Is this worth it, or too cheap and nasty?

Bend The LightBend The Light Registered Users Posts: 1,887 Major grins
edited February 10, 2011 in Accessories
Hi,

I am looking at this background on FleaBay. I jave NO knowledge of backgrounds at all, except that I probably need one at some point so I don't have to rely on creased bed-sheets!

Is this going to be ok, or is it a pile of cheap rubbish?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Photographic-Background-1-6-x-5m-5-28x16-4ft-GREY-/180621520808?pt=UK_Photography_StudioEquipment_RL&hash=item2a0de1afa8

Comments

  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,133 moderator
    edited February 9, 2011
    It is a cheap plastic (polypropylene) and they only accept "local delivery" of the material. As long as that meets your expectations, you are getting what you paid for.

    Edit: If we knew more about how you wanted to use the background we could help more.
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • Bend The LightBend The Light Registered Users Posts: 1,887 Major grins
    edited February 9, 2011
    ziggy53 wrote: »
    It is a cheap plastic (polypropylene) and they only accept "local delivery" of the material. As long as that meets your expectations, you are getting what you paid for.

    Edit: If we knew more about how you wanted to use the background we could help more.

    Would be just in the living room for portraits and pictures of the kids. Possibly some other people's kids, but nothing too professional. :)
  • OverfocusedOverfocused Registered Users Posts: 1,068 Major grins
    edited February 9, 2011
    Ebay has lots and lots of muslin material backgrounds. Those are the best. I got one that was slightly on the thin side but when I used it I had no problems with bleeding light or any of that. In a controlled studio especially it wouldn't be a problem.
    www.overfocused.com
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,133 moderator
    edited February 9, 2011
    As with "Overfocused", I would suggest a muslin background as a first choice in material. Do pay attention to the thickness of the material but, if the muslin is too translucent, you might be able to use a "backing" material to reduce that problem.

    There is nothing wrong with using bed sheets. I do that myself. Muslin is generally just a heavier cotton material, but some muslin background material is very similar to better bed sheets.

    Either embrace wrinkles or steam them away as needed. You can use a "stretcher" frame to both store the material and to provide bracing for positioning the material in use.

    There are lots of different materials and methods for backdropping a photo session. Be sure to explore and investigate the differences for yourself so that you know what to use and under what circumstances it will work.

    To get back to your original question about that original material, I believe that it would be similar to a plastic "drop cloth". I doubt that you would enjoy using that material as a photographic background.
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • Bend The LightBend The Light Registered Users Posts: 1,887 Major grins
    edited February 9, 2011
    Thanks, Overfocussed.
    Thanks, Ziggy.

    I think I'll leave it and explore other options. :)
  • divamumdivamum Registered Users Posts: 9,021 Major grins
    edited February 9, 2011
    Since in a living room you're more likely to need to put it up and take it down (rather than leave it in situ), I have found my collapsible background a godsend - love it. Yes, it creases, but if you light it right and pull your subject forward, they just disappear with DOF. When I have a client shoot I usually open it the night before and give it a quick steam.

    It folds down to nothing and is easy to store, too.

    The one I have is Botero, but it's similar to this one; there are a few different brands/price ranges/sizes to choose from.
    facebook | photo site |
  • NeilLNeilL Registered Users Posts: 4,201 Major grins
    edited February 9, 2011
    Backdrops are like any other gear, there is the potential to be creative with them. If you restrict yourself to the most common denominator in materials you produce stuff in the most common denominator paddock. If the item is real cheap and you are motivated to see what it can do, get it and let it lead you, rather than try to corral it into that most common denominator!mwink.gif

    Neil
    "Snow. Ice. Slow!" "Half-winter. Half-moon. Half-asleep!"

    http://www.behance.net/brosepix
  • Bend The LightBend The Light Registered Users Posts: 1,887 Major grins
    edited February 10, 2011
    Thanks, Divamum...good advice.

    Thanks, NeilL...I think I understand you. ;)
  • SnowgirlSnowgirl Registered Users Posts: 2,155 Major grins
    edited February 10, 2011
    I bought a 'whack' (several yards) of black polar fleece material. It s 60" wide so I sewed two strips together to get 120" in width and 96" in length. You can't even notice the seam in the background.

    The polar fleece absorbs light, is totally washable, doesn't wrinkle and makes a great black backdrop. The downside is that it is heavy to put up.
    Creating visual and verbal images that resonate with you.
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  • Bend The LightBend The Light Registered Users Posts: 1,887 Major grins
    edited February 10, 2011
    Snowgirl wrote: »
    I bought a 'whack' (several yards) of black polar fleece material. It s 60" wide so I sewed two strips together to get 120" in width and 96" in length. You can't even notice the seam in the background.

    The polar fleece absorbs light, is totally washable, doesn't wrinkle and makes a great black backdrop. The downside is that it is heavy to put up.

    Sounds good...Thanks. :)
  • angevin1angevin1 Registered Users Posts: 3,403 Major grins
    edited February 10, 2011
    ziggy53 wrote: »

    Edit: If we knew more about how you wanted to use the background we could help more.


    That is a defining Question! As is the amount of space within which you have to work. If the space is large enough a simple White Sheet or Muslin would work fine for instance. You use light to help that BG turn to whatever Shade of white-black you like and anywhere in-between too. You can also gel your lights to turn that plain White into another color.

    So really is very much about the intended usage and space.
    tom wise
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