Can you tell me about backdrops?

photogmomma

I literally have NO clue about them! I'm thinking that before my senior shoot I may invest in one. I'm more into something very simple - black or white. I'd probably go with white, but if anyone has an suggestions, I'm open.

Also, how do they stay up? How much do they cost? How much is a stand? How portable are they? (I have to do this shoot 4 hours away.) Can they be used with only natural light with good results?

Anything you can add I"d love to hear!

Thanks!

(And I hope this is the right forum for this. If not, sorry!)

TristanP

Backdrops can be as simple as a bedsheet. You can also get seamless paper or muslin. Price goes low to high: sheet, paper, muslin. Typically in the studio, the backdrop will be draped/hung from a horizontal crossbar suspened by two lightstands. A quick stop by B&H's site should give you plenty of hits and ideas. Portability is limited to vehicle size, I would imagine. They can certainly be used with natural light, but typically have their own light setups, for white anyway (to overexpose). You may also want to search the accessories forum for more ideas.