Mr.Ft Loc: Central New Jersey

I'm just getting into playing around with backdrop's. My Question is what material is best, I've seen vinyl and polyester cloth. I was wondering if there is an advantage to either one.

Thanks in advanve

Tom

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I would avoid anything that is reflective (shiny). I've used a regular canvas.
--Bob

anotherview Loc: California

I've used a red blanket and a white cloth as backdrops. But as a rule, the backdrop should fit the subject. Keep in mind also that the lighting on the backdrop can emphasize the subject, produce a mood, or otherwise control the presentation of the subject.

couch coyote Loc: northern Illinois

Good advice above. I would add that whatever cloth you use, iron it first. Then any folds can be created by your artistic choice, rather than random wrinkles.

Quixdraw Loc: x

Try a trip to a cloth / sewing shop. Bargains on the remnants table for a couple of dollars. I always keep some on hand.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

I like and use savage paper from B&H Comes in white, black, gray for portraits or wider for groups.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/45617-REG/Savage_20_1253_Widetone_Seamless_Background_Paper.html

Quixdraw Loc: x

Haven't had the paper in years - didn't survive a move. Still have the stand and opportunities for use. How do those long boxes handle UPS / FedEx? Damage?

aschweik Loc: NE Ohio

I've used microfiber backdrops. They come in different sizes, wash well, fold and store well with few wrinkles. I got mine from Katebackdrop.com. Lots of patterns, sizes, colors. Not sure what you're using the background for but microfiber is good for portraits. Or, as has been suggested, a fabric store is a great place to go for smaller pieces. Just be careful about how much the fabric may wrinkle and how shiny it is.

polonois Loc: Lancaster County,PA.

In my studio I used the 86 inch seamless paper back drop rolls in a multitude of colors, velvet blankets, 8 x 12 foot painted canvas and 18% gray painted walls. Each has its own merits. The paper rolls in white worked great for high key. I usually lit the white paper with 2 stops more light and no shadows. The painted canvases worked well for portraits. I used the velvet blanks mainly for baby pictures and sometime boudoir photos.The 18% wall whenever it filled my need. I think today if my studio was open would try a green screen. I'm not sure how well that would work with my studio light. I think it would require a bit of trial and error. If I had to choose one I think it would be a toss up between The paper and the canvas.

donnie0910 Loc: Round Rock, TX

I have a question related to this subject. How much distance should separate the subject and the backdrop?

ggttc Loc: TN

Great. Highly recommend rather than fooling around with sheets etc.

polonois Loc: Lancaster County,PA.

When my studio was open I usually had 4 to 5 feet between the backdrop and the model. I had a rather large studio approx. 12 x 20 feet. My tripod was usually 6 to 10 feet from the subject.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

You did not mention what kind of work you intend using a backdrop for. There are many materials- plain, multicolored, painted, silkscrened, airbrushed, solid color papers, cloths and more specifically manufactured for photographic backgrounds. Do you weant a simple backdrop, a cyclorama or cove setup- permanent or portable? You choice will depend on what you are doing, how you intend to light the subject and/or the background, the space you have available and even the distance between the camera and the subject and the subject and the background AND the focal length of the lens in use.Depth of died or selective focus factors in as well.

The material itself has to do with texture, surface finish, reflectivity or light absorption. The same backkgrod can be rendered differently depending on the way you light it and whether it is in or out of focus.

Tell us what you are doing and you will receive more specific advice and as to where you can acquire the material or gear you need. You may deced to buy one or make one. You can paint a backgrou on a window shade, a piece of canvas or directly on a wall.

Alafoto Loc: Montgomery, AL

Far enough away that the subject's shadow isn't projected onto the background by the mail and fill lights

lschiz Loc: Elgin, IL

I use a light weave muslin, Gray as close to 18% as the eye can tell. There are three options with lighting.
White, gray and black backgrounds with gradients as you work the lighting.
Wrinkles fade in a few minutes as you hang it and a light mist spraying.