fish are the hardest to photograph and pick up all the subtle colors. And then of course it doesn't hurt if you have a good digital camera either.

 

FishArt is right about the digital camera. There is so much technology built into them its almost not fair for people that know what they are doing with the settings. Alot of cameras have a histogram on them and adobe lightroom is inexpensive and easy to use for getting colors and lighting right. You can take the crappiest picture now days and if its in focus you can make it look amazing without much expertise. All on youtube.

 

I photograph nearly everything using a black background.

 

You obviously have a quality camera and know how to use it Rick! Dark or black backgrounds are like white backgrounds in that you're on the extremes with your lighting. Cheaper cameras (or cell phone cameras) have trouble with over-correcting due to those backgrounds. The other reason I prefer a light background is oftentimes the fish I paint have some translucency in their fins. With a dark background those subtle colors in those translucent fins are totally lost with a dark background. Just my preference. For those that don't have the luxury of a quality digital camera (and know how to use those manual settings) the easiest solution is to use a neutral colored background IMO....

 

I tried to dedicate a wall for photos but takes up to much area , and I found just taking the mounts outdoors helps with my not knowing what the hell im doing with a camera

 

You're exactly right. Without a good camera, soft boxes, barn doors, tubes & reflectors you may be in trouble. Cellphones are out. I never send cellphone pics to clients.

 

Try photographing outside on an overcast day. Natural soft box.