A question re backgrounds

[Bev]

Actually a couple or so questions

How can I get a completely white background?

How can I blur the background?

I only have manufacturers programme and a basic adobe programme to upload my photos from my camera to my computer. Should I be using something else and if so what?

many thanks Bev

[Rocky]

I use a piece of poster board to lay the object on. I have another that I prop up behind...frequently you can see the line where they meet, but for now it's all I have and it was CHEAP

[Bev]

Thanks Rocky
I have tried that but always get a greying towards the edge of the photo.

Perhaps It is a question of lighting?

[Jeff Drongowski]

Aim a light at the background if you want it totally white, otherwise you end up with some form of graying. You can then gel the light and make the background any color you want as well.

To blur the background, open your aperture as wide as it will go (lowest number). It works best under f/4. You can also stand farther away and use a longer lens or zoom in, which both help.

[Bev]

Thanks Jeff
I am a complete novice when it comes to photography so not sure about the aperture thingy I am using an olympus X925 pocket sized camera and just getting used to it. I keep changing the shooting modes by accident and then spend a long time trying to figure out what I've done. A hopeless case i'm sure you'll agree. But by the end of the year I hope to be more knowledgeable.

I will try standing back and zooming in, thanks

[Holly Grace]

With a solid color background you can get it any color through editing. White posterboard is good for already white backgrounds.

Picnik and photoshop have blurring options that can be placed an drawn wherever you want as well. If you've got questions about Picnik let me know.

[Holly Grace]

@roemayo Apeture is the size of your lens to let in more or less light. It really afects the focus and exposure on the object your aiming at. Great for Macros :)

[Dustins Mom]

What if you want the background black?