Cheap backgrounds/backdrops

MJ Stebbings

MJ Stebbings

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Mike
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Hi all

I have the option of borrowing lights when i need them, but this poses me a problem as i have no cheap background options.

Does anyone know where to get cheap backgrounds from, or maybe an alternative that actually works well?

Any help/advice appreciated :)

Mike
 
I just go to my local material shop and buy whatever colour I need .They do variuos widths so I order the length I need.Works out alot cheaper then made backdrops.Hope this helps
 
What material do you buy? And does it not show imperfections with the strong lights?

Mike
 
The material I buy is about £4 metre(think its about 2 metre width) I have used white,grey and black with no problems so far.I dont go for the shiney stuff prefer the matt.
 
Ok mate, thanks for that, i will pop down to my local material shop and ask.

Any other suggestions?
 
I'm currently experimenting with this.

I have bought two cheap light stands from Ebay for £23.00, I'm working on the top pole options, but thinking a length of 22mm copper tube will do the trick for the time being. I really want portability so need to come up with a nice solution to half the tube and be able to reassemble it.

For a backdrop I simply bought a pure white bedsheet - cost was about £8.00 from tesco. I don't know yet whether this Yorkshiremans solution will work well but I'll let you know! I also got a black throw from Ikea, I think it was a couple of quid.

Neither backdrop is big enough to do full length shots but I think should do the trick for headshots etc.
 
I did the same. Dunelm Mill. Got black, white and blue. Also really good idea to pick up some remnants of interesting fabrics. Can always use them as props and come in very handy for covering bits that need covering :)

As for hanging them up I've used clamps on the end of ropes in an industrial space and gaffer tape onto brick walls and at home thrown it over a hilite or hung it off a curtain pole. I'm lucky to have picture rails and high ceilings at home so I can stick them to the wall with no problems.
 
Asda were doing 2 kingsize flat bedsheets for £9 the last time I was in. Black, white, blue and red were the colours if I remember correctly.
 
Thanks Guys

Looks like a trip to Dunelm is in order. Bouncy, any particular material you use, or just good thick cotton?

Sticking it up at the moment isnt a problem, as like bouncy, i have picture rails and high ceilings so a few nails in their wont be a problem :lol: Although i like Ste's idea with the light stands and a top tube, will have a think about that :thumbs:
 
it's the shiny stuff you need to avoid! As you say good thick cotton. Actually velvet is the best because in black it's very absorbent but also very expensive for good stuff so I stick to black cotton. Hold it up to the light and if you can see through it, get double and double it up.

Eeek at the nails! ;)
 
Cheers Bouncy, sounds perfect :)
Its white that i really need asap, so will go for some heavy thick white cotton :)

Mike
 
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