I Need a Large Backdrop - DPChallenge Forums

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

02/08/2015 12:07:31 PM · #1

I'm going to be shooting group and individual shots for a dance studio in a couple months, and I need a new, very large backdrop to accommodate their needs. I have one that I used the last time for them, but the colors are a bit dated and they'd prefer something different.

This is what they really liked, and what I had planned to buy, but much to my dismay, it's been discontinued at this size:

//www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/51249-REG/Studio_Dynamics_1624CLSB_16x24_Muslin_Background.html

Any suggestions where I can find something similar in the 16' width? I'm having a very hard time finding anything of that size... :(

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

02/08/2015 12:52:22 PM · #2

How about checking a maritime supplier and see if they have sailcloth in the size you need?

Another option might be upholstery material, which often comes on a bolt several feet wide, and you could unroll the length you need. Fabric stores also should have muslin used for sheets which might be wide enough.

bvy

Sigma DP1x

02/08/2015 01:11:39 PM · #3

I acquired a 10x22 just yesterday that I'd loan you. Probably too small though...

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

02/08/2015 01:26:58 PM · #4

Thanks guys...

Paul, I appreciate those tips, but I'd really like to stick to something that's meant to be a photo backdrop. These are good clients, and I don't want to go cheap on 'em :)

bvy... yeah, that's too small. I appreciate the offer, though! I need something along the lines of 16' x 20'. I have a 16x30 I used last time, but the colors are rather dated. I have thought about trying to repaint the one I have, but I don't know how well that would turn out.

Giles

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

02/08/2015 01:28:43 PM · #5

i saw an article about an equine photographer who got huge back drops for barns from theatre set providers?

Giles

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

02/08/2015 01:30:04 PM · #6

what the biggest paper roll you can get think they do 4 or 5 metres wide then roll it out horizontal but be awkward clipping it up

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

02/08/2015 02:16:16 PM · #7

I also need to be able to transport it without renting a Penske truck ;)

Originally posted by Giles:

what the biggest paper roll you can get think they do 4 or 5 metres wide then roll it out horizontal but be awkward clipping it up

tanguera

Nikon D750

02/08/2015 06:20:22 PM · #8

Getting anything that wide is going to be tough. You can get just plain colored muslin here
//www.rosebrand.com/fabric-stage-curtains-backdrops/muslin.aspx

but you'd have to hand tint it for your needs. I believe there's a thread on DPC of someone who did just that, and it seemed to be pretty easy.

Another possibility is to get something 10 x 20 and turn it sideways. Clip it to your crossbar with these. I've done it and it works like a charm.

nam

Sony DSLR-A580

Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical ED Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha

02/08/2015 06:32:26 PM · #9

What about asking on a local Craig's list? Or checking eBay. Maybe you can pick up something inexpensively. I'm betting this is the kind of thing people buy, use once (or never even use) and then want to get rid of LOL

njsabs

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

02/08/2015 06:42:09 PM · #10

I often photograph dance studio reticals amd ran into the same problem. At times I have had 20 dancers on my backdrop, and I used to seperate them into two groups, then in post editing combine those two groups together. Lots of work in that.....so I came up with a new plan.

I bought two backdrops (fortunately I got a great deal from Denny Manufacturing)...then tacked them together at the long edge. I had a 20 x 20 backdrop with that....I used the sewed edge as my placement on the floor....so 10 feet high, 10 feet on floor/front to back seam, and 20 feet wide. It worked great!!