backdrops for newborn

[Joy82]

It's 4:50 in the morning, and I should be sleeping! But, I have several newborn shoots coming up and I need to spice it up a bit. I want to start using backdrops. I bought a stand months ago, but I haven't opened it yet. What kind of material do I get to do the black background? I have one alien b light. Will that be enough? Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks!!!!

[gonzogolf]

If you are in the states, and by the timing It must central time zone. Find a joannn fabric store. They sell black muslin in 9 ft widths and you can buy the length as long as you want. They generally have coupons available for half if you find their flyer around anywhere. I got some of the white to tie dye and 9x20 cost me about $30

[Joy82]

thanks!

[Mhappy]

I use black velvet!
It was expensive - but worth it!

[SheilaR]

I just ordered seamless paper from B&H Photography and Video out of New York. I love the seamless look :)! I got a role of true black .. I think it's 4ft wide and 12 yds long. I then ordered Super White and got it 8.5 feet wide and 12 yds. It's super cheap to order and shipping is cheaper than I thought.

[redskymedic]

Another vote for seamless paper! I have a 'fake' floor and a small section of baseboard (all inexpensive) and when it's put together you can't tell it's a backdrop set up.

[littleme]

I put my newborns on a blanket. I don't bother with a huge drop for them...they're so tiny, and you can get so many looks by bringing different blankets ('course I'm not much for props, and you might be...so if I were doing a fake floor setup and baby in a bucket or something like that, then yeah, you'll need something bigger than a blanket/throw). I like how washable (and cuddly) the blankets are. I work on location too, so I need stuff that easily transports.

I do all my newborn sessions with one light and modifier (60" softliter or westcott 50x50) so you should be fine.

[BBrat]

for newborns you dont need a big backdrop set, like mentioned use blankets or go to a fabric store and get different fabrics cut to size that you may need. I recently went to joanne fabrics and got fleece fabric in different colors.

you can also use a lite panel as a backdrop, I use a 42x72 or 77? I use the black or white material for a backdrop, and when its not needed as a backdrop it serves as a light diffuser/modifier. you can also drape fabrics over it and use it as a backdrop stand for newborns.