Suggestion for creating backdrop stand from two light stands

[Pound Coin]

I am looking for a bar to put between two light stands, that I can hang a backdrop from, for an informal, off-site 'portrait' session.

Any simple suggestions?

(suggestions for cheap fabric backdrops would be good too - preferably not plain or too bright!)

 

[russellsnr]

When I tried taking portrait images I used one of these along with a cheap bed sheet. The rails very in size and price and some have wheels so you can move them slightly if needed. Russ.

https://www.wilko.com/en-uk/single-clothes-rail/p/8367188?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=458252563-&utm_content=1173180718936241-&utm_term=&msclkid=2c2578d512841e6481191211a7ec7935

 

[swanseamale47]

You can buy a cheap background set from flebay or temu.
I've done a few weddings and functions where they have had a temu background. To be fair all the ones I have seen were decent quality.
Someone gave me an unwanted set from Ebay last, it's the stands, pole and backgrounds ( white and black) if I remember rightly they paid about £15 or £20 for it.
Seems solid enough.
If your just after a crossbar. Maybe a curtain pole, or even a monopod?

 

[Paulie-W]

For the bar. You could have a look at curtain poles. Obviously would need a bit of jiggery-pokery. But a cheap option I reckon.

 

[Pound Coin]

Actually, thinking about it, I have a washing line extending pole that I used for a green screen during lockdown. I'll see if I can repurpose that.

 

[forumdcca6429]

Before adapting the washing-line pole, I would check how you will positively secure each end to the stand tops; the fittings are the bit worth sorting before hanging fabric above someone. If that becomes awkward, search for a telescopic background crossbar sold on its own, rather than another complete stand kit. For a non-plain fabric, a muted, low-contrast curtain is worth trying. Photograph a small section with your intended light and aperture first: that is a quick way to see whether its pattern or sheen will distract before buying enough material for the whole backdrop.

 

[Scooter]

Actually, thinking about it, I have a washing line extending pole that I used for a green screen during lockdown. I'll see if I can repurpose that.

I've used a lighting cross bar to hang washing on

They are not expensive:-
https://amzn.eu/d/0hCxr23z

 

[RyanB]

Before I got a purpose made crossbar I used one of these. Found it in a charity shop for £1. The rings on the ends hooked into the top of the 2 lighting stands quite well. Curtain pole