My wife has just opened a photography studio; hence I am trying to get some information on designing and preparing backdrops versus paying 200 dollars plus for them. What is best Canvas drop cloth or Muslin? What type of paint should one use?, Or should one use dye? If there is some literature explaining these questions I have a heads up would be nice too.
2006-08-22 19:03:24 · 9 answers · asked by Jenny N 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Photography
This answer is based entirely on what I know about these fabrics...
Muslin is a thinner fabric than canvas, and will allow more light to pass through it. In some cases, it may be slightly see-through due to light coming from behind it if it is not hanging against a wall. Choose whichever one gives the desired results based on that, but I'd think canvas would be better. Also, dye will change the color of the fabric but not make it block more light/be less see-through. Paint will make the fabric, especially canvas, entirely opaque (and heavy and inclined to form cracks if you apply the paint wrong).
On the other hand, a dyed muslin drape would probably make a very interesting and attractive backdrop.
If you can't find books about painting photography backdrops specifically, then craft books on making painted floor cloths will at least give you the basics of painting designs on canvas cloths that need to retain flexibility.
2006-08-22 19:32:07 · answer #1 · answered by Red 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on the mood you're trying to set and the subjects you are working with. I always found muslin to be better because if you have an infant that can't sit up well on their own, the parent can hide their arm behind it and help hold the baby up. That isn't so easy to do with canvas.
If you're worried about spending a lot of money on backdrops, be it canvas or muslin, I suggest eBay. There is a specific seller on there that I just love, and no I'm not just here to promote him. His eBay name is DreamMaker2. All of my equipment, my lighting, background system, and all of my backdrops are from him. Total, I probably haven't spent more than $500 and I have everything I need.
The bids start very low, although the shipping may seem a bit outrageous but once you price some other backgrounds through other websites or even other people on eBay you'll realize you're still getting a deal. He does offer discounts on shipping if you have multiple orders with him.
Don't be fooled by fantasy cloth!!! The only way that will work is if you have a white canvas to go behind it.
Good luck and congrats on the new studio!
2006-08-23 02:43:00 · answer #2 · answered by Adriane C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It appears you have some great answers already, but let me see what advise I can give you based on experience.
In general, Muslin backgrounds are quite a bit cheaper for the product they produce. They are larger and easier to store away, as they can be folded. The whole argument about light passing through is hogwash so disregard that. Muslins provide a wider variety of background choices as compared to canvas also. A great place to purchase Muslins is a company called Denny Mfg (www.dennymfg.com). They are one of the largest in the professional community. With muslins, you can get any background imaginable whether it's a scenic, fantasy, tie-dye, or plain.
On the otherhand, canvas do allow for a more professional background. Whenever I photograph a wedding, I'll use a canvas background. For a few reasons: 1) they don't wrinkle when properly rolled. This allows for less retouching in the end run. 2) they provide richer colors that really pop in proper lighting conditions. All of my canvas backgrounds come from B&H Photo (www.bhphoto.com). Canvas, however is quite expensive as they are more pricey to produce. Canvas backgrounds come with two types of mounts: light stand // background mount. Because they roll and unroll, storing them requires quite a bit more space than muslin, however will fit into a back corner or behind a desk.
If you are doing an actual studio, then you are going to want to stick mainly with muslins. Have one or two canvas around for when you do a business portrait or formal portrait.
Another option is going with a company called Scene Machine (www.virtualbackgrounds.net). However, this is quite pricey. These are actually virtual backgrounds on slides that are projected onto a background. The ideas are limitless as you can create your own backgrounds to be projected.
If you have any questions, feel free to email me: chris@wise-photos.net
2006-08-23 10:17:55 · answer #3 · answered by Ipshwitz 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Muslins are cheaper and easier to work with. They can be painted or died. If you use the dies, in the long run you won't get the flaking and creasing that canvas will do. You may be able to find a fabric store that you can get bolts or large scarps very cheap!
2006-08-25 17:01:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When i first started out i bought a bunch of muslins from eBay. Easy to work with and pretty inexpensive. Oddly enough i also purchased some rolls of upholstery fabric.....it works great. As you build clientele ...expand your inventory. the best quality will cost a Little more but it's sooo worth it when the pictures are flawless. Work with what she feels comfortable using and don't be afraid to try different techniques......that's what will set her above other photogs. Also....if she has a way of traveling to the houses of her clients......instead of them coming to her. That's my niche. My clients are glad not to have to worry about the kids getting dirty from point a to point b. I have a mini set up that travels very well. Good luck!!
2006-08-24 16:55:35 · answer #5 · answered by imagr00vychick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My husband and I are also trying to start a photography business. Won't be able to open a studio for a while. I appreciate you question I found a lot of useful answers for us as well. Just wanted you to know I have instructions to build a PVC frame for the drops. If you would like it please feel free to email me at nanspeed2005@yahoo.com
2006-08-24 20:44:33 · answer #6 · answered by Scooter 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In both cases, the selection of the material is important. We need to ensure that the backdrop material is made of best quality material.
You can try at backdropsource , Lowest price and the best quality material
http://www.backdropsource.com.au/backdrops-and-kits
2014-08-08 05:24:41 · answer #7 · answered by harry 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
canvas...it absorp the light from flash. try www.betterphoto.com for discussion. theres a lot of pro-photographer on the forum.
2006-08-23 02:10:59 · answer #8 · answered by Angela 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy some already made to start then make custom ones when you
find what work best.
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?ht=1&from=R4&satitle=backdrop&sacat=625%26catref%3DC6
2006-08-23 02:12:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋