backgrounds

[natas]

I am looking for a background system that is 8ft high and about 5-10 feet wide. I did some searches and found a few but wanted to get some other ideas. This will be for a small room 12x10 and possible for a larger room when I get the chance. I was hoping to use it for portraits (from just the face to full body when needed).

I was thinking of getting both white and black muslins.

[form]

I bought a JTL support system a short time ago and I'm pretty satisfied with its construction. Mine goes higher than you need, but I think anything that only goes about 8 feet high max will probably be deficient in build quality/footprint width.

[dan j]

I have no experience with it; I'm considering it myself - have you looked at the Impact from B&H? I don't know what the JTL costs, but the Impact is $100 and includes a carrying case.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/437786-REG/Impact_3046_Background_Support_System_.html#specif ications

dan

[Electric Monk]

Another option for such a small room would be autopoles, which would allow you to get closer to the walls without issue. I have a similar size room and the autopoles would give me an extra 6 inches (if not more) on each side. Its not as cheap or portable as the background kits but it should give you a bit of extra space on the sides.

[mclaydigital]

I recently purchased a Westcott Background support system and very pleased with it.

http://www.adorama.com/WEBS.html?searchinfo=westcott%20background&item_no=2

The air-cushioned stands really come in handy with heavier backgrounds. My original goal was to stay around $100, but I've quickly learned....you get what you pay for with photography accessories. The Westcott runs $159 but money well spent IMO.

[Benji]

Black and white are the two most boring "colors" there are. One thing you DON'T want in an image is anything that is boring. Also if your subject has dark clothing or dark hair and you are using a black background their clothing and/or hair can very easily blend in with the background giving you the dreaded floating head.

I would buy a couple of muslins in two different colors, and use both sides You get four backgrounds that way, the add some gels onto your background light and you will have eight or ten backgrounds.

Benji

[sdipirro]

Well, although I agree that other background colors are needed, I think it's handy to have black and white for certain types of shots. You can get dramatic lighting effects with a black background...and use a hair light if you need separation from the background. White is handy for a variety of things, I think. Add a neutral grey and some gels, and you can do a lot with that.