cheap backdrop setup recommendation?

[JChin]

Can someone recommend a cheap (very cheap) backdrop setup?

I was asked to help a Girl Scout troop shoot some "mommy and me" portraits. I think I need a backdrop setup. What can you recommend? What size?

Since this is a non-paying gig (more like volunteer), I want to spend the least amount of money on making a backdrop setup. I will be selling prints from my smugmug page, so I can make a few dollars there. There would be about 100 kids with their moms.

Thank in advance for the advise.

[Kiddo]

Originally Posted by JChin

Can someone recommend a cheap (very cheap) backdrop setup?

I was asked to help a Girl Scout troop shoot some "mommy and me" portraits. I think I need a backdrop setup. What can you recommend? What size?

Since this is a non-paying gig (more like volunteer), I want to spend the least amount of money on making a backdrop setup. I will be selling prints from my smugmug page, so I can make a few dollars there. There would be about 100 kids with their moms.
Thank in advance for the advise.

King size sheets and tacks from Wal Mart!! That is your cheapest way to go!! Get whatever color sheet you like for the shoot and tack it to the wall!!

[sie]

Depends on how much trouble you want to go to ... here are a couple of options for stands.

http://www.diyphotography.net/homest...backdrop-stand
http://www.diyphotography.net/super_...backdrop_stand
http://www.diyphotography.net/double...p-mount-system
http://www.diyphotography.net/diy-gh...backdrop-stand

HTH

[JChin]

Hmmm ... PVC pipe is lightweight ... maybe can paint it black.

[epatt250]

You can also buy a 2pack of sheetrock very cheap and paint it any color you want. Or go neutral gray and change color with a gel on the background.

Another idea is to let the girl scouts all paint the background for you. Then its something that has their own stamp on it. Throw it away when done.

[jefzilla]

The cheapest backdrop would be nature. Shoot them in front of a nice outdoor setting. This would be especially appropriate if the girlscouts spend a lot of time with outdoor activities.

If you're stuck indoors or just don't want a natural setting, then I agree with bed sheets as the way to go. Just make sure that when you take the pics to have the subjects at least 6 feet from it so you don't get their shadows falling on it. Light it slightly if possible so you don't get a hideous & boring gray (if using a white sheet). Try to shoot it out of focus so the subjects will stand out better.

Good luck!