What backdrop to buy and where?

[ebie_f]

<p>We have been doing weddings for several years, which are of course on location, and all of the Bridal and Engagement Sessions we do for our b&g's are outdoors as well. I'm ready to venture into studio portraiture...mostly for headshots for business people, but also newborns, little toddlers, and maybe even the occasional senior. I'm not crazy about the traditional backdrops that remind me of tie-dye...so far I prefer solid black or white or a gradient. But I'd like to have more than just solids, so I'm not sure what I want. I'd appreciate if anyone could post an image they've taken in front of a backdrop and provide the company who makes or sells them. Thanks! I'll attach one of mine just because. This is one I took last week and I hope never to use the crappy background I bought off of ebay that's in the picture again. What a rip-off! We had to spend tons of time digitally "ironing" the wrinkles out.</p><div></div>

[albert_richardson1]

<p>You might order a catalog from Backdrop Outlet <a href="http://www.backdropoutlet.com">www.backdropoutlet.com</a>. They have many sizes, shapes, patterns and colors available. </p>

[ebie_f]

<p>Thanks for the info Albert. That's a beautiful image. Very well done.</p>

[redphoto]

<p>You can easily make your own cloth backdrop. Just go to a fabric store and buy some muslin. You can die it any color you want. For more elaborate backgrounds check out <a href="http://bhphotovideo.com">bhphotovideo.com</a>.</p>

[Charles_Webster]

<p>The easiest way to eliminate wrinkles from a background is to move the subject farther away from the background.<br>

A hand steamer will help remove wrinkles from a muslin.</p>

<p><Chas><br /><br /></p>

[vick_vickery]

<p>Whatever type of background you use, moving your subject further from it will help to eleminate creases and wrinkles and also the shadow from your subject.</p>

[david_schilling___chicago_]

<p>Another vote for backdrop outlet. The catalog will give you plenty of ideas.</p><div></div>

[henryp]

<p>For a solid color I am partial to Thunder gray, a Savage paper color which is also available in cloth. It's very neutral. You can get it closer to black or white by varying the amount of light from your background light. I've also had excellent success using gels. With a Rosco Cinegel Sampler Kit and Color Effects Kit you'll have dozens of possibilities.</p>

<p>You may also want to take a look at http://www.dennymfg.com/. They're by no means the least expensive out there, but they're very very reliable and their products are excellent quality. I've used their Old Masters painted canvas. Excellent.</p>

<p>Henry Posner<br /><strong>B&H Photo-Video</strong><br /></p>

[charlesheckel]

<p>Cheaply, an 8x10 sheet of tile backer board, the smooth white kind not the pebbly stuff, from a home center. It's the shade of gray you want when lit independently of the subject, and the color you want if you gel your background light with Roscolene.</p>

[ebie_f]

<p>I really appreciate everyone's responses! In regards to getting the subject a little farther from the backdrop...I would have done but unfortunately my 50 was in for repair so I had only my 70-200 available and therefore had to put him a lot closer than I wanted to!</p>

[texxter]

<p>I am a big fan of paper backgrounds. Gray seamless paper is great for business portraits. You can put a light on it to create a gradient, or shift its color with a gelled flash. They are inexpensive, except perhaps for shipping. I buy seamless paper locally.<br>

Here is a business portrait done against a gray paper.<br>

<img src="http://pacoromerophoto.com/gallery/mh/medium/0007.jpg" alt="" width="756" height="1008" /> </p>

[aura_jane]

<p>Love paper, but my fav backdrop was $40 worth of fabric from a fabric store. It looks like suede close up, and doesn't wrinkle.</p><div></div>