photographic backdrops / myLot

Canada

July 12, 2008 1:29pm CST

can anyone give me advice on either where to buy/rent/borrow or how to make my own photo backdrops? normally it would be simple, but the problem is the size i need. i attempted to buy fabric and sew one seam in an inconspicuous place, but it's impossible due to the max length of fabric that is available... what i need is 10'x12' or larger, of a continuous background, either flat or rippled like a curtain. it needs to cover both wall and floor, like a traditional studio background. i have looked on ebay and the size i need is rare and expensive. i would probably require a stand to hold up the backdrop too, and there is another added expense. i'm trying to keep my budget under 50$ each background (i need two, one white and one black)

1 response

Pigglies

@Pigglies (9329)

• United States

12 Jul 08

I buy my backdrops on eBay and I usually buy a 10x12 or sometimes even larger. I wait for sales or sometimes I just end up spending a lot. But it's worth it for a nice backdrop. I've done fabric ones for patterned backdrops, but not solid. Here's an idea for you though that I've used before on some backdrops that are common colors... Look for sales on vellux blankets. Those work great as backdrops. If they're not on sale, they're fairly expensive. But if you can find one on sale that will work great (or try asking for a used one on Freecycle). You can make your own backdrop stand out of PVC pipe. Or if you're lazy like me I just clip the backdrop wherever. I have used a nice metal stand before, but it was borrowed and I've never found another so sturdy. I needed sturdy then though, I was doing pet photography.

shmeedia

@shmeedia (1044)

• Canada

12 Jul 08

thanx for the tips! i was intending to use clips, however, now that i think about it, i might get some sagging, since what i have to clip to is in fact another pole-and-drape!!! i know that must sound ridiculous, but i am working with no sturdy walls...i'm going to be doing this in a convention center booth! the booths are unfortunately using the pole-and-drape set-up instead of the more standard/sturdy portable walls :(

Pigglies

@Pigglies (9329)

• United States

16 Jul 08

I've had to use the back of an EZ-up tent before at a few events for photography. With some nice orange clips from Home Depot, it actually worked better than I would have expected, with minimal sagging that was controllable somewhat. I think a lot of photography involves improvisation at times. But I'd definitely like to have a nice kit together myself so that it wouldn't be as bad. If only I could afford more.