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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Backdrops: paper vs muslin
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Showing posts 1 - 11 of 11, (reverse)
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08/14/2013 10:09:39 AM · #1
I bought a collapsible backdrop, black and white, cheap. A mistake since the cloth was so thin that you could see the black through the white...so I can only use the black side UNLESS I have the model stand far enough away from the backdrop. That said, I was thinking of getting a gray/grey backdrop. 50 USD for a roll of paper, 80 USD for the cloth at the local camera store. What do you use and why?
08/14/2013 10:13:37 AM · #2
When I had a studio I used to use paper and aside from hauling it around and a few tears when not being careful it was great. Recently at home thought I'd like to have a backdrop again and bought muslin but it's a pain to keep unwrinkled when hanging and having to keep ironing. I'll probably go back to paper.
08/14/2013 10:19:05 AM · #3
both work,

i use paper more because

1. i rent my studio space and get it with, or b. its easier for me to go from start to finish for my smaller tabletop stuff.

i do like texture of some muslin - its on the "maybe when i have a good idea" list
08/14/2013 10:23:14 AM · #4
i personally like suede. muslin is too thin and the lighter colors are almost transparent. the suede is actually cheaper than the muslin and doesn't wrinkle

08/14/2013 10:25:22 AM · #5
Originally posted by Mike:

i personally like suede. muslin is too thin and the lighter colors are almost transparent. the suede is actually cheaper than the muslin and doesn't wrinkle


where do you buy that long?
08/14/2013 10:35:45 AM · #6
Joann fabric, i can get 60" wide to whatever length i want. i think i pay like $12 Yard. and i usually get 3 yds lengthwise.

Message edited by author 2013-08-14 10:39:23.
08/14/2013 11:05:22 AM · #7
Originally posted by Mike:

Joann fabric, i can get 60" wide to whatever length i want. i think i pay like $12 Yard. and i usually get 3 yds lengthwise.


Thanks Mike! I see it at website!
08/14/2013 11:38:34 AM · #8
Originally posted by pgirish007:

Originally posted by Mike:

Joann fabric, i can get 60" wide to whatever length i want. i think i pay like $12 Yard. and i usually get 3 yds lengthwise.


Thanks Mike! I see it at website!


the usually have 40% off coupons every week too!

Message edited by author 2013-08-14 11:38:43.
08/14/2013 12:01:13 PM · #9
For white or gray I use paper. Is easier to handle and you have great control.

For black I don't like paper, as it is always a bit reflective, and you have to be very carefull how you put up your lights, otherwise you will never get a pure black background, specially if you don't have enough space between the model and background.
08/14/2013 07:10:00 PM · #10
You must be buying cheaper muslin cloth. I have a number of cloth backdrops that are not thin at all. If you put a bright light up to them, yes, you can see the light through the threads, but when used with the lights in front, you can't see through them. Some of them are painted, which also helps to thicken them up. For black, I found that a cloth called Black Out Cloth was great. Very black and solid. I bought it at a place called Chicago something but can't remember the name. All of my backdrops were 10' wide by at least 20' long. I never had to iron them, because they were heavier weight material, just hanging them up pulled out the wrinkles although I had to be careful about creases as they don't pull out so well. If I wanted really smooth I'd drape the cloth over my 9' roll of paper. It laid nice and flat against it and would be extra smooth.

I also like paper a lot of times for different colors. It was also nice that if part of it got tore or dirty, I could just roll out enough to hide it or tear it off. It usually took awhile to go through a whole roll like this, even shooting a lot of dog portraits like I did most of the time.

For thicker muslin, check out theater supply places and other online fabric stores. To store it, just loosely wad it up and either store it in a bag or throw it in a corner. It shakes out pretty good. If you need to relax a few creases or heavier wrinkles, throw it and a damp wash cloth or two into the drier and tumble it for about 10 to 20 minutes. Or, like I usually did, I'd take it out and lay it out on the grass in the back yard when the sun was out. The sun shining on it would cause some condensation from the ground to come up and it did a great steam job. I just had to make sure the dogs didn't get out in the yard while I was doing this. LOL!

Mike
08/14/2013 08:20:22 PM · #11
Back in the day I had an assortment of wide paper rolls that I'd roll out under the model to about 5' ft. in front of him/her. However, I had a number of various types of Muslin backdrops. In addition I bought somewhat shear white and black nylon type backdrops that I would drape across some paper backdrops for a formal look. What I used all depended on whether it was a model shot, an engagement shot, a senior shot, etc. etc. I can tell you that paper was typically used for models while Muslins were used for formal family or individual portraits.
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