If you could only have one (portable) backdrop what would it be?

[dubcat]

If you could have only one portable backdrop for use in peoples houses for family portrait sessions what would you go for? What colour, what material, what size? Interested to hear opinions.

 

[landerson07]

Depends what look you're going for but I bought the lastolite hilite 6x7 as it can be used in smaller spaces! Expensive outlay though once you factor in all the additional lighting etc.

You can purchase different coloured covers for it also to change the end result.

 

[surfg1mp]

Grey.....that way you have three options, grey obviously, black and white....

 

[TrueLee478]

How do you get black and white from a grey backdrop?

 

[Sonriendo]

How do you get black and white from a grey backdrop?

Give it lots of light and it will be white, no light and it will show black

 

[The Noir Dude]

Without a doubt I'd also go for the Hi-Lite. In my opinion, it's by far the most versatile backdrop on the market.

 

[London Headshots]

Grey. Nice nice clean lines on the subject and you can drop anything you want behind them.

 

[G.K.Jnr.]

Hi, I use the Lastolite Hilight 6 x 7 with the hook & eye attachable train, and consider it to be the best portable backdrop there is. You can set it up or break it down in just a few minutes, it needs no additional support and is easy to keep clean. There's even a green screen attachment available if your into that as well.
Lastolite really should consider paying me for all of this advertising info!

You'll not need much to light it either, I use just one Nikon SB800 placed low down inside the unit pointing upwards with the zoom set to wide and the little slide out wide angle lens with the dome diffuser. Works perfectly for me.

If I want a different coloured backdrop I just put a coloured gel on the flash and Hey Presto, any colour you want. With a bit of trial & error you can even get the right shade of green using gels and do away with purchasing a croma green screen.
Hope this helps.

 

[cambsno]

How easy is blending the train with the hilight b/g so its seamless?

 

[terrysphotoz]

How easy is blending the train with the hilight b/g so its seamless?

I use a separate light to lose the join on the train, I just have it quite low down set to flash on the join seam.

 

[G.K.Jnr.]

How easy is blending the train with the hilight b/g so its seamless?

Hi, It's no problem whatsoever. Very easy.

 

[ShoeQueen]

Anyone got tips or links on lighting the train? I usually use one studio light inside & one to front - this works fine but u want to try lighting the train tomorrow. I have two speedlights as well.

 

[BigJohn]

Anyone got tips or links on lighting the train? I usually use one studio light inside & one to front - this works fine but u want to try lighting the train tomorrow. I have two speedlights as well.

I've used speedlights a few times to light the join on the train , one each side has plenty of power . Also using their little stands reduces the number of full size light stands you need .

 

[ShoeQueen]

I've used speedlights a few times to light the join on the train , one each side has plenty of power . Also using their little stands reduces the number of full size light stands you need .

Thanks, I have one extra light stand but might try one on the little stand. Will have a go and report back later!