Need ideas for white backdrops

[keith204]

So, I'm through my first roll of white paper (6 yards of 107" Savage). I need more of something pretty quick. That first roll of white was pretty expensive, as my $60 didn't get very far. I'd like a setup that is white with some waves...so some sort of cloth...something easy to whip around, and the likes. Don't have much studio space - this takes up the whole wall.

But, white fabrics get dirty easy and they also get wrinkled. What types of white stuff do you guys use? Is there a trick to keeping white paper clean? Ideas?

[ngray77]

Yeah, I have the exact same roll you have, and it's tough to keep clean and usable after just 3 shoots with it. OTOH, I blow it out to 255-255-255, so spots don't really show anyway.

I think the the answer you'll hear is either muslin or a cyclorama.

[Technician X]

If i'm not going to shoot full body (very common in my small studio) I ask my subjects to remove their shoes. Otherwise I've heard some people say they put tape on the bottom of the shoes. Haven't done this myself though.

[glassysurf1961]

use plexiglass on the area your subject will stand.
It can be bought at Home Depot. You can use and
re-used indefinitely.... and if you get enough plexiglass
to cover most of the floor, you can get a very interesting
reflexion effect on the floor next to your subject, if you
have them setting, kneeling or laying down of top of
the plexiglass. it would be like having a white mirrow
Try it you may like it... (as you can see, Iam given my
secrets away!!!)

Glassysurf1961

[keith204]

Originally Posted by glassysurf1961

use plexiglass on the area your subject will stand.
It can be bought at Home Depot. You can use and
re-used indefinitely.... and if you get enough plexiglass
to cover most of the floor, you can get a very interesting
reflexion effect on the floor next to your subject, if you
have them setting, kneeling or laying down of top of
the plexiglass. it would be like having a white mirrow
Try it you may like it... (as you can see, Iam given my
secrets away!!!)

Glassysurf1961

Yeah I like the plexiglass too, but it got majorly scratched up REAL fast. It's time for some new plexiglass, maybe there's a scratch-resistent version...

[keith204]

Originally Posted by glassysurf1961

use plexiglass on the area your subject will stand.
It can be bought at Home Depot. You can use and
re-used indefinitely.... and if you get enough plexiglass
to cover most of the floor, you can get a very interesting
reflexion effect on the floor next to your subject, if you
have them setting, kneeling or laying down of top of
the plexiglass. it would be like having a white mirrow
Try it you may like it... (as you can see, Iam given my
secrets away!!!)

Glassysurf1961

hey you brought up a great idea! You know that old bathroom paneling that's bright white, very thin, very cheap, slick (will clean easy)? That would be perfect for them to stand on if I'm only trying to keep it clean. Hmmmm....

[bobbyz]

Why not use white tile board from home depot?

[jft158]

Originally Posted by keith204

hey you brought up a great idea! You know that old bathroom paneling that's bright white, very thin, very cheap, slick (will clean easy)? That would be perfect for them to stand on if I'm only trying to keep it clean. Hmmmm....

try this - also put down a 4x8 piece of plywood underneath it

[Technician X]

Someone has been learning from Zack Arias. (www.zarias.com) Nice shot.

Originally Posted by jft158

try this - also put down a 4x8 piece of plywood underneath it

[Hermes]

Use metal polish and you can buff the scratches out of plexiglass pretty easily. Similarly an eraser will get rid of most marks & smudges on the white seamless itself.

[jft158]

Originally Posted by Technician X

Someone has been learning from Zack Arias. (www.zarias.com) Nice shot.

He is the master

[datadump]

where does one buy plexiglass?

[Big Mike]

where does one buy plexiglass?

Most hardware stores carry it (Home Depot etc). Or if you want a larger piece, there are plenty of industrial suppliers...just Google it or open up the yellow pages.

[Chris71]

I have been using the tile board for a few months now, works great, and I am still on my first roll of paper.

[Technician X]

Originally Posted by jft158

He is the master

I'll agree. I love his style. I've learned so much from the OneLight DVD