Backgrounds and BG stands

[Bend The Light]

Hi,

I am looking to get a BG and a stand. I need it to be collapsible, and I need it CHEAP!

I have seen a stand set up on FleaBay 3m long (extendable from 1.5 to 3m, I think). This looks ok, and light enough to move around.
Then I have seen backgrounds for it. But I don't know what's best...there's muslin, there's polyester/cotton mix, and there's paper. There's vinyl, too. But I really am short of cash, but need to get something. Should I just go for the cheapest muslin one (3m by 6m)?

I just need to be able to take a few portrait style shots. Should I just get the white and be able to set up like I did the Ruby shot at the Camera Club? Get pics like this?


Tim at PCC portrait evening by http://bendthelight.me.uk, on Flickr


Ruby at PCC portrait evening by http://bendthelight.me.uk, on Flickr

I have a couple of people wanting some simple publicity photos, mainly as white (or at least plain) backgrounds. I can earn a few quid and then see about better BG. The stand and a 3mx6m white muslin will cost me about £75...I have the best part of that from selling a couple of old unused lenses and what's left of a few quid I got from selling photos of my daughter's last show to the performers and their families.

What do you all think?Hi,

I am looking to get a BG and a stand. I need it to be collapsible, and I need it CHEAP!

I have seen a stand set up on FleaBay 3m long (extendable from 1.5 to 3m, I think). This looks ok, and light enough to move around.
Then I have seen backgrounds for it. But I don't know what's best...there's muslin, there's polyester/cotton mix, and there's paper. There's vinyl, too. But I really am short of cash, but need to get something. Should I just go for the cheapest muslin one (3m by 6m)?

I just need to be able to take a few portrait style shots. Should I just get the white and be able to set up like I did the Ruby shot at the Camera Club? Get pics like this?


Tim at PCC portrait evening by http://bendthelight.me.uk, on Flickr


Ruby at PCC portrait evening by http://bendthelight.me.uk, on Flickr

I have a couple of people wanting some simple publicity photos, mainly as white (or at least plain) backgrounds. I can earn a few quid and then see about better BG. The stand and a 3mx6m white muslin will cost me about £75...I have the best part of that from selling a couple of old unused lenses and what's left of a few quid I got from selling photos of my daughter's last show to the performers and their families.

What do you all think?

 

[tirediron]

As far as backgrounds go, I would consider seamless paper. A roll of 48" light grey is easy to transport & store, always fresh when you need it, and can be turned white, grey or black by controlling exposure. You can also turn it all sorts of colours by using gels.

 

[Bend The Light]

As far as backgrounds go, I would consider seamless paper. A roll of 48" light grey is easy to transport & store, always fresh when you need it, and can be turned white, grey or black by controlling exposure. You can also turn it all sorts of colours by using gels.

I wondered about paper...does it not get dirty and need replacing? How much paper is there on the roll? You realise I know virtually nothing about backgrounds...

 

[KmH]

Seamless paper backgrounds - Bing

 

[Bend The Light]

Seamless paper backgrounds - Bing

Thanks. Quite expensive, isn't it?
How easily does it mark, from shoes or chair legs, or whatever?

 

[tirediron]

It's paper, so it does mark fairly easily, but as long as you keep the minimum possible on the floor, and make sure that feet & floor are reasonably clean, it will last a while.