Need some backdrop ideas

[RoninPA]

I have been asked to take some pictures of three of my Rugers and would like some backdrop ideas (nothing exotic or expensive please )

Here is what I will be shooting (pictorially):

Ruger SS-382L (Speed Six, Blue, 2 3/4" barrel, lanyard, .380 Rim caliber) with the Ruger Technical Manual (TM) that came with it.
Ruger SDA-384L (Police Service Six, Blue, 4" barrel, lanyard, .380 Rim - or as Ruger has on the front of the TM "Caliber .380 Ball, Rimmed)
Ruger SS-84L (Speed Six, Blue, 4" barrel, lanyard) with the TM that came with it.

The first two are probably overrun guns from a contract with India, the third is probably an overrun from a government contract as the TM does show the NSN's and and the wording "For government use only, not intended for civilian use". That's the best I can come up with for now, as getting information from Ruger is like pulling ten penny nails from oak with a pair of tweezers.

What might be some good backdrops that would highlight the guns? I will be taking the pictures with a Nikon D3100 with a tripod so I can do a few things other than just auto settings if needed. Any and all tips will be greatly appreciated.

BTW, I do have the original boxes, the shipper for the SS-84L and the aluminized vacuum wrap (used to protect the box for overseas shipping) for the SS-82L.

Thank you in advance for your suggestions.

 

[hittman]

If there's a fabric store nearby go sort through their junk bins. They likely have bolts with less than a yard on them discounted down to nothing.

 

[contender]

Studying a photographers guide a long time ago,,, they suggested a neutral gray type of background. So, I like the above post,,, went to a fabric store & got a light gray & a darker gray piece of cloth. Contrast the gray with the gun & you can get good details.

 

[Kevin]

The grey is a good idea. I'm sure you also have some vintage leather belts or something around the house or shop (vintage poker chips?) Maybe some tools of some sort? Something for added interest.

One thing I try and do is NOT put the gun in a table and stand looking down on it for my picture. Bring the camera down to the level of the gun or just slightly elevated.

Indirect natural lighting. Direct lights cause shiny spots and glare. Then if it's too dark you lose the details. I shoot inside next to a big window, or outside on a cloudy day or in the shade of a tree for example.

Hope you post your pictures here too!

 

[Mike Armstrong]

How about a couple of police service or military revolver holsters? The models for S&W M&P .38s should fit the Rugers and are probably what both the Indians and the US Govt. used for Rugers that were issued--both Govts. used .38 Rugers as replacements for older .38s (Ex Brit Webley and Enfield and S&W "Victory models" in India, Model 10s in the US).