The ‘Cove’ in a Photography Studio

One of the greatest challenges for a photographer is to determine the best way to isolate a subject. There is a specific tool preferred by many photographers because it is ideal for this purpose. This is called an infinity cove, although it is also referred to as an infinity curve. Photographers often use this feature for the creation of a plain background with a single colour. There are several different reasons this particular approach is ideal.

The popularity with photographers is due to the ability to clearly define a subject in any image. The photographer is able to completely remove the appearance of any type of background. This approach is common among special effects designers as well as photographers interested in easily hiding objects while working in Photoshop during post-production. This method has also gained popularity among portrait photographers. This is because the method can be used for the creation of a specific appearance.

Some photographers enjoy the ethereal space they can create around the subject using an infinity cove. The final result is a heavenly space surrounding the subject that creates a unique and appealing feel. Infinity curves are almost always built directly into the wall of photographic studios. The appearance is similar to a pristine and extremely large half-pipe. The studio will take great care to ensure the space remains clean for the best possible results.

A scaled-down version is common for product photographers due to the simplicity required to achieve a fantastic result. All that is necessary is a single roll of toilet paper and some type of fastening for an anchor of sorts. Making certain the correct size is used is essential. This is dependent on the size of what is being photographed in addition to the space available. Photographers can hang these types of backdrops from stands between two and three m in width.

This enables the photographer to take full-body fashion photographs. Close-up jewellery photography often uses an upended shoe box. Taping an A4 sheet onto the top of the table allows the photographer to draw attention to the smallest details of the piece. To ensure your results are successful, your curve needs to be nice and clean with a slight horizontal runoff. This is where the item is placed. Your best option is a sheet of clean white paper.

If you use paper with a cream hue, it will be visible in your shot and can easily ruin the effect. When your infinity cove is clean and simple, there should not be any discernible edges creating a shadow or catching the eye. You can illuminate both your subject and immediate background with diffuse and soft light. Your source should be close by and fairly large like a dropbox. You can use your choice of programs such as Photoshop to slightly tweak the contrast to completely disappear in a whitewash.

The process is extremely easy to manage as well as very effective. If you have not yet experimented with an infinity curve, you will most likely be surprised by how easy it is to incorporate into your shots.

Features of an Infinity Cove

The lack of angles is the defining feature of your infinity cove. Shadows are unable to gather in your background because there are no corners in an infinity cove. Your final result is a completely finished image with your subject looking like they have been placed on a blank canvas or plain white paper. The background of your photo becomes an illusion where it continues endlessly in every direction. This is the reason it is referred to as an infinity curve.

Once you decide you want to use an infinity curve and begin looking, you must keep the size you need in your mind. The general rule for the majority of photography studios is to use an infinity cove a couple of meters bigger than the largest subject you are most likely to use within the space. The size of your infinity cove must be able to meet the demands of your work since the proper size is completely different for an engagement ring than an automobile.

If the objects you shoot have a wide range of sizes, your best option is a larger infinity curve. This is because the larger cove offers you a much smoother visual transition than any of the smaller ones. This is important if your intention is the creation of a background illusion that goes on forever.

Popularity of Infinity Coves

Special effects designers and videographers have become part of the trend resulting in the increasing popularity of infinity coves. If you are working on a special effects project and are responsible for the pre-production work, consider using an infinity curve with a green background. Not only is this approach extremely useful if you are trying to save a budget-conscious client money, but you can also create some spectacular special effects.

You can eliminate the expense associated with traveling to a specific location by using an infinity curve to put your subject in any location you choose. During your post-production work, you can easily clean up your image. If you intend to shoot a subject full length, consider using a good-sized infinity cove similar to a stage. This eliminates the need to do any cropping to remove the undesirable objects in the background.

Yes, there are many photographers using a smaller lighting box and white backdrops. The difference with an infinity cove is you gain the ability to zoom out and scale up. You receive a very distinctive perspective you can combine with your infinity cove to achieve a stunning appearance. This enables you to produce the type of results your clients will love. You can use an infinity cove to obtain superb results your prospective clients will view as skill and professionalism.

As a photographer, it is extremely important to view your infinity curve as a stage. As with a stage, it must be outfitted correctly. In basic terminology, this means you must have enough lighting in the background to achieve the effect you desire. It is also important to use a light meter. This is a good way to check your studio white points and make certain the effect produced by your infinity cove is not excessively bright.

Think of your infinity curve as a very large stage piece. It is essential to avoid having too many power tools on hand for maintenance, moving it around or to disassemble.

Smaller Configurations

You can also use any infinity cove in a much smaller configuration. If the only subjects you intend to photograph are small, this is a great option. A good example is a jewellery photographer with clients only interested in photographs of smaller pieces of jewellery. In this instance, using a smaller setup makes sense. Even if there is already a larger infinity curve in your studio, configuring a smaller stage might be worthwhile for the objects requiring a lot less space.

This enables you to select the right tools for your shoot to achieve the best possible results. The lighting you choose needs to be appropriate for the size of your environment. If you want to stand out from your competition, you can do so by using an infinity cove. When you shoot your subject in this manner, your results are breath-taking. The better your results, the easier it becomes to generate more business for your photography studio and increase your profits.

You can also use an infinity cove to decrease how much total labour is necessary. Your curve ensures the process necessary for product photography is simpler. This will decrease how much editing is required for your post-production work. If you want your work to be extremely competitive while standing out in a world filled with professional photographers, consider purchasing an infinity cove. You will be delighted with the results you are able to produce in your studio.

What Are Infinity Cove Backdrops?

In most cases, an infinity cove is painted either green or white. Your cove must be constructed correctly to make certain there are no corners. All you want to see are curves and flats. This is how you give the impression your prop or subjects are standing in front of a background that looks like it continues indefinitely. You can purchase a hand-built infinity cove ideal for your needs that is easy to refresh and clean while offering durability.

Depending on the specific digital media applications you are using, your infinity cove can be painted the colour of your choice. This provides you with benefits such as the ability to hire out your photography studio, increase production and decrease downtime. GRP or glass-reinforced plastic is used to make numerous infinity coves because the material offered both accuracy and strength. You can have an infinity cove custom built to ensure it is the ideal size for your studio.

You can also construct an infinity curve using plaster overboard. Depending on your needs, this type of material may not offer the kind of stability and durability you require for the long term. The most important consideration is making certain your infinity cove is correctly sized for your space, products and subjects. You need to consider all of your requirements before you make a final decision.

Creating an Infinity Cove

Some photographers would rather create their own infinity cove than purchase either a ready-made or customised product. The construction process is not nearly as difficult as you may believe. A good example is an infinity cove with a white background. When you combine this with a wall and floor with a smooth surface, everything blends together beautifully. The result is an illusion your background continues into infinity.

This is an excellent option whether you are interested in fashion shots, professional portraits, product shoots or any other type of photography. The first construction stage is the stud work. You can use plywood with preformed curves and nail them to the bottom of your stud work. Once this is complete, you can focus on either latticework or a curved plyboard framework. The idea is to blend both sides so they form one smooth and infinite curve.

When you are ready to begin construction on your infinite curve, you can screw plywood directly into the preformed curves of your plywood. You can then nail your plasterboard onto your stud work. You can use plasterboard to cover your plywood curves and latticework since you will not be able to bend this type of material. The options for creating an infinity cove are virtually endless. The type of materials and colour you choose depends on your style of photography.

Whether you decide to hire a studio, purchase or build your infinity cove, your results will be spectacular and well worth the effort.