Why should I buy a professional fabric backdrop rather than going to a fabric store to buy fabric to use?

Question

I understand I'd need to sew a hem for the background support, and that I'd need heavy material, but what other benefits are there? It seems so much cheaper to buy something from a craft store. Thanks for your answers.

Answer 1

I would go for it if you are shooting B&W. When it comes to color that is a different ball game. I have several backdrops created from muslin fabric that I dyed in a plastic trash can. You'll need at least two colors (or a black and a gray) to give a mottled effect. If I want a solid color I would use back drop paper....it's cheap and if you care for it, reuseable. You want to start with the gray. Find a point slightly above the center of the piece you want to dye. This is where you hold the cloth. Insert the outside edges into the dye first. This will allow the dye to give a darker shade on the outside field of the backdrop. Keep pushing the cloth into the can. It will all most fill it. By stuffing the cloth into the can you get an uneven tone across the fabric. After you wait the recommended time the fabric out and allow it to dry. I then repeat the process with a diluted black dye.
I offer a caution. Don't expect to get a perfect backdrop on the first try. It took me three tries to get something I liked. Muslin was cheap so I was only out $20 a pop (compared to over a hundred for a colored pro backdrop). It is messy like you would imagine. But it was fun and I still use it today (over 7 years old). I have a large canvas bag that I stuff the backdrop in that leaves it wrinkled. I drape it over chairs, light stands and small bushes with little thought about damaging it. I wouldn't feel the same about one I paid $400. But again this is B&W. I have a tobacco colored one that I bought from a studio friend that works great.

Answer 2

At a fabric store, the employees can help you answer all the specific questions about your project. A hem is not needed if you use the salvage edge; background for what?; choosing a piece of fabric will give you more choices than something premade. If you find a pre-made product that meets all your demands, sure, buy it.

Answer 3

I recommend you to buy the fabric. It's much much cheaper and this way you can buy as many colors as you want, especially if you do some black and white photos (the Grey that you obtain is different from color to color) BUT, BE CARE FULL! the fabric should be a little bit thicker, not to have problems with the background. This way you can set it up anywhere, even outside.

Answer 4

The prefabricated backdrop is more likely to be the width you need right off the bat.

Some folks buy the materials to make something and then never get around to making it, and then have all this material and not the thing they want.

Just a couple of possibilities.

Answer 5

Agency's prefference. But going to the fabric store to buy fabirc for a back drop, might save you money, and work out just as good.

Answer 6

If all you need is to hem it, there is some stuff the fabric store sells called stich witchery. You place it where you want the seam and then simply iron it.

Answer 7

Craft stores rock. Just go there. It's so much cheaper.

Answer 8

Many people actually do exactly what you are talking about.
I have a friend who made all of his own back drops and light diffusers, as well as all of the stands and tripods he uses.
There's nothing wrong with it if you have the skills to make it durable enough to get your money's worth.

Answer 9

Just go to the craft store.

Answer 10

You may not be able to estimate the effect of glare from any reflected light, or penetration of light from behind the backdrop.