Folks,

Am interested in buying a background support system so I can have a nice background when taking portrait shots of the grandbaby (when she decides to stand still).

I am looking at a simple and inexpensive setup from Impact at B&H http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/437786-REG/Impact_3046_Background_Support_System_.html

Remember, I am no pro and doubt I will ever (can ever) be one so I don't want to go overboard on this. Does anyone use this setup and have any opinions? Can folks offer alternatives? No real budget but would like to be under $350 if possible.

Also, is there a primer on background stand paper/muslin/canvas that I can read to better understand the pros/cons of each?

Thanks all,

Frank

Frank.. Another option is the Photek system.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/236173-REG/Photek__PeoplePopper_Kit_Velour.html

You get the background with the kit and you can order separate muslin to fit. The nice thing is that the muslin is supported by a single stand.

Autopoles. Fastest most efficient way to set up a BG if you have a ceiling that is not too high. I am using mine today. Plus you can clip you muslin really tight and eliminate wrinkles.

Here is an example, before I clipped the BG tight.



They store nicely and you can get crossbar supports for those instances where no low ceiling is available.

John Power wrote:
clip you muslin really tight and eliminate wrinkles.



Never seen a muslim without wronkles. Would love to see a pix.

Thanks all. I appreciate the help.

I too have heard muslin needs to be ironed; is there an alternative solution that requires less maintenance? Is muslin used because it's the nicest looking? Or the least weighty?

For shooting babies you don't need that big backgrounds. Even small blak or white foamcore positioned properly should do.

Regrading your background system, I was looking at the same when I bought mine but I went with savagae port-a-stand. Reasons, it has telescoping bar compared to sectional in Impact kit. Also port-a-stand came with 53" roll of white seemless. I think I paid $130 from B&H.

The Potek People popper is also nice portable one. I would think it to be much easier to manage than autopoloes but no personal experience with either.

I use muslin and no need to ion but then I have mine hanging in the living room. If your subject is afr off from bg, the wrinkes if any don't show up. You can also try cheap steam iron thing. Some people just spary with water some time before the shoot.

k7xd wrote:
John Power wrote:
clip you muslin really tight and eliminate wrinkles.



Never seen a muslim without wronkles. Would love to see a pix.





This is cropped but the entire BG looks like this from top to bottom. This muslin had been folded up for about 6 months. There is one slight crease near the bottom that I could eliminate by fooling around with the clips a bit more but I was in a hurry and did not bother.

Thanks again folks. I am leaning toward the Impact (at least right now) so my next questions are what size Muslin -- 10x12 or 10x20 and are there better/cheaper/etc places to buy the backdrop besides B&H?

Frank

10x20 is very big. I would start with a medium gray. Just do a search. There are many places to buy.

John. Where did you get Autopoles? And do you have the links to where I can get this type of Muslin? Thanks.

Mufutau

John Power wrote:
k7xd wrote:
John Power wrote:
clip you muslin really tight and eliminate wrinkles.
Never seen a muslim without wronkles. Would love to see a pix.

This is cropped but the entire BG looks like this from top to bottom. This muslin had been folded up for about 6 months. There is one slight crease near the bottom that I could eliminate by fooling around with the clips a bit more but I was in a hurry and did not bother.

Anyone use the Calumet Heavy-Duty Background Support stands?
http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/MF6095/interest

Dont forget about seamless paper also. That way when she spills you just tear it off and keep going. I would get a s' wide roll and you can with BG Stands run it cross ways for a couple headshot and . I got for a full length or 3/4 body shot. I have two sets that are basically the same style by different makers, I set it up with either 2, 3, or 4 sections across depending on what I am using for a BG a 4', 110",roll, or a blue screen chroma BG that was a freebee when I bought some other gear.

Autopoles can be purchased at any of the major equipment retailers. As for "this type of muslin" I am not sure what you mean. The specific one I have illustrated?

Thanks John. I was thinking about the "wrinkless" muslin.

Mufutau

John Power wrote:
Autopoles can be purchased at any of the major equipment retailers. As for "this type of muslin" I am not sure what you mean. The specific one I have illustrated?

I do not have "winkleless" muslins