In our studio we have dozens of "real" backdrops including muslins and roll canvas. We've also experimented a lot with alternatives. We have never been happy with bed sheets unless circumstances allow lots of separation from the subject in order to keep the backdrop well outside the DOF due to wrinkles and unsightly folds. Lighting is also an issue with sheets, requiring quite a bit extra on the backdrop in order to reflect ample light off them and keep them from looking "transparent".
We have been happiest with king sized velour blankets. They're available in a wide range of colors, hang very neatly without wrinkles and with smooth folds or none at all. They interact nicely with direct or indirect light, too. We almost always buy them when traveling to locations, rather than shipping backdrops. They're usually cheaper than the cost of shipping our own. You'll love them for photography, and with winter here, an extra blanket is sometimes welcome come nightfall.
Posted by David Weber on November 15, 2006 at 4:17 PM
I've taken some nice photos of my children using (solid, darker colored) blankets as a background. When they were very little I also experimented using knit afgans and large bath towels.
Posted by Jim Hutchison on November 16, 2006 at 2:13 AM
eBay's backdrops can be cheap, and B-I-G... be sure to check them out. I got a mottled charcoal b/g for less than $100. The size? About 10 x 20 feet.
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3 repliesThanks.
We have been happiest with king sized velour blankets. They're available in a wide range of colors, hang very neatly without wrinkles and with smooth folds or none at all. They interact nicely with direct or indirect light, too. We almost always buy them when traveling to locations, rather than shipping backdrops. They're usually cheaper than the cost of shipping our own. You'll love them for photography, and with winter here, an extra blanket is sometimes welcome come nightfall.