I want to photograph objects for easy extraction

[Dolphin32]

I'd like to photograph some objects in a way that makes them EASY EASY EASY to extract from the picture. How do you think I should go about doing this?
I know I should set up some kind of solid background, but what color? How do I handle lighting? Should it be natural daylight? Open shade?
Any and all suggestions are welcome.
Thanks so much for your help.

[troush]

Well, light things in front of a dark color, and dark things in front of a light color generally work best. But, I've tried that before, too, and still had to do a little extra work to get things extracted well.

Not sure about lighting. You don't want to use a flash, because it will cast a shadow and make the extraction a little more challenging. So, watch for shadows, whatever lighting you choose.

-Trish

[Jan]

I'm assuming you're doing this without the benefit of a studio situation. Depending upon what you want to photograph, of course, I'd set up a table and rig it with a plain white (not textured or glossy) background.

Flood the table and background with bright, white light (careful... incandescent light bulbs will cast a yellow glow)... I've used those full spectrum reading lamps. They're great because you can point them anywhere. And I've filled in with a couple of halogen desk lamps in some cases.

To avoid shadows, you'll probably want multiple sources of light, too. And when you place your object in the setting be SURE not to set it too close to the backdrop, or you'll get shadows (which you do not want to deal with in your selections). Bring your object out as far as you can, away from the background to eliminate those.

And, if you can, try to elevate your object so that it's not casting a shadow on the flat surface.

Then, shoot both with and without flash to see which works best for whatever it is you're shooting.

If you're shooting something white, or partially white... keep in mind how that will challenge you in your selections. You may want to shoot on black in that case.

Hope this helps!

[Dolphin32]

Thanks so much for the advice! I can't wait to try it out.
I'll let you know how it goes.

[mariah]

I have an ugly "poison" green background which I sometimes use to photograph something, (or someone) that I know I'll extract later. It is a terrible color and it seldom occurs in my photos. So what ever it is you are taking pictures off, choose a background with a colour that is not likely to occur in your photo. Selection will be much more accurate that way.
Good luck!

[Jan]

And if you're green-screening, like Mariah above, be sure to set your object well away from the green background so it doesn't pick up any reflection of the color.

[Dolphin32]

Thanks again, ladies! Now that summer vacation has arrived, I can spend more time trying this out.