Background on Backgrounds
Choosing a backdrop is a tough choice, there are so many things to consider. Color, width, length, portability, versatility, durability, affordability, likeability, photographability, howtoholditupability and the list keeps going. Objective is getting the right combination of all these variables for your use.
POPUPS: If you are shooting only head and shoulders, half-length and a few three quarter lengths the popups are a good choice. Look at the Twistflex available through Denny Mfg. or my personnel choice, the Botero line available from B&H Photo. A size around 5’x7’ will do for 1 or 2 people. Theses backgrounds setup in a second with no obnoxious wrinkles and are hung from a stand (I prefer two stands). Word of advice: Practice folding these things up before you’re seen in public. I didn’t, and ended up stuffing the thing in my van like an accidentally inflated lifeboat, as my customer looked on.
FULL LENGTHS: If you are doing full lengths, the biggest issues involve width of background and wrinkles. For estimating the width for a fixed location background, set up your camera with a normal lens (not a wide angle), and backup to your anticipated maximum shooting distance. From there, note the side-to-side width of your frame coverage on your reference wall. Measure the width of the reference wall visible in your view finder. This will be your required background size. Note: Changes to your lens mm, will affect the required background size. When shooting a large group or bride, you never can have too much background.
Consider the wrinkle factor if you’re using them on location. If the wrinkled look is not what your after,consider the Freedom Cloth Background from Denny Mfg., or my personnel favorites, Backgrounds-In-A-Bag available at PhotekUSA.
COLOR: This of course is a matter of taste. You will find that it is easier to lighten up a darker background, than it is to darken a light background. A darker background can be lit with varying degrees, and gels added to achieve different effects (as I have done on this background).
PRICE: Buy only what you need. It’s a nightmare to take a 12 by 20 foot background out on location when you’re only doing a head and shoulders portrait. Consider having more choices of smaller backgrounds, rather than one huge background.
Also check out Calumet Photo and Knowledge Backgrounds for other selections.
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