I thought this quick explanation of how to make your own graduated
background in Photoshop (or similar) might come in useful to people.
It'll save you £££'s against buying one!

You need:
1 x Sheet of Matt Photographic paper (ideally A4)
1 x Ink-jet or Laser-jet printer
1 x Photo programme (e.g. Photoshop)

Instructions:
1) Set your paper size to A4 (210 × 297 mm)
2) Use the Colour selector to select the Colours you'd like your gradient to be (e.g. Black & White)
3) Select the gradient tool (on photoshop it's behind the paint bucket tool)
4) Fill a selection by clicking and dragging the pointer across the canvas or selection.
The larger the drag the more gradual the gradient will be. All of the control of the tool lies in the dragging of the pointer.
Pressing and holding the shift key will create perfectly aligned gradients.

Have a play with whatever programme you're using their are normally a few options for different gradient styles.....

When you're happy print it out onto the photo paper and voilà
you have your own professional looking photo background!

Here's an example of something I took using mine (I selected the darker area of the gradient
but by using an A4 sheet you can also select a lighter gradient)

For comparison the same jewellery item has been on a white background and a graduated background


The pics aren't up to studio standard but with the help of a cheapo ebay light tent and some good lighting
you can get some great results....

Nic xxx