I am really tired of using paper backdrops and I was wondering if there was a classy option for clean, simple portraits. Like what Irving Penn used to use or the kind of canvas you see in some Annie Leboivitz set-ups. Here is a pictures of the one Penn used, anyone have any idea on where I can buy one of these? http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3894220&id=65924268687&ref=nf

this should be a good start for you http://www.dennymfg.com/store/index.php?&page=shop.browse&option=com_virtuemart&category_id=1&Itemid=26&orderby=product_name&limit=1000&limitstart=0

You can try these folks also

Back Drop Outlet

Check into the David Maheu backdrops as well. He has a selection of hand-painted muslin and canvas that have a very subtle, layered look. Many of the offerings out there lately are very cheap looking and tacky in my opinion. But most of Maheu's are classic well made. Ofcourse a little more expensive too, but worth it.

Good luck

The Maheu's are awesome. I've got a dark modeled chocolate of his that has made me quit a bit of $. Very high quality compared to some others I have seen mentioned in this thread and others.

Tom

I found most of Maheu's stuff to rather tacky. There's were a couple that subtle textures and transitions. I've seen some excellent backdrops at Calumet. Don't know if B&H has any, but I imagine they do. It's really hard to work with backdrops that don't seem dated or just plain ol' cheesey. Have you considered working with seamless paper?

I have five StudioDynamics muslin backdrops from BHPhotoVideo

Deezie wrote: ...Have you considered working with seamless paper?

Uh...

Byron1000 wrote: I am really tired of using paper backdrops...





Byron, ditto on Sheri's suggestion to check Denny Manufacturing. Huge selection of prices, styles, and materials. They'll send a printed catalog on request so you can peruse to your heart's content without tying up your computer.

Dear Byron & Friends

I have a Studio Dynamics background that I purchased from B&H, another muslin from Amvona, and three muslins from Knowledge Backgrounds.

Those from Knowledge are an order of magnitude better than the other two. The fabric is heavier and they photograph very well.

Most of their stuff is being sold at half-price right now. Keep that in mind and phone them when you're ready to order.

--Jaddie