PHOTOGRAPHY - opaque BLACK backgrounds suggestions?

happy2010

Dear Dgrinners,

I would sincerely appreciate anyone's experience with sourcing truly OPAQUE BLACK backgrounds (that doesn’t let background light to pass through). I would prefer muslin rather than canvas or paper, but maybe I will be required to use those other types if muslin doesn't perform. Black doesn't seem to be black any more – a changing world? 

I have been happy with Westcott’s quality in their product line (for reflectors/diffusers, umbrellas, Apollo & Halo etc.) but was disappointed when I tried Westcott’s Masterpiece Muslin background 10ft x12ft sheet black, as it unfortunately enables light to interferingly penetrate through from the background, unless it carefully placed in a position with no general ambient or natural light behind, thus compromising the flexibility of positioning the background system setup. I realized, based on the product reviews there would be some background light penetration but didn't think it would be as severe as it actually is once I tried the product. Experience once again is always quite a teacher!

Desiring two(2) truly opaque black backgrounds:
Studio: (ideally 10ft x 15-24ft)
Location: (ideally 10ft x 12-15ft)

Your experience, knowledge and thoughts are always appreciated - Dgrin is such a wonderful forum for facilitating the exchange of information. Thank you.

Mary
(a.k.a. an avid & continuously learning “little grasshopper”) 


This is the one I have tried…
Westcott Masterpiece Muslin Background - 10x12' Sheet – Black
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=168591&is=REG

Wondering about the following (but unlike shoes, I can’t try then on before using/purchasing) or any make Dgrinners have successfully experienced:

Backdrop-Alley BAPH24BLK Premium Heavyweight Solid Muslin (10x24', Black)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=602831&is=REG

Studio Dynamics Impressions Muslin Background - 10x15' - Black
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=347112&is=REG

Art Scott

Just look for heavy muslin and also for painted not dyed back drops.....mine are all dyed that i bought....I went to a theatrical supply locally, and bought a 9 X 30" plain muslin and then painted it black......nothing could pass thru it....but it was heavy.......I also used exterior blk house paint (white label surplus) ia found for $10 and diluted it a little at a time and thenn rolled it on...total cost for that back ground was a whopping $30.

ziggy53

Any fabric background may "breathe" light (allow some light to pass through). A liner may be helpful or you can use black paper rolls. I have used a black bed sheet as an inexpensive liner.

If the background illumination light is the problem you may also have to "flag" the light with some sort of black or dark material that blocks the light where it is brightest. If you use a "hot light" a piece of Black Foil, BlackWrap, Lindcraft Foil or Cinefoil may be used to safely stop the light, but it will get hot so be careful to keep fabrics and papers away from it.

aktse

Frederick Van Johnson, host of the podcast This Week in Photography recently recommend one for his pick of the week.

He recommended the photo black by Denny Manufacturing and it's on sale for 50% off until end of today.

happy2010

Thank you!
Thanks everyone for the great feedback. The invaluable information you have given will get me in the right direction as to what I need to look for. Much appreciated and thank you again! Mary