Backgrounds and BG stands

[Bend The Light]

Hi,

I am looking to get a BG and a stand. I need it to be collapsible, and I need it CHEAP!

I have seen a stand set up on FleaBay 3m long (extendable from 1.5 to 3m, I think). This looks ok, and light enough to move around.
Then I have seen backgrounds for it. But I don't know what's best...there's muslin, there's polyester/cotton mix, and there's paper. There's vinyl, too. But I really am short of cash, but need to get something. Should I just go for the cheapest muslin one (3m by 6m)?

I just need to be able to take a few portrait style shots. Should I just get the white and be able to set up like I did the Ruby shot at the Camera Club? Get pics like this?


Tim at PCC portrait evening by http://bendthelight.me.uk, on Flickr


Ruby at PCC portrait evening by http://bendthelight.me.uk, on Flickr

I have a couple of people wanting some simple publicity photos, mainly as white (or at least plain) backgrounds. I can earn a few quid and then see about better BG. The stand and a 3mx6m white muslin will cost me about £75...I have the best part of that from selling a couple of old unused lenses and what's left of a few quid I got from selling photos of my daughter's last show to the performers and their families.

What do you all think?

 

[photo si]

I bought what looks like the same £75 kit of stands and white cotton sheet for a one off session ins soft play area.

Stands are very flimsy and crossbar sags quite a bit.

Having said that, I've now used it at half a dozen sessions there with my studio lights and got great results and made good money!

Would consider getting vinyl now but wouldn't trust the stands to hold it!!

Cheers
Si

 

[johnnypanic]

I'd suggest getting the lencarta background kit. You may think spending £75 is not cheap, but in the long run, it will save you money. Really solid bit of kit and comes in a carry case so no problem transporting.

Also, think about safety, what happens if you're light background decides to fall over!

 

[Bend The Light]

I bought what looks like the same £75 kit of stands and white cotton sheet for a one off session ins soft play area.

Stands are very flimsy and crossbar sags quite a bit.

Having said that, I've now used it at half a dozen sessions there with my studio lights and got great results and made good money!

Would consider getting vinyl now but wouldn't trust the stands to hold it!!

Cheers
Si

I'd suggest getting the lencarta background kit. You may think spending £75 is not cheap, but in the long run, it will save you money. Really solid bit of kit and comes in a carry case so no problem transporting.

Also, think about safety, what happens if you're light background decide to fall over!

Thanks. More food for thought. Cheers.

 

[antihero]

I have a Lencarta set of stands and roll of 3m wide white paper that works well, but because i'm only a hobbyist and sometimes things need to be done REAL quick....a decent muslin background and some trigger clamps work really well,and is of course mighty cheap.

 

[Bend The Light]

I have a Lencarta set of stands and roll of 3m wide white paper that works well, but because i'm only a hobbyist and sometimes things need to be done REAL quick....a decent muslin background and some trigger clamps work really well,and is of course mighty cheap.

Thanks. I will have a look at that. Cheers

 

[jimmy83]

I have a Lencarta set of stands and roll of 3m wide white paper that works well, but because i'm only a hobbyist and sometimes things need to be done REAL quick....a decent muslin background and some trigger clamps work really well,and is of course mighty cheap.

What do you attach your muslin too?

 

[antihero]

What do you attach your muslin too?

anything available usually curtain rails/poles, although i'm lucky enough to have 2 massive windows in the rooms i usually shoot in. But those clamps are excellent and will grip onto virtually any lip or contour