Backdrops

[Amy]

I have soft boxes and a faithful plank of white conti-board, and have seen a few good ideas for backdrops (shower curtains, bed sheets) but what's best?

Should I be raiding wallpaper shops for samples or would there be a sheen on them? Is fabric best?

Amy x

[Sarah White]

I bought a bunch of fabrics to use on my backdrop, black, cream and a lovely bright blue. the only thing I've found with fabric is that some of the fabrics aren't very wide, say for example my blue one used here is only 4 foot wide.



I suppose it all depends on what you want it as a backdrop to. I have used so many things:
wallpaper: http://365project.org/coolgirlsar/365/2011-10-10
a huge white board: http://365project.org/coolgirlsar/365/2011-03-04
a black painted coalbunker wall: http://365project.org/coolgirlsar/365/2011-04-30

blankets, a brown faux leather dining chair, a painted bit of mdf, mirrors. lol

[Brendan Maunder]

I only use a black or white sheet for my backdrops and replace them in photoshop.

If you dont know my work have a look.

[Mark Lynham]

@agima how do you replace and keep the subject looking natural, is it magic selector? i always struggle with the hair..

[Joe]

@markyl Here's a decent tutorial for that: http://www.photoshopsupport.com/elements/tutorials/extract-hair/masking-tutorial.html

[Mark Lynham]

@joesabino cool! thanks for that Joe :-) will give that a look :-)

[Joe]

@markyl No problem. The extract tool is also something that may be of use. I don't have any specific tutorials for using that off-hand, though.

[Bonnie]

I just started using seamless paper. I had a muslin backdrop that a friend lent me, but I hate ironing it.

[Brendan Maunder]

I just mask the head/hair out in photoshop. It does a great job these days and then I use onOne mask pro if it really get tricky.

[jinx (@jinximages)]

I like purpose-made backdrops, like these: http://www.portraitpizzaz.com/

[Tina Mac]

I like to use seamless paper rolls. Depending on the size, you can get a long roll which is fairly inexpensive. You have to be careful not to get creases in it. I have also used black velvet, which is great for not showing lines or shadows but is rather expensive. I used pvc pipe to create a stand. Here's an example of both: