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View Full Version : SquiderM3 & Others - Let's Talk Photography Backdrops!


HoldyourfireAl
11-08-2008, 06:11 PM
SquiderM3 - I notice that you make use of backdrops for many of your pics. What kind do you use? Where do you get them? What size is good for statues or groups of statues? What's the cost?

Thanks

Al

SquiderM3
11-08-2008, 09:37 PM
I have ordered a couple off eBay for $200 (black and white) which included stands but they are thin and relatively cheap. The blue and red that I use quite often are made by Lastolite and are much better than the eBay ones. They are thicker, don't wrinkle as easy and seem to absorb the light much better. They are however more expensive and cost me $150 CDN each, pretty sure they will be cheaper in the US.

All of them are quite large, 10' X 20', overkill for statues but didn't really have a choice.

HoldyourfireAl
11-08-2008, 09:38 PM
I have ordered a couple off eBay for $200 (black and white) which included stands but they are thin and relatively cheap. The blue and red that I use quite often are made by Lastolite and are much better than the eBay ones. They are thicker, don't wrinkle as easy and seem to absorb the light much better. They are however more expensive and cost me $150 CDN each, pretty sure they will be cheaper in the US.

All of them are quite large, 10' X 20', overkill for statues but didn't really have a choice.

You can't get 'em smaller, huh?

SquiderM3
11-08-2008, 09:43 PM
You can't get 'em smaller, huh?

No, you can get smaller sizes but the store that I got them from here didn't have much for a selection and I was too impatient to order.:D

HoldyourfireAl
11-08-2008, 09:47 PM
Are yours musilin? I'm looking at Lastolite's website right now...

SquiderM3
11-08-2008, 09:54 PM
Are yours musilin? I'm looking at Lastolite's website right now...

I'm not sure... I'll check when I get back home.

P1X4R
11-08-2008, 11:53 PM
i bought a 10x20 black muslin backdrop for $56 shipped from ebay. i haven't used it much since i need to get something to hold it up.

HoldyourfireAl
11-09-2008, 01:59 AM
i bought a 10x20 black muslin backdrop for $56 shipped from ebay. i haven't used it much since i need to get something to hold it up.

See? Don'tcha think that's too big? We need smaller for statues!

:)

Tyz1on
11-09-2008, 12:41 PM
See? Don'tcha think that's too big? We need smaller for statues!

:)

Smallest muslin backdrops I've seen are 6x9. Still a bit big, but they may just suit my needs. The backdrops that came came with my light tent are 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 which are good for most statues but some of the SS ones like Thor need a whole lot more material.

HoldyourfireAl
11-09-2008, 01:46 PM
Smallest muslin backdrops I've seen are 6x9. Still a bit big, but they may just suit my needs. The backdrops that came came with my light tent are 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 which are good for most statues but some of the SS ones like Thor need a whole lot more material.

Where have you seen 6x9 muslins?

Tyz1on
11-09-2008, 04:04 PM
Where have you seen 6x9 muslins?


Just do an ebay search for 6x9 muslim. There's hundreds.

Or here

http://cart.owens-originals.com/PHOTOGRAPHY-BACKDROPS-AND-PHOTO-BACKGROUNDS-MUSLIN-CANVAS-s/4.htm

HoldyourfireAl
11-09-2008, 05:25 PM
6x9 is still too big for my "studio" area...

P1X4R
11-09-2008, 05:31 PM
6x9 is still too big for my "studio" area...

i hear there's a technique called "folding". :D

Tyz1on
11-09-2008, 06:09 PM
i hear there's a technique called "folding". :D

:laugh: Yup with a flick of the wrist 6x9 becomes 6x4 1/2 or flick again and you have 3x4 1/2.

Another option is to measure the space of your "studio" and go to a fabric store and buy exactly what you want in terms of size and color. :thumbs2:

Predalien08
11-15-2008, 09:22 PM
:laugh: Yup with a flick of the wrist 6x9 becomes 6x4 1/2 or flick again and you have 3x4 1/2.

Another option is to measure the space of your "studio" and go to a fabric store and buy exactly what you want in terms of size and color. :thumbs2:


Thats exactly what I do when the collectible is bigger than the light tent

HoldyourfireAl
11-16-2008, 06:00 PM
I'm experimenting with this backdrop (yes, I have to iron it). What do you think compared to my usual black?

http://holdyourfireal.smugmug.com/photos/418400558_PYBbu-X2.jpghttp://holdyourfireal.smugmug.com/photos/418400462_eH2mm-X2.jpg

http://holdyourfireal.smugmug.com/photos/418407309_f7uba-X2.jpghttp://holdyourfireal.smugmug.com/photos/418400538_NsLSe-X2.jpg

HoldyourfireAl
11-17-2008, 03:11 AM
http://holdyourfireal.smugmug.com/photos/418826806_sTq9n-X2.jpghttp://holdyourfireal.smugmug.com/photos/418826841_nsELy-X2.jpg



I think the gold background works better on colored statues.

HoldyourfireAl
11-21-2008, 12:35 AM
OK! This or This?....

http://holdyourfireal.smugmug.com/photos/418400538_NsLSe-X3.jpghttp://holdyourfireal.smugmug.com/photos/421386307_D3PLy-X3.jpg

HoldyourfireAl
11-21-2008, 12:36 AM
http://holdyourfireal.smugmug.com/photos/421386307_D3PLy-X2.jpghttp://holdyourfireal.smugmug.com/photos/418400538_NsLSe-X2.jpg

patman
12-01-2008, 10:28 AM
i like the blacks. they make the statue pop. the faux bronze pieces sort of drown into the golden brown backdrop. still nice pics though

IronLungs31
03-20-2009, 10:35 AM
These are some very impressive backdrops and this information was really helpful.

I well be scouring ebay for a few of these.

Thanks again...