Backgrounds

[snow_man]

After finally upgrading to a DSLR (Nikon D7000) from my P&S and film SLR, I want to get into trying more still life and simple portrait shots. The only problem is that I don't really have anywhere that has a clear backgrond where I could take these kinds of shots.

Does anyone have any ideas of what I could use for simple and cheap backgrounds... I was thinking along the lines of a bed sheet that I could pin or clamp to the wall somewhere, but I'm not sure how good a bedsheet would look as a background..

Any Help would be great.

[Izzy]

I think you would be best served by the fabric isle in Walmart. I hate the store but they do have huge selection of fabric that you can use for backdrops. Your next trick will be lighting. If you do not have a 50mm 1.? lens I would suggest getting one as it will suit your intentions well.

[SusanH1970]

You can pick up a cheap backdrop stand on Ebay (I got mine for $60 a couple of years ago, and it's got a telescopic crossbar to boot) and seamless paper. The 53" rolls are only about $25 each.

Another good one is this - you get the stand, a roll of white paper, and a carrying case: Savage Background Port-A-Stand, Travel Case, Paper 6203750 B&H

I'm not a fan of using sheets or other wrinkle-prone fabrics. I hate ironing and trying to post-process out the wrinkles is a PITA. When I do use fabrics (mainly for newborn shoots) I use fleece or velvet-like fabrics and clamp them to my stand.

[Ash Fuehrer]

If you are looking for the whole set up, lighting, backgrounds and stands check out Amazon. There are several kits available for reasonable prices and great for those of us just starting out.

[Jim Poor]

Sheets are fine while you're learning. A plain wall will also work if you're not doing full length.

For still life, even sheets of poster board will work.

The part that gets me is

. . . but I'm not sure how good a bedsheet would look as a background.

It would take you all of five minutes to find out. Put it up, shoot it, take a look.

[snow_man]

Originally Posted by Jim Poor

It would take you all of five minutes to find out. Put it up, shoot it, take a look.

Being a student I don't have a flat white or black sheet.. all mine (I have 2) are fitted sheets
... I'm going back to uni tomorrow.. so I will see what I can find lying around the house and give it a try.

[tasmo2]

id personally invest the 25$ for a background.. it would last a long time! Here are two examples, both with the same set up and lighting (natural) but one is cloth and the other is paper.

Cloth

Background paper

By no means do I think I am "pro" but to me background looks so much cleaner! Either way, you aren't going to get good shots with a fitted sheet! So your going to have to buy something!

[BexJarratt]

Originally Posted by snow_man

Being a student I don't have a flat white or black sheet.. all mine (I have 2) are fitted sheets
... I'm going back to uni tomorrow.. so I will see what I can find lying around the house and give it a try.

If yuo try your student stationary shop, they often have those poster boards for courses where you have to pin up work for crits. Sometimes it's even black on one side, and white on the other. It's usually about A1 size which is hopefully large enough. From what I remember it is a few quid (4ish?) and it'll be a pest to get back if you don't live on campus cos the foam in it makes it like a sail when you walk. Worth a try?

[faeriegodess612]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

You can pick up a cheap backdrop stand on Ebay (I got mine for $60 a couple of years ago, and it's got a telescopic crossbar to boot) and seamless paper. The 53" rolls are only about $25 each.

Another good one is this - you get the stand, a roll of white paper, and a carrying case: Savage Background Port-A-Stand, Travel Case, Paper 6203750 B&H

I'm not a fan of using sheets or other wrinkle-prone fabrics. I hate ironing and trying to post-process out the wrinkles is a PITA. When I do use fabrics (mainly for newborn shoots) I use fleece or velvet-like fabrics and clamp them to my stand.

Agreed. Although I dont have these. I agree that its a good suggestion.

You could also try some fabric from a local textile store. I'm not sure about the UK, but usually here, inexpensive fabrics usually run about $2.99 a yard. There that'd probably be around a $1 (?) (( your currency is worth more than ours. )) The paper rolls are a good idea, you might be able to find them at a hobby store as well.