Muslin backdrops on the cheap

Johnboy2978 · Nov 13, 2006

Not sure which section to post this in, so I'll post it here.
I'm looking for sites which sell backgrounds cheap. I have been using black and white king size bed sheets which has served its purpose well, however, I'd like some a little more professional, but I don't want to spend $300+ per BG right now. Anyone able to point me to a site where I can find it cheaper? Also any good sites for props on the cheap?

Thanks

Pirate · Nov 13, 2006

Try www.backdropoutlet.com they have a huge selection and some of the best specials in the business.

Johnboy2978 · Nov 13, 2006

Thanks for the link. I think I have visited that site before. I found this one too: Amvona.com which is quite reasonable like $50-80 for many until you get to their specialty/holiday/kids ones. Anyone shopped there before? Reputable?

Starlite · Nov 13, 2006

What about these?

http://stores.ebay.com/BACKDROP-OUTLET

http://stores.ebay.com/assiabackgrounds

I didn't know there was a big difference between one background and another... what is usually the difference?

puckhed33 · Nov 13, 2006

http://www.2dreammaker.com

This is also an ebay seller. I bought a set of strobes from them on ebay cheaper than on the site.

xfloggingkylex · Nov 13, 2006

www.silverlakephoto.com

register and win a chance to get a free backdrop or 150 dollars worth of stuff. Also they have a photo contest where the winner gets a backdrop.

oldnavy170 · Nov 13, 2006

Starlite said:
What about these?

http://stores.ebay.com/BACKDROP-OUTLET

http://stores.ebay.com/assiabackgrounds

I didn't know there was a big difference between one background and another... what is usually the difference?

Thank you for that site! I never thought it would be possible to find CHEAP backdrops.

Dylan · Nov 13, 2006

I'm pretty sure I saw muslin backdrops starting at 30.00 on the adorama site.

Johnboy2978 · Nov 13, 2006

Thanks for the input guys. I had kind of forgotten about ebay. I checked there previously and saw just a bunch of that digital BG crap that you photoshop in to a pic, and then never really checked back on it. Looks like that's the place for adding some variety cheaply.

Just an idea for the mods, but maybe there could be a sticky on one of the forums for websites or ideas that others stumble across for building your very own cheapo studio.

benhasajeep · Nov 14, 2006

I have a couple of the cheap ones from ebay, and they are just that cheap! Have to read the adds carefully. They say muslin type or some other funny wordings. Materail is thin as well. Get what you pay for. They work but definately not something that will last a lifetime or even half. Also watch the sizes on the cheaper ones. And check the prices carefully. Most jack up the shipping to make the proffit. Sell the background cheap but charge $10- $20 to ship a 1# box.

I did get one I really like just wish it was a bit bigger. Just be carefull on ebay. If one person sells it. Most likely several others do as well. Ebay is not always cheapest either!

Starlite · Nov 14, 2006

oldnavy170 said:
Thank you for that site! I never thought it would be possible to find CHEAP backdrops.

glad I could have the chance to give back a little, cause this forum has really helped me a lot! :mrgreen: :heart:

Starlite · Nov 14, 2006

puckhed33 said:
http://www.2dreammaker.com

This is also an ebay seller. I bought a set of strobes from them on ebay cheaper than on the site.

How are those strobes working for you?

Can you post a link to them??

thanks:thumbup:

skyonfire · Nov 14, 2006

I have bought a lot of things from Amvona. I've never had a problem with any of them.

Starlite · Nov 14, 2006

benhasajeep said:
I have a couple of the cheap ones from ebay, and they are just that cheap! Have to read the adds carefully. They say muslin type or some other funny wordings. Materail is thin as well. Get what you pay for. They work but definately not something that will last a lifetime or even half. Also watch the sizes on the cheaper ones. And check the prices carefully. Most jack up the shipping to make the proffit. Sell the background cheap but charge $10- $20 to ship a 1# box.

I did get one I really like just wish it was a bit bigger. Just be carefull on ebay. If one person sells it. Most likely several others do as well. Ebay is not always cheapest either!

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)