Colored backdrops.

[Hawaiianeye]

Not certain if this is the right place to ask this question, but I'd like some input as to what's the best color to use as a back drop in a studio type setting? I currently have a kind of baby-blue colored, velvet like material from Photoflex (I think) with all the necessary hardware (stands, etc.). Bought it second hand from a friend.

I see in most of the posted photos, most photographers appear to use a swirled or mottled greyish-brown back drop cloth. Is this color better for all around use?

Thanks.

[MTalley]

If you only had to get one backdrop, I'd recommend a medium to light grey (or some variation). Grey is neutral enough to go with about anything someone might be wearing. White and black are obviously neutral, too, depending on if you want to go high-key or low-key, respectively.

With greens, blues, reds, yellows and such, you risk clashing with your subjects' clothing. Imagine sending a client home to change because their favorite green outfit clashed with your blue background.

[Hawaiianeye]

Thanks MTalley. I'll look into buying a replacement backdrop cloth in the color(s) you suggested. Makes sense to me. When my friend sold it to me, he did say he only used it a couple of times and the color (baby-blue) never seemed to work right.

[chtgrubbs]

I use mostly gray , and when I need another color I use a colored gel over the background light.

[robertwgross]

I use only two. One is flat black, and one is about 18% gray.

---Bob Gross---