backdrops -- suggestions? - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8

11/30/2009 07:05:17 AM · #1

I'm putting together my Christmas list, and what I am really lacking is a black background and a white background. I'm currently using fabric store bargains for both. The problem is, they're only 45" wide, and while the black isn't too bad, the white isn't very reflective, so it doesn't work very well.

So what do you use for white and black backgrounds? Are they expensive? Are they worth it? Are you happy with them? What's the best, affordable option to add to my Christmas list?

thanks all!

cynthiann

Nikon D810

11/30/2009 09:17:40 AM · #2

We use a big roll of white paper available at the photography store and linoleum from Lowe's on the floor.

Absolutely worth it!!

kleski

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

11/30/2009 10:10:22 AM · #3

I am currently using a white drop cloth I acquired from Home Depot. Nice thing is that they sell it in a variety of dimensions so you can go pretty big...

11/30/2009 12:21:29 PM · #4

Thanks! Anyone else willing to share their background info? I'd really appreciate it... (white and black background info needed.)

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM II

11/30/2009 04:20:28 PM · #5

surely more than 2 people use white and black backdrops...?

PhotoDave

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

11/30/2009 04:40:05 PM · #6

I only have a black one, I was thinking of posting in the wish list if anyone had any backdrops they didnt use or want I'd happily take them off their hands and still might but I know they are pricey as the 10'x20' one I have was a gift and it was $225 for plain black :(

But I do know there are some much thinner and cheaper ones out there that work well too, I used one that Juliet had and it was great and super light which is actually a big bonus over the monster I have.

-dave

Mick

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

11/30/2009 04:53:23 PM · #7

Originally posted by cynthiann:

We use a big roll of white paper available at the photography store and linoleum from Lowe's on the floor.

Absolutely worth it!!

I bet her parents are going to love this shot! Well done Cindy!

How do you get the separation line between the paper and linoleum to disappear? Is it whited out by overexposing the background, or do you tweak it in post?

Mick

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

11/30/2009 08:46:41 PM · #8

Originally posted by vawendy:

So what do you use for white and black backgrounds? Are they expensive? Are they worth it? Are you happy with them? What's the best, affordable option to add to my Christmas list?

I like seamless background paper (black and white). You can buy it in various widths and lengths and tons of colors. And it's easier to maintain than cloth--just dust if off and roll it up. If you get the longer rolls, say 12yds or more, than you can simply cut off the end to get clean new material when it gets too worn or dirty from people walking on it.

There are lots of inexpensive background support kits available (this one comes with a free roll of paper
). Or, you can do like I did and make your own. I used two closet rod supports from Home Depot and a length of steel fence pipe from Ace Hardware for the cross bar (the type used at the top of chain link fences, smaller diameter then fence post pipe).

If you want to give seamless paper a go, try to find it at a local photo supply store. Online stores like B&H have good prices and selection, but it costs a small fortune to have large rolls of paper shipped. I buy mine at ProPhoto in Portland for about $50 a roll (107" x 12yds). Oh, and you might want to consider bringing a pickup truck to carry it in. Those 9' and 12' rolls don't fit too well in most cars. :)

sonyalphausr

Sony DSLR-A200

Sony 75-300 mm f/4.5-5.6

11/30/2009 08:55:31 PM · #9

go to walmart and get a black microfleece blanket and a lint roller...always works for me

kiwinick

Sony DSLR-A550

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

11/30/2009 08:59:34 PM · #10

Colourscape in great Britain sells on the web a white range of photo backgrounds both plain and patterned Ican reccomend them