Which software do you use for making background of photos white?

[bigbill]

As per title - which software do you guys use for making white backgrounds on photos?

I currently use GIMP. However, I am sure on one of my EB accounts I remember getting an email from EB with some free software which made is easier to make backgrounds on photos white, however, I cannot seem to find it now!!!

[tmastermind]

I use Gimp and Faststone photo resizer for all my needs but when it comes to taking photos I actually invested in a photo soft box to allow me to take pro looking photos. The two bits of software help with watermarking and resizing if need be.

Batchpurifier is also a must for removing the exif data for stealth accounts

[bigbill]

Good info.

Most of my items are fairly big - up to 3m in length. So not sure if you can get a photo soft box that big!

[cookiecutter101]

You can get a photo light tent that big.
Or at the very least you could set up some daylight lamps and use a large white fabric or paper against a wall or similar (as the backdrop) and photograph against said home-made back-drop. You can later adjust the photographs brightness and contrast in photoshop etc.

But the easiest thing to do is get/build a light tent, I get pro photos straight from my camera, no adjustments needed.

[bigbill]

Hi cookiecutter,

Largest one I can find is 150*150*150cm?

Should definitely invest in some lights and possibly make my own studio at home instead of spending hours and hours editing pics!

Cheers

[Geegee83]

Can anyone recommend a light box for small items?

Seen some on feeBay, are they okay? £10 ish...

[rsot]

Can prob get those cheaper than 10 but it's still a fair price for your business purposes - you will get them fast if shipped inside UK Geegee83...

[toml3030]

it doesn't take better photos than one I made myself with a styrofoam box and led lamps

[RRonald]

How does the styro foam box work? Does it cut down on reflection?

[bigbill]

Just to update this thread, I purchased a photobox for small items and also a white back drop 3m x 6m white back drop with lighting all for under £90 delivered... No more editing and resizing pics anymore - these are a must have for any serious ebayer!

[luverlyjuberly]

Originally Posted by Willkeelham

Just to update this thread, I purchased a photobox for small items and also a white back drop 3m x 6m white back drop with lighting all for under £90 delivered... No more editing and resizing pics anymore - these are a must have for any serious ebayer!

More info please! What was the item descriptions or item numbers of the lighting and the white backdrop? Links perhaps?

[rsot]

Cut and paste with MS Paint - cheapman's version

[Mr2005]

get a white poster board it will look better. if you're asking about what software, i guarantee the end result willl look subpar at best. To swap out backgrounds takes some practice.

[luverlyjuberly]

I photograph my items flat on the floor. I purchased a white shower curtain today from Wilkinson's (£3.00), popped it on the floor - sorted! And unlike a poster board i can roll it up and if it gets dirty stick it in the wash!
You may find a white fleece blanket is also suitable as it won't crease.
I'd still like more info re: the lighting system for £90 though!

[luverlyjuberly]

Originally Posted by Mr2005

get a white poster board it will look better. if you're asking about what software, i guarantee the end result willl look subpar at best. To swap out backgrounds takes some practice.

And all the software i see demos of swapping backgrounds it takes time - and that eats into your profit per hour.

I want to get the job done quick and have more time for fun.

[MM78]

I personally buy large pieces of cloth, about 8-9 for each account so they are completely different. All my backgrounds are in separate boxes marked with the Ebay ID. My pieces of cloth are usually 4ft x 4ft.

[ZyreMedia]

Try to use Paint.net . it is free and powerful.
You can use Magic wand tool to get rid of any background in your image.
A lot tutorials in Youtube about it.

[kittyamnezia]

I use photoshop. There is no comparison when it comes to editing photos. However, recently I have been using snapseed on my iphone. Its actually pretty good for editing. No option to remove the background, but lots of scope for creating blurred and foggy center focus effects. When it comes to taking photos with a white background, the best thing I have found is to use an extra large white bedsheet and 3 spot lights. You stick the top to a wall and the bottom to the floor so it creates a nice curve, that way you dont get the horrible crease along the right angle and it creates a gradient effect. Hope this helps!