Muslin backdrops on the cheap

Starlite · Nov 14, 2006

skyonfire said:
photoworld365 is also a seller on ebay that offers lighting for reasonable amounts.

you may want to check this set up out.
http://cgi.ebay.com/3-STROBES-LIGHTING-PRO-COMPLETE-STUDIO-KIT-3-BACKDROPS_W0QQitemZ190048520881QQihZ009QQcategoryZ79006QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

wow, that seems like an L of a deal!

i wonder if the veterans agree?

skyonfire · Nov 14, 2006

I don't know if they will agree.. But I have been using it for about 2 months now.. and I've had no problems as of yet. And it does come with a 12 month warranty.

Starlite · Nov 14, 2006

skyonfire said:
I don't know if they will agree.. But I have been using it for about 2 months now.. and I've had no problems as of yet. And it does come with a 12 month warranty.

Can I see any of your pics?

skyonfire · Nov 14, 2006

look up any of my posts in the portrait and wedding gallery.. or pm me and I can send em to ya..

puckhed33 · Nov 14, 2006

Starlite said:
How are those strobes working for you?

Can you post a link to them??

thanks:thumbup:

I have not really had a chance to play with them yet. Pretty basic but for the price it's a starter. I paid about $65 including s/h. This seller is also known as romaphoto.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=009&item=190032529641&rd =1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Corry · Nov 14, 2006

You can also read the article I posted, and make your own for around $40-$50.

http://www.thephotoforum.com/node/20

Corry · Nov 14, 2006

Starlite said:
what is a good size to get? I mean, I'm sure this depends, but can someone give me a standard size that most normally works?

Also, can you tell what the cheap backgrounds problems are? I'd like to know what to be careful of....

for example, if they are "thin", what problem is caused by that? (I'm a total newbie)

I use a 10'X20' backdrop, and personally, I wish it were a bit wider.

benhasajeep · Nov 15, 2006

Starlite said:
wow, that seems like an L of a deal!

i wonder if the veterans agree?

Stay away! Low powered lights, warranty is less the light tubes, and it only mentions modeling bulb replaceable. The lights only have half and full power settings. They list a range of light value (5100K to 5500K) which indicates they don't put out a consistant light (could be the half / full setting?).

If you want to save money buy cheaper stands and accessories on ebay. But at least get a decent light. Not saying pay a fortune, but does buying a really cheap light and saving $50-$100 better than getting a better unit that is more consistant and can be adjusted (power levels) and fixed by you (replaceable light tube)?

I have inexpensive no name lights from ebay, but they are not bottom of the barrel cheap ones.

benhasajeep · Nov 15, 2006

Starlite said:
what is a good size to get? I mean, I'm sure this depends, but can someone give me a standard size that most normally works?

Also, can you tell what the cheap backgrounds problems are? I'd like to know what to be careful of....

for example, if they are "thin", what problem is caused by that? (I'm a total newbie)

I will start with thin. I cannot leave my backdrop stands up all the time, nor the room to have everyone on its own bar. So I have to get out what I want to use and when done put it away. The thiner ones will have less of a longevity. Also they seem to wrinkle more.

Size really deppends on what you are taking a picture of. Head or full bust shots you might get away with a 6'x9' (smallest ones I have seen). But for full on body shots, you will need a longer muslin to not only go up the wall but also cover the floor (if you want same for wall and floor).

Width deppends on how large the item is or if its a family. Have to remember the lens works on angles (say 24 deg view). Your background needs to cover the lens view. The further away the camera is from the background the wider it needs to be.

Starlite · Nov 15, 2006

benhasajeep said:
Stay away! Low powered lights, warranty is less the light tubes, and it only mentions modeling bulb replaceable. The lights only have half and full power settings. They list a range of light value (5100K to 5500K) which indicates they don't put out a consistant light (could be the half / full setting?).

If you want to save money buy cheaper stands and accessories on ebay. But at least get a decent light. Not saying pay a fortune, but does buying a really cheap light and saving $50-$100 better than getting a better unit that is more consistant and can be adjusted (power levels) and fixed by you (replaceable light tube)?

I have inexpensive no name lights from ebay, but they are not bottom of the barrel cheap ones.

Thanks!!

I'm still researching, and I guess I better continue that, before I make any further purchases...

Starlite · Nov 15, 2006

benhasajeep said:
I will start with thin. I cannot leave my backdrop stands up all the time, nor the room to have everyone on its own bar. So I have to get out what I want to use and when done put it away. The thiner ones will have less of a longevity. Also they seem to wrinkle more.

Size really deppends on what you are taking a picture of. Head or full bust shots you might get away with a 6'x9' (smallest ones I have seen). But for full on body shots, you will need a longer muslin to not only go up the wall but also cover the floor (if you want same for wall and floor).

Width deppends on how large the item is or if its a family. Have to remember the lens works on angles (say 24 deg view). Your background needs to cover the lens view. The further away the camera is from the background the wider it needs to be.

Thanks benhasajeep! That helps.:mrgreen:

Starlite · Nov 30, 2006

Ok I'm looking at the Backdrop outlet site, and I'm seeing backdrops for like $150............. http://www.backdropoutlet.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_24_32&products_id=173

Now I'm a total newb, so please excuse my ignorance, but why are these that price, and on Ebay you can find them for 20 and 30 bucks? What are the differences, to warrant such a difference in price?

Starlite · Nov 30, 2006

Ok now I'm REALLY confused............... and kinda tripped out, because I JUST started browsing on Ebay, and came across Backdrop Outlet Store on Ebay!!!

and their backdrops there, some are under 20 bucks!!

can someone tell me what warrants the HUGE difference in price, between a backdrop of 20 bucks, and a backdrop of 150 bucks?