Photography backdrop question.

Question

For my husbands birthday, I was thinking about getting him some plain backdrops for photography, he's trying to start his own small photography business, probably run from our home. Where do I buy this? I have to get some kind of stand? What colors are good to start (I was thinking white, black.) I don't want those cheesy backdrops.

Answer 1

I have used Adorama for photo supplies and film/print processing and they have been very reliable and trustworthy.  Their prices are reasonable and even their own brand products seem to be good quality. They are also very easy to deal with, ship quickly and have a nice web store interface that lets you narrow down the products to select from based on check box selections on the upper right of their product lists.

I elected to get a free standing background support (2 stands and a support rod) that were sold in a package with a carry/storage bag because that means I can use them at home but can also take them to events or situations where there might not be a suitable background.

Another advantage is that I can use EITHER cloth or paper backgrounds depending on specific requirements. For special situations a roll of paper in a particular color can be used and will usually be cheap enough to charge as an expense to the client.  Fabric is more durable and can be made into a more textured or uniform background by folding or stretching.  It can also be used to achieve more dramatic effects by lighting from behind (like a scrim, used in theater lighting) because intense light will show through the fabric.

Black and white fabric would be good color choices to start with.  If you get muslin in black get a large enough size so that it can be doubled over for maximum light absorption/blockage.

Here is a link to the Adorama Flash/Lighting/Studio page.  Find the category you want to look at in the sub headings and it will take you to their selection of products.

http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=ca...

P.S.  Some good spring loaded clamps are a great accessory for either cloth or paper because they help to position the fabric or keep the paper rolls from unwinding once enough paper has been pulled out.

Hope that helps.  Good luck!

email me if you have specific questions.  

Answer 2

Personally, i like white backdrops. It makes the pictures look so studio like, and professional. You can get them on amazon.com for example this

http://www.amazon.com/Bag-Steve-Kaeser-1...

that's an expensive, but it's a nice one, also, it comes with a stand, which would eliminate that issue. Note, you should use strobe lighting/ umbrellas with white backdrops.

Answer 3

I am going to put my word in for brown, preferably with a graduated hot spot. All people, regardless of race, are some shade of brown and everyone looks nice on a brown background. Plus it's rich and warm looking.http://www.flickr.com/photos/perki88/271...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/perki88/497...

Answer 4

May I suggest getting a grey backdrop...  I have found that to be the one I use the most.  I purchased all of mine from Ebay and they are attached to the ceiling.  Another one I use often is red.  It can be very intense and vibrant.  Another personal favorite is one that looks like clouds in the sky.  A lot will depend upon the type of photographs that are being taken and personal taste.

Answer 5

You can buy them from any camera shop or photo supply store.  For backgrounds, maroon is a good all purpose color.  And yes, it is best to have a have stand(saves a lot of headaches).  If he is into portraits, I would suggest getting three different backgrounds.

blue for children and young women

brown for men and adult women

maroon

The backdrops come in several different materials- from paper to muslin.  I use paper because of the lower cost.  

Answer 6

Try Amvona or Owen's Originals... both online. I've used them both and haven't had any problems with them. A good place to start is with a solid black, white, or grey background. You could also buy gels to put on the lights and change the color of the background. They also have sets that include a backdrop and stand. Good luck!

Answer 7

Real quick if you're husband wants to jump into photography, I wish him good luck and I hope he has a Marketing degree because he is going to need it.

So now your answer...The best one in my opinion is the the brown one I've attached in the source area.  it looks the best just make sure to tell your husband to have about 10-15 feet between the subject and the background and use an f/stop of about3.5 to 5.6 with a focal length of 70mm (+)...This will make for great professional portraits.

Good luck!