I don't have a home studio, and I mainly shoot bodybuilders and figure competitors, outdoors when possible, but often we have to setup a makeshift "studio" at a local gym.
Previously I've been using just a black fabric, and then later photoshopping in fake backgrounds, which gives a nice result, except it takes way too long (and women's hair can be tricky).
So, I've decided to get something better, and had considered seamless (I prefer smooth over the wrinkled muslin look). However, hauling around 9ft rolls doesn't sound like fun, and the 4ft rolls may be too narrow.
I would make the same comment. I have one, and it's an example of trying to expand a good concept too far.
This is the review I wrote in B&H of the dark, medium gray Botero super collasible:
Review: At this size, the "spring ring" collapsable concept literally
collapses under its own weight. That and the huge, loose
train of material flopping and dragging as you maneuver
makes it too difficult to handle.
You will still need two stands to hold it up (the spring ring
can't support its own weight), and one person will have a
devil of a time ever getting it collapsed and folded back into
its package.
On location, it's not practical unless you have a
couple of assistants. In the studio, you might as well use
conventional muslim or paper.
ahahah, nice slip of the tongue there!
Thanks for the infor RDkirk, that pretty much makes my mind up for me!
You too Dweldon, great info.
I might just get one of those boteros, and then I can just PS any parts of the body out of the frame. It would also double as a nifty full body reflector!
I have a Botero 8x16 and have been happy with it.
As far as collapsing on it's own weight, that occurs only if you do not extend it properly and keep the sides fully vertical. If you don't have a full 8 ft wall, you are going to have to improvise, as it REALLY want to be extended fully. Make sure you have a floor surface that isn't too slippery so it doesn't want to slide away from the wall.Else get some weights to make sure it won't.
As far as collapsing, if you pinch the sides and let it fall on the floor naturally, you can then spiral it into three rings. Slip it into the bag and follow with the extra cloth. After a couple of dry runs, it should be routine. I actually learned how to do this by watching a video produced by Westcott, as how to fold their springloaded backgrounds. It's part of a continous loop video playing at B & H where they sell background and softboxes.
Lastly, it is quite safe should someone decide to knock it over. Can't possibly hurt anyone.
A friend of mine borrowed it to shoot kids in his daughter's school, and loved it so much, he went out and bought one for himself.
Louhand, thanks for the input.
I guess you could just prop it up with a stand or two, right?
Is the surface quite smooth, and is it resistant to stains?
Thanks for the info!
