Backdrop question

[jaomul]

Hi, hopefully this is in correct section. I bought a white backdrop and its creased and wrinkled. Are these normally ironed like clothes to straighten? Thanks

 

[.SimO.]

For the most part, yes. Unless you have some crazy fabric that can quickly catch a blaze. And if that happens, be sure to take pictures of it followed by suppressing the fire.

 

[KmH]

What type of material is the backdrop made of? Muslin? Canvas? Vinyl? Cotton?

A steamer is commonly used on the various types of cloth. The backdrop has to be stretched for the steamer to work.

If you keep the subject 8 feet or so from the backdrop, control the DoF and light the backdrop effectively, wrinkles and creases won't be visible in images you make.

 

[jaomul]

Thanks all, I realise now I should have been more specific, sorry. The backdrop is like a type of heavy woven paper, and unfortunetly I don't have an area big enough inside to use the dof to my advantage in this case. This is my first time buying stands and backdrops etc, the backdrop came for free (as an unexpected extra) hence I have not researched them to much. Is this material muslin from my description?

 

[curtyoungblood]

If you keep the subject 8 feet or so from the backdrop, control the DoF and light the backdrop effectively, wrinkles and creases won't be visible in images you make.

While this is technically true, it is usually one of those things that sounds good, but doesn't really work out in real life. You'll end up changing something, or not being as careful as you think you're being and get wrinkles into your photos, at least in my experience. I would recommend using a steam, if you use an iron, there a chance you could burn it and ruin it.

 

[.SimO.]

I think the key element in the statement Keith made was "light the backdrop effectively". Light will always conquer darkness... sounds like that a quote from some sci-fi movie, lol.

 

[cgipson1]

Try putting it up in your bathroom if you have enough room... turn the shower on HOT full blast. Close the door. Let it steam for a good bit (or until you run out of hot water). See if that helps.... try to stretch it a bit on the stand too... I have lot of little background clips, and small bungee cords... works pretty well...

Or blow it out with light.. as suggested! Just watch for splash...

 

[dbvirago]

Thanks all, I realise now I should have been more specific, sorry. The backdrop is like a type of heavy woven paper, and unfortunetly I don't have an area big enough inside to use the dof to my advantage in this case. This is my first time buying stands and backdrops etc, the backdrop came for free (as an unexpected extra) hence I have not researched them to much. Is this material muslin from my description?

Not if it's paper, but then, it shouldn't be wrinkled either. Do you have a link to what you purchased? As others have said if you can throw enough light on it to blow it out pure white, that will solve the problem. Also, a roll of white seamless is pretty cheap if you can't get this to work.

 

[michaelanthony]

What type of material is the backdrop made of? Muslin? Canvas? Vinyl? Cotton?

A steamer is commonly used on the various types of cloth. The backdrop has to be stretched for the steamer to work.

If you keep the subject 8 feet or so from the backdrop, control the DoF and light the backdrop effectively, wrinkles and creases won't be visible in images you make.

x2

i have used a steamer before on a cotton material and it worked fine... although nowadays, i stick to paper seamless...