Backdrops...

[BuS_RiDeR]

Does anyone have any experience using a normal bed sheet as a backdrop?

Rather than a Muslin or paper backdrop... Or is there another cheap alternative that I am overlooking.

I am trying to save a few bucks and use things I already have...

 

[doziergraphic]

sheets are thin. I'm headed to the fabric store tomorrow. spotted some polyester suede that looked thick enough and non-reflective for about 4.00/yard.

 

[brownieapple]

sheets are thin.

what about it being 2 or 3 sheets thick?

 

[Christie Photo]

Does anyone have any experience using a normal bed sheet as a backdrop? Rather than a Muslin or paper backdrop...

I would think a bed sheet to be a bit small, at least for full-length portraits.

Or is there another cheap alternative that I am overlooking. I am trying to save a few bucks and use things I already have...

Umm... seamless paper IS pretty cheap... cheaper than bed sheets.

-Pete

 

[Studio7Four]

Depending on what you're shooting and what size sheet we're talking about (king size is appreciably different than twin size), a sheet can be a good starting point. Get enough distance between the subject and the sheet (so that wrinkles in the sheet are well out of focus) and light it properly, and it's a fine place to start.

Seamless paper is also fairly cheap (that's what I generally use), but since it tends to come in rolls on tubes it may be more problematic to mount than a sheet, which you could conceivably just tack to a wall.

 

[Misfitlimp]

I have used a white sheet for a background before. I didn't like at all how it looked I used it for a maternity shoot. I ended up editing it out. A roll of paper is about 50 bucks. Just buy grey. It's a neutral color that can be chahnged in Photoshop to just about any color if you have the know how. I know u said you are trying to save but it's 50 bucks. That's not to big of an investment in my eyes.

 

[ChevyBaby]

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...o-gallery/224149-my-dave-hill-impression.html

i used a bedsheet for that one. It IS backlit on one side [was a test shoot so excuse the shadows and fall off and other crap - my point is that with a white sheet it works, i've also used a black sheet [see below] for this shoot i was using one spot light, when i lit the background, you could see it was fabric, the stitching and such.

Just make sure you iron it first... as you can see... lol

 

[ababysean]

what are you going to be shooting with it?
I have used shower curtains, regular curtains, and a teacher supply store has this really cool stuff called bulletin board paper. If you get two, you can put them on a backdrop stand and it works just like seemless but it is not so big.

 

[vtf]

I have found if you venture through the thift stores you can some times find sheets and window drapes that are huge made of satin, velvet and silk for minimal cost. You have to be thorough in checking them for issues but they can make great back drops for simple portraits.

 

[KmH]

$39.99 for a 8.91 foot wide(107") by 12 yard long roll of seamless paper background:

Savage 107" x 12yds Seamless Background Paper 27-12 B&H

The Thunder gray can be made black, white or any color in between using photographic technques and/or gelled lighting directed onto the paper.

Try to find a piece of fabric that size, for that cost.

 

[BuS_RiDeR]

what are you going to be shooting with it?

Mostly people... Family & friends portraits...

... you can put them on a backdrop stand and it works just like seemless but it is not so big.

Speaking of stands... are the DIY ones worth it? I'm unemployed due to health issues and am on a limited budget... The local retailers are selling a backdrop stand for like $100 +.

Ideally, I'd like to buy a decent (portable) stand and a few nice muslin backdrops.

 

[ChevyBaby]

Speaking of stands... are the DIY ones worth it? I'm unemployed due to health issues and am on a limited budget... The local retailers are selling a backdrop stand for like $100 +.

Ideally I'd like to buy a decent (portable) stand and a few nice muslin backdrops.

i made my stands using plastic poles (or broom handles) and clamps.
Just an idea

 

[BuS_RiDeR]

i made my stands using plastic poles (or broom handles) and clamps. Just an idea

Cool. I was thinking about doing it with black plastic tubing... But I'm concerned with "potential" clients seeing it as DIY or budget...

 

[ChevyBaby]

At the end of the day if you aint got the money, you aint got the money - if your images are stunning, who are they to judge?

 

[BuS_RiDeR]

At the end of the day if you aint got the money, you aint got the money - if your images are stunning, who are they to judge?

Good point Baps. Thats you're new nickname.