How do you get backdrops tight?

JohnN

JohnN

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Hi,

Being tight (unlike my backdrop) I have been using a white bedsheet for my tests today and while they're okay the creases are somewhat of a pain.

I have them clipped (two large two small) to the frame but when I get them tightish the frames move so they go slack again.

My wife is currently very kindly ironing them to get the "from new" creases out, I think on the grounds I'd probably get bored, wander off and burn down the house!

Can you offer any advice on keeping them crease free or better still ways to get them nice and tight in the frame - also being a bit simple any videos or pics would be very helpful :D

Cheers...
 
For others I've just bumped into this which has a good bit on erecting the backdrop.
 
basically impossible with fabric imo, especially just a bedsheet.

Paper's the way forwards.
 
Doesn't paper bring storage issues?

I have very little space in a room used by the family (including 5 and 2 year olds).
 
If you are not shooting feet then have the backdrop so it is not actually touching the floor and let the weight of the material take care of creases. For a bit more weight clip bulldog clips along the bottom of the sheet
 
Instead of using stands that can easily move, I have used a couple of the adjustable builders tool props to create a cheap / DIY Background Stand system - the type they use to keep plasterboard up whilst installing a ceiling etc.

- you could also use a large cotton dust sheet which 'may' be suitable to use as a background sheet. You can get the tool props/extension supports from most building suppliers, occasionally Aldi have them in their Special weekly offers.

- the Extension Support rods have a ratchet system which enables you to set them up one handed - and have floating feet top and bottom which means they can be adjusted to any angle.

- I simply wrap my background over the top - extend the ratchet to secure it to the ceiling, do the same for the next prop extending the background material snugly and then use a few small clamps to secure the background to the 2 uprights each side, or of course you could set up the 2 props and then just clamp the sheet to them on each side, as the props are clamped tight against the floor / ceiling there should be sufficient tension for the background sheet.

Hope this might be useful.
 
JohnN said:
Doesn't paper bring storage issues?

I have very little space in a room used by the family (including 5 and 2 year olds).
Click to expand...

full size rolls could be a pain, yeah

I just have my rolls standing up in a corner out of the way (they wrinkle if you store them laying down). Buy the half width rolls so they're only 1.35m tall to stand up
 
before i started using paper i used to use masking tape and tape the sheet to the wall work like a charm, can iron it too while its hanging
 
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