first time I ever used a white background and base. It was a real challenge.. now I see why not many people use white.. or black really for that matter. I was told most use gray or just crop marbles out and make a collage. I have always used black (or any color) material I get at joanne fabric.. remnants. Anyway, it took a few hours and trys to get the lights right on the white backdrop but I like it. Some marbles look great on white.