Archive 2021 · Help choosing backdrop rig.

Jay.
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Help choosing backdrop rig.

It's time that i get a backdrop rig. I've been getting by using the curtain rods in the sun room of my home but i want something a little more dedicated.

I have a little gig coming up in August for someone that will be wearing a big red Victorian style dress and i want to be prepared to catch that from top to bottom...and as side to side as possible.

The space i have to work in is 12 feet wide and 17 feet deep. I can expand a couple feet from there if i have too. In that space will be a couple small continuous softboxes then a couple of softboxes up to 36 inches that utilize speedlights.

I anticipate that the wider back drops will be more expensive so i am looking for cheaper options in order to have multiple options. The rigging doesn't have to be that mobile or robust as i will only being moving it to a spare bedroom when not in use.

I'm looking to stay under $200 or so. Where should i be shopping? And what goes good with red?

Jun 17, 2021 at 01:39 PM

KE_Photo
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Help choosing backdrop rig.

On that budget you'll get stands, pole and muslin or paper roll.

Multiple colors, textures etc are all at extra expense.
This is the type of thing I use for portable/residential studio shooting individuals or small groups (with paper rolls) - it can hold canvas as well - but it exceeds your budget. You could do a cheap version with just triple hook BG holders bolted into a wall. Digital BGs work really nice too if you have the skills - especially to recreate something stylistically complimentary to Victorian!

Jun 17, 2021 at 04:31 PM

JohnSil
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Help choosing backdrop rig.

just keep in mind you can only use paper(my preferred for quick ease of use) on a pretty smooth floor like hardwood or put thin plywood over a rigid floor.
IF you have carped you need to stick to cloth backdrops if you're gonna lay it on the floor.
With 17' you'll need a 24-70 zoom or similar to get full length. Good luck
John

Jun 17, 2021 at 04:51 PM

Jay.
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Help choosing backdrop rig.

KE_Photo wrote:
On that budget you'll get stands, pole and muslin or paper roll.

Multiple colors, textures etc are all at extra expense.
This is the type of thing I use for portable/residential studio shooting individuals or small groups (with paper rolls) - it can hold canvas as well - but it exceeds your budget. You could do a cheap version with just triple hook BG holders bolted into a wall. Digital BGs work really nice too if you have the skills - especially to recreate something stylistically complimentary to Victorian!

Thanks for the help. In am going to skip the stands and just buy backdrops. With what i already have i can mount some shelf brackets with 12ft 1/2" conduit to support the backdrops. The downside is i'll end up with a couple visible screw holes in the wall, the upside is i can hang up to 3 backdrops at once.

I think I'll make a go at the digital background. I've been using Afinity photo for about 3 years so i am familiar enough with it that it won't be too hard. I won't mention that, only if it comes out reasonably tasteful will i deliver it.

Jun 18, 2021 at 10:00 AM

Jay.
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Help choosing backdrop rig.

JohnSil wrote:
just keep in mind you can only use paper(my preferred for quick ease of use) on a pretty smooth floor like hardwood or put thin plywood over a rigid floor.
IF you have carped you need to stick to cloth backdrops if you're gonna lay it on the floor.
With 17' you'll need a 24-70 zoom or similar to get full length. Good luck
John

Fortunately i have and area rug i can remove and french doors going into the area. I can back up much further if i have to, one of the problems with that is moving furniture that blocks access to spare bedroom that doubles as a change room.

Jun 18, 2021 at 10:18 AM

airfrogusmc
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Help choosing backdrop rig.

Jay. wrote:
It's time that i get a backdrop rig. I've been getting by using the curtain rods in the sun room of my home but i want something a little more dedicated.

I have a little gig coming up in August for someone that will be wearing a big red Victorian style dress and i want to be prepared to catch that from top to bottom...and as side to side as possible.

The space i have to work in is 12 feet wide and 17 feet deep. I can expand a couple feet from there if i have too. In that...Show more →

Have you looked at these?
https://www.fjwestcott.com/shop/backdrops/x-drop

Jun 18, 2021 at 12:32 PM

Ischgl99
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Help choosing backdrop rig.

I have this and use seamless paper rolls on it. I needed to replace the bolts for the tightening knobs with something of a better quality, the provided ones were crap. I like it because it is portable, but also works in a studio, I will be replacing it for studio work once I have enough revenue to get something better though.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1531896-REG/impact_bgs_s12_v2_background_support_system_12.html

Jun 20, 2021 at 07:28 PM


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