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Category: Studio Techniques Using Digital Cameras

Photography Question 

Sarah Stigant
 

Vinyl or Muslin Backdrop?


I'm looking to purchase either a vinyl or muslin backdrop. Now, I've learned that a muslin backdrop is renowned for its wrinkles, and vinyl is supposedly of a much smoother finish. However, a member was complaining that their vinyl back drop was all wrinkled. Now I'm very confused!!! I want a white backdrop that is smooth and has no wrinkles. I also need it lightweight, as I will be going mobile. Any suggestions would be most appreciated!


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February 16, 2007

 

John H. Siskin
  Get white seamless paper. Then, when it is stained, you can throw it away. It stays very smooth on the roll. If you get the very long rolls (100 feet or more), it is much cheaper to use, but also much heavier. Thanks, John Siskin


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February 16, 2007

 

Diane Dupuis
  Yup - although vinyl (if stored properly) can lose its wrinkles over time, white paper is probably the only wrinkle-free option.


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February 17, 2007

 

Sarah Stigant
  just want to say..Thanx for helping out. I think I'm going to settle for the paper.


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February 19, 2007

 

Nancy Donnell
  Hi guys, Newbie Question.
Where do you buy this kind of white roll paper?


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February 20, 2007

 

John H. Siskin
  The large photo retailers carry seamless in a variety of sizes and colors. You can also try Superior Studio Specialties. http://www.superiorstudio.com/ Thanks, John Siskin


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February 20, 2007

 

Bruce A. Dart
  The problem of white backgrounds is one pros have been wrestling with for the past 30 years. There are advantages and disadvantages to nearly every system. Seamless paper is very handy and relatively inexpensive, unless you use it a lot. Walking on it gets it dirty and you have to cut off the roll and use a new portion. Frequently replacing a 107" roll starts to get a little costly if you do a lot of "high key" work. Muslin does get wrinkled and you have to use a shallow depth of field and keep the subject far enough away from the background to keep it more out of focus. Denny Mfg made a rubberized canvas but that got so dirty I had to just paint it. Seamless also needs to be on a smooth surface or walking on it punches holes in it! Vinyl would be OK for a smaller background but probably not for the size you would need. Seemless comes rolled on a cardboard tube. Keeping other materials similarly rolled also helps. A 2" pvc from any building store also works for storage of backgrounds.


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February 20, 2007

 

Nancy Donnell
  Thanks, John :-)


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February 21, 2007

 

John H. Siskin
  No problem! John


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February 21, 2007

 
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