 Leslie Browne |
What would you recommend for a portable background Hello What would you recommend for a portable background/backdrop? I am starting my business and plan to do a lot of portraits in clients' homes and want a backup plan in case the home does not have an appropriate background setting? Would you recommend the Collaspible Muslins in black and white? I heard they are difficult to breakdown. Or should I purchase a support system and some canvas'? Are they worth it if I don't have studio lighting? I will be relying on natural light and bouncing my 420EX Speedlite. Am I setting myself up for familiar with only this flash? What else should I buy without investing in studio lighting (can't afford that it). Thank you in advance for your feedback. Look forward to your responses.
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Denyse Clark |
Leslie, Did you ever get some ideas on this? I am in the same boat. I do mostly outdoor portraits, but in NY this time of year if I want work I've got to go inside. I also use only a 420EX speedlite. I've gotten many good shots this way, even indoors. They aren't studio-looking shots, but still nice portraits. I'm searching now to try to find a portable system & just wondering how it's worked out for you. Thanks,
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Annette Leibovitz |
I use backdrops from www.backdropoutlet.com They also have a lot of stuff on E-Bay. If you sign up on their site they will send you e-mail when they have sales. I like the 2 sided muslins. I scrunch them up in the bag they come in. I got a stand and lights from dreammakers (on E-bay). They lights are not great (I need to get a better lighting system) but the backdrop stand works very well. I also bought a bag to travel with it. I now have 2 backdrops from them. They are very nice to work with. Next week I will put some pictures on my website with the new backdrops. I have been very busy taking pictures and parties and am getting all of the shots ready to print. Going to digital has its ups and downs! Annette
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Lori Adler |
Hi Leslie, I ran a part-time wedding and protrait business for quite a few years. I have a nice collapsable muslin backdrop which came complete with about a 6-foot sweep on the bottom for a nice seamless floor to ceiling look. I chose warm artist's style canvas that contains browns, tans, creams, and a hint of blue here and there. It's terrible to break down as I coulod never quite remember the technique, but I still managed to get it back in its carrying bag one way or another. It worked wonderfully with portraits, though not big enough for more than say a group of three. Fabulous for brides as the coloring is really nice with white and off-white gowns. Good for seniors too as it is nondescript enough to go with just about any clothing style. For lighting, I used a Sunpack 120J flash unit. It's a bare bulb model with a nice full reflector. It makes for very soft lighting that can be used without bouncing for group shots (like wedding parties or families) or bounced into an umbrella for closer portraits. Buy a light stand that will allow you to place the flash off the camera. You can set this slightly above the eye level of your subjects and at a 45-degree angle from front center. This will help you avoid shadows on your background as well as give more balanced and flattering portrait lighting. I worked for a lot of years with just a single flash on a light stand and did quite well. Lori :)
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