Backdrops

Looking for suggestions on size and type of backdrop for getting me started in portraits. I know the amount of subjects will determine size but right now I am just wanting to get my feet wet to see how I am going to like this. I am going to a backdrop manufacturer tomorrow to look around and need some ideas.

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Originally Posted by grandpaw

Looking for suggestions on size and type of backdrop for getting me started in portraits. I know the amount of subjects will determine size but right now I am just wanting to get my feet wet to see how I am going to like this. I am going to a backdrop manufacturer tomorrow to look around and need some ideas.

Sort of like cutting a piece of wood. You can always cut off a little more but you can't put it back on. Get a size bigger than you think you need.

I have and old canvas one I bought in the 70’s its an old masters with “hot spot” in the center. It’s about 8’ wide and mabey 6’ long. At the top a 2x2 wood and a heavy wooden dowel at the bottom. I drilled a hole in the center for a stand to hold it and can get 2 or 4 people for 3/4 images. That’s the one I take but if they have a large living room like I have then I have two fabric one’s a dark and a white these are 10’ wide by 20’ long. I usually have the 20 foot longs set up if they come to my home.
Check out joe Brady and sekonic light/flash meters this is one investment you will be grateful to have! He has some videos on using the meter and setting up one light, 2 lights and more and using modifiers. And remember to trust the meter.
Lou Cioccio

The bigger than you need is always better. Cloth is much better than plastics and vinyls.

I agree with bigger is better. If you go with some type of supple material, you can fold a larger background to a smaller size to make it the width/height you need before hanging on your background stand. And George's comment about vinyls and plastics is true. Those types of material will reflect some of the light causing hot spots and/or glare. The downside is supple material can wrinkle. If you are far enough away from the background and are using a shallow enough depth of field, it won't matter. Just some things to consider.

I ended up getting the popup background below and two additional 10ft square cloth painted backdrops. This will get me started and let me find out just what I need in the future. Thanks everyone for your suggestions and information. When I get set up where I can show you the. other two backdrops I will post some pictures.

Here is one of cub scouts using the 10 x 20 backdrop, 2-studio strobe with umbrellas. I will have to look for the small one. I usually use large clamps like you find at home depot or lowes great exercise for your hands. I have two on each side to stretch the fabric. If its wrinkled just spray mist with water and the wrinkles will disappear.
So you see that having wide give you room for a group. Here is a head shot using the smaller canvas but with light fall off its almost black. The lighting is small strobe in a soft box and a light modifier that is opposite to give some fill light.
Louie
PS here is how the portrait was done

My granddaughter helped me try out my new backdrop purchase.