Backdrops... Expensive...

[Verticalways]

I am starting a photography business and am looking for some backdrops that are rather cheap and large enough to do at least a single person to a small family (approx 4 people).

I keep finding that backdrops are 200+ dollars and I am not willing to pay that much for fabric. If you can suggest any fabrics or DIY (do it yourself) projects I would be very appreciative.

THANKS!

[Verticalways]

microsuede shower curtains? Someone suggested it in another forum channel however i was wondering if anyone else has used them? How well did they work?

[Jim Poor]

You can buy muslin at your local fabric store and dye it.

[OsmosisStudios]

A roll of 9' seamless paper is like $60.

[lonni]

I second the seamless paper, you can get them from the photo supply shop and if you are carefull you can roll up the grubby parts and use the reverse.

I dont know about anyone else but i find the mottled bg's a bit dodgy and ugly.

[BigFuzzy]

Originally Posted by lonni

I dont know about anyone else but i find the mottled bg's a bit dodgy and ugly.

It feels to me that anyone not living in the 80's will agree with you. It makes my eyes bleed whenever I see a photo with a mottled bg in that "Glamour Shots" style.

But hey, it's style thing, to each his own.

[zona5101]

check out adorama - they have some private label muslins that are pretty reasonable. I have one and its durable and well made.
background - Adorama.com

[Dibble]

I have found some good deals on Craigs List

[rbickel]

I've been wondering if you could use a grey canvas drop cloth, you can pick up a 12 x 15 one from a big box hardware store or around $30. Has anyone used these?

[kylethemiller]

you can use anything in the world for a backdrop. It's all in the look you are going for. From, paper to shower curtains to rugs. Nothing is off limits! I recently used a large cardboard refrigerator box and peeled a couple layers off to show the ridges, and it worked great for what i wanted.

My point being, if you think it looks cool or wonder if it will work, JUST USE IT!

Try photographing things in front of it, move the lights and point one on the background as a splash. Move one behind the drop and shine one through the fabric. Try anything and everything. you never know how great something can be unless you experiment.

If you like color - buy some cheap large sheets of the shiny insulation panels. paint each side a dif. color. you can make 6 dif. backgrounds out of 3 panels all for under $75. Just go to any Menard's or Lows.

Buy decorative Ceiling tiles and and put them on the wall for another look.

Rugs work really well as backdrops as well.

The possibilities are endless. GO HAVE FUN!