help with backdrops, stands, etc

[phaither]

what do i need? i'd like to get something to start with that won't break the bank. suggestions......?
thanks in advance
faith

[SusanH1970]

Here's a thread I posted on: Newborn Photographers, Backdrop stand!!

I use either a blanket or seamless paper as a backdrop. I get the 53" seamless paper, it's about $25 per roll. Love using it!

[phaither]

thank you sooooo much! i think i want to be you when i grow up!!!!
faith

[phaither]

well, i got the stand and a roll of white seamless paper. thanks to susan for the tip. here is one of my first shots. it was late in the day and i was using natural light only. it's not perfect by any means but i am excited to have the set up so i thought i'd share. say cheese...

[stephanie lyn]

another cool thing you could try is making your own muslins. i will post the instructions:



1. Wash the muslin or canvas in a washing machine with a small amount of laundry detergent. Do not add fabric softener. Do not put the fabric into the dryer. Hang it or lay it out until it is damp, but not dripping.

2. Lay the fabric out on a large flat surface. Begin at the center, and gather a handful of fabric; secure it in a bunch with a rubber band. If it begins to dry, mist it with a spray bottle full of water to keep the fabric damp.

3. Gather the entire sheet of muslin or canvas in bunches. You can go in straight lines out from the center, rings or anyway you want. Once most of the fabric is in a banded bunch, you're ready for dye. It will resemble a large bunch of grapes from all of the small bundles you've gathered with your rubber bands.

4. Prepare your dye baths by following the instructions on the dye bottle. Use large rubber or plastic tubs in which to mix the solution. Whether it's liquid or dry dye, you'll be mixing it with some quantity of water to dilute the color. Follow the instructions. Prepare all of the dye baths before beginning the dyeing process. Use hot water to maximize the color transfer.

5. Begin with the lightest color of dye first so that if you use darker colors later, they will not be affected by the lighter dye. Wear gloves to prevent your skin from being dyed and push the sheet beneath the colored water into the bath. Submerge the entire gathered sheet into the dye bath.

6. Stir the bath for 20 to 30 minutes. Pour out the dye in the tub or craft sink. Wash it down right away so it won't stain your tile. If you have additional dye baths, soak your muslin sheet in each of them for 20 to 30 additional minutes at this time. Additional dye baths are for crafters who want the backdrop to be a number of different colors.

7. Rinse the fabric with warm water. Then switch to a cold rinse bath. Continue to rinse until the water runs clear.

8. Set the fabric in a vinegar bath. Add one quart of white vinegar to a full sink or tub of cold water. Soak the fabric in the vinegar bath for 30 minutes to set the color permanently.

9. Squeeze dry the sheet and remove all of the rubber bands. Dry in clothes dryer or on a clothes line.

I found this on ehow.com hope this helps

[phaither]

cool- like tie dye but a bit more professional looking! where do you get the plain muslin and how much are they?
faith

[stephanie lyn]

you can get the plain muslin at joann fabrics, or any craft store that carries fabric. Im not sure the price, i havent made one yet, but a "photographer" i know makes them just like that and sells them for $150 and up depending on the size....but if you can find a fabric relatively close to muslin im sure itll be fine

[sinque]

They are so cute !
What camera & lens did you decide on?
Thank you for your help.

Karolyn

[phaither]

Originally Posted by sinque

They are so cute !
What camera & lens did you decide on?
Thank you for your help.

Karolyn

I actually just got the D3100 this afternoon. 2- lens kit. Haven't even had a chance to play yet. Look out tomorrow- here I come!

[phaither]

Oh and thanks for your kind comment about my kids. They sort-of look goofy like that all the time