Is there a big difference?

[ExPOSED]

I am about to get into doing portrait photography. Im about to purchase some background stands and lighting. Im very new to this, when it comes to equipment, and was wondering what the major differences would be in using either seamless paper or muslin for the background. Any help or advice would be great. Thanks.

[robertwgross]

A muslin background is good, but it can be very heavy. Probably costs a lot more.

Seamless paper is much lighter, but then it can't be cleaned.

---Bob Gross---

[am_pitbull_terrier]

I'm going to probably use both. I just bought my first muslin background (from ebay) 9' X 20' Black. I bought it for 77.00 US +12.00 Shipping 89.00 total. I think it was a good deal for the size..... Also, it is brand new, never used. I will probably use some paper too, mainly for cost reasons :)
Sean

[robertwgross]

I guess it depends on what you are trying to accomplish.

If I were shooting a product on a table, then I might want to use the seamless white paper. It will be fairly reflective.

On the other hand, if I were shooting a portrait on a posing stool, then I might want a heavy gray background that will seem to absorb just about all of the light that I throw at it.

Each has its place, and it boils down to the texture of the surface.

---Bob Gross---

[Avalonthas]

I prefer muslin as it is much more durable and portable. Many things can damage the paper especially if ur constantly changing the studio and transporting it around. Slight curves and warps can occur for no reason over durations of time, mainly due to moisture in the air. As mentioned, paper is uncleanable and for some reason i find it attracts more dust and stuff :(. Muslin will have much more longevity and therefore in the longterm if u keep it in good condition, may end up saving u money. For best deals try ebay, thats where i get most of my muslin, for dirt cheap rates. Also for my particular setup i have heating and central air in my home studio (95% use of air conditioning even in the winter as it can get quite hot (both from the lights and model lol) and i like to keep the equipment cool to run at its best, so as a result the air flow in my particular room circulates odd around the walls, and therefore light paper tends to ruffle every now and then, creating suttle but annoying changes in light visible in a print, and also annoying noise wise if ti crackles. Which is why i primarily use muslin because it is heavier and circulation doesnt effect it. Luckily the circulation phenomenon only occurs around the wall surface, so my models hair doesnt sway around when im shooting. But i guess in such an example, it depends on ur set up.

So the only big differences i feel between the 2 is paper is lighter, both in color and weight, and muslin is easier to clean and transport.

[PhotosGuy]

Seamless paper is much lighter, but then it can't be cleaned. Geez, Bob! You're supposed to unroll more & cut off the bottom! ;-)
the air flow in my particular room circulates odd around the walls, and therefore light paper tends to ruffle every now and then, creating suttle but annoying changes in light visible in a print, and also annoying noise wise if ti crackles. Try stapling a strip of wood along the edges of the paper on each side.

[robertwgross]

Geez, Bob! You're supposed to unroll more & cut off the bottom!

I have a roll in the bathroom that works the same way.

---Bob Gross---

[ExPOSED]

Thanks everyone for all the great input. I think for the background colors that I will primarily use, I will get muslin, greater value in the long run. For colors that I want to try out here and there, I will get seamless paper. Again, thank you...

[OceanRider]

I went to my local fabric shop and they just happen to have all kinds of fabribs on sale I got 30-35 diff colours for 200.00 I got them 12 feet long so I could drape to the floor and beyond and they are wide enough to do 4 people in a nice arangement. Give it a try!

Joel

[iwatkins]

Another thing to consider it vinyl sheeting. If you are doing lots of high key or just white background work this stuff looks very good. Tougher than paper, can be wiped down, even black marks can be cleaned with an abrasive cleaner etc. Much more expensive than paper but lasts for much longer if cared for. Heavier though, so supports need to be sturdy.

Ian