Simple backdrops for a DIY kind of guy?

[Buckaroo]

Hey there, I am looking for some advice, hope you can help guide me a bit on this.

I'm an amature looking at doing a more professional calendar shoot with a simple background but really don't know where to start looking for one. I figure at least 8' wide with 20' feet in length.

Suggestions for what to use for sturdiness and durability(Small props will be used, stool, chair, etc...), and usual costs would be very helpful. I can most likely construct my own frame/supports should I need one once I know what I should be using.

If there is a previous forum post about this I have missed, a link would be very helpful too.

Many thanks on this!
Buckaroo

[Classic Stacy]

http://pinterest.com/pin/181340322465375368/

http://pinterest.com/pin/181340322465552951/

http://www.diyphotography.net/homestudio/blz/home-made-cheap-diy-ba...

http://melissaesplin.com/2011/05/diy-photography-backdrop/

http://www.loveandoliveoil.com/2011/04/diy-distressed-wood-photo-ba...

[Buckaroo]

Thanks for the links!

[Roxy Tart {PL Team / Comm. Mgr}]

You can find paper backgrounds on craigslist for pretty cheap, or you can always use fabric. Curtains make a pretty good backdrop and there is no sewing required.

[RL]

  Backgrounds are easy. Anything works, Bedsheets to bookcases. you can define this by the theme of the foto. A strong theme will also help your models pick a character, or adittude.  I think the professionalisum will show in the Lighting.

[Buckaroo]

Thanks for the suggestions!!

I'm looking at a solid color background for multiple outfits on one mode. Props will be used to hint at a simple digitally added background. 

I am looking at some umbrella lights to take care of the lighting. Thoughts on their use?  

I may use different solid color backdrops based on the outfits being wore by the model. Probably fabric rather than paper. 

Thanks again!

[RL]

For cheap fabric back drops hit the fabric stores. Solid color, notexture is better. Pick a heavy fabric. remember you will get 2 different effects, between shooting through an umbrella or reflecting off the umbrella. Try both

[Craig Gardner]

I wouldn't bother building a backdrop stand you can buy one on ebay for about $30 and it will cost that or more for materials to build one that isn't as easy to use, you can also find white or black muslin 10x20 backdrops for about $35 delivered. If you use a cloth or paper backdrop have a chair next to it with wipes to clean the shoes of the models because they will dirty real fast.

[Craig Gardner]

Look into Brolly boxes they are like umbrellas but better and they don't much more than umbrellas.

[Buckaroo]

Excellent, thanks for the information. :-)

[richardwangphotography]

Everything that you're talking about is cheaper to buy then to DIY.

Background stand.

http://www.amazon.com/ePhoto-9115-Portrait-Backdrop-Support/dp/B003...

Forget Muslin or the fabric store, unless you really really like ironing.

Get yourself some white vinyl backdrops.

http://www.amazon.com/ePhoto-9115-Portrait-Backdrop-Support/dp/B003...

Not as good as seamless but it doesn't rip and you can wash it with soap and water.

Umbrellas, soft boxes and brolly boxes.

The issue is what kind of light you are trying to achieve.

The reason why they are called soft boxes is because they produce very soft light, which wraps around the subject.  You can also place a soft box very close to the subject to produce even more wrap around.

Umbrellas and brolly boxes spill an incredible amount of light.  You need GOBO to direct the light.  And if you're going to use GOBO's you might as well use a soft box.

[Craig Gardner]

Actually the bigger problem with muslin isn't ironing its washing, a 10x20 cloth will completely fill a normal sized washing machine with no room to move around so its hard to get them clean. 

If you need to save money Brolly boxes cost just a little more than an umbrella but are much better, but soft boxes are even better.

[Kustomkarma]

If you really want a DIY project, you could build a cycloramic wall. There are lots of videos on You Tube and the web on how to do this. It's basically a skateboard ramp. My brother and I tossed all my living room furniture and put one in the front room of my house. It's painted a neutral gray so I can light it a lot of different ways.