Backdrops?!

ellepixels

hello everyone!

i had a few questions about making my own backdrops.
I do have a huge portable backdrop stand, with a black and a white backdrop.
But am looking to create my own.....
But im looking to make these backdrop found in alot of children photography studios.Like this one here.
and this one here, the green background with the shelf and child in costume...

I would assume the first one, would be somekind of wood panel, wrapped in white material, then flowers stuck to it? am i close?if so, what size should be , how safe is all of this, lol....

The second one, I would say.... is almost the same way...

Any ideas, would greatly be appreciated.......

JBurt

ellepixels wrote:

hello everyone!

i had a few questions about making my own backdrops.
I do have a huge portable backdrop stand, with a black and a white backdrop.
But am looking to create my own.....
But im looking to make these backdrop found in alot of children photography studios.Like this one here.
and this one here, the green background with the shelf and child in costume...

I would assume the first one, would be somekind of wood panel, wrapped in white material, then flowers stuck to it? am i close?if so, what size should be , how safe is all of this, lol....

The second one, I would say.... is almost the same way...

Any ideas, would greatly be appreciated.......

Hi,
I don't think the first ones are vertical backdrops as such. An easier (and safer) way to do it would be to spread them on the floor or a platform in a near horizontal position. (including the ones with the babies on the shelf) That way you could arrange around the subject. (baby can't fall off) When you were done, all the fixn's (Silk flowers and leaves) would fit in a box until the next time they are needed. No glue, no muss, no fuss.
It looks like the second site uses a number of different techniques but most look like painted muslin (fixed my faux paw) drops. A book on faux painting techniques would give you a ton of ideas. The rest is your imagination.

Hope that helps.

JBurt

Okay, I should have looked deeper into the first site. My original supposition still stands but I guess I should add more.
When they use a backdrop, it looks like most are painted muslin. Unbleached muslin, in varying widths, is available at any theatrical supply store. Or try your local Drama depts. The red & white checked material looks like it is just that, Red & white checked material. You can use just about any material you find interesting and drape it any way you would like.

A word of warning: It is highly likely your props and drops storage area will be much larger than your studio.

ellepixels

JBurt wrote:

Okay, I should have looked deeper into the first site. My original supposition still stands but I guess I should add more.
When they use a backdrop, it looks like most are painted muslin. Unbleached muslin, in varying widths, is available at any theatrical supply store. Or try your local Drama depts. The red & white checked material looks like it is just that, Red & white checked material. You can use just about any material you find interesting and drape it any way you would like.

A word of warning: It is highly likely your props and drops storage area will be much larger than your studio.

JBurt! YOu have been a great help. You thoughts and opinion, have helped me out a great deal. thank you for taking the time to respond to my shout out!
And you are probably right, my props will take alot of room, rofl.

JBurt

ellepixels wrote:

JBurt! YOu have been a great help. You thoughts and opinion, have helped me out a great deal. thank you for taking the time to respond to my shout out!
And you are probably right, my props will take alot of room, rofl.

Glad I could help.

You're listed as living in Montreal. There is quite a bit of filming done around there. So... you might check into prop rental companies for unique items to use for shoots. You can also check set contruction companies to see how much they charge and, if nothing else, how they build flats (light wieght walls) for backdrops.

If I may make a suggestion. When shooting portraits, make sure you remember what the focus of the picture is. Don't let your background and props overpower your subject like some in the links you provided.

Angelo

Elle - this should be of help:

http://www.superiorstudio.com/

ellepixels

Angelo wrote:

Elle - this should be of help:

http://www.superiorstudio.com/

Merci Beaucoup Angelo!!!!
Ordered a catalogue!!!!

Angelo

ellepixels wrote:

Merci Beaucoup Angelo!!!!
Ordered a catalogue!!!!

You're welcome. Good luck!