Using Foamcore Board for Backdrop?

I was wondering if foamcore bord makes a good back drop. I found a place I can get 4'x8' sheets and that should do nicely for what I'm looking for but what do you guys think.


Micah

How many threads you going to ask this question in?

Sure if your items that you are shooting is smaller...then rock on.

4x8 sheets are quite nice particularly when in V-flat format.

We use white foamcore for BG's in passport photos & occasionally full & 3/4 length portraits.

As has been noted, we hockey taped two together along one long side to make a self-standing V shaped reflector. We also have a couple of sheets of black taped together to make a large gobo.

I use them in everything.. beauty, fashion, portrait shoots. It's pretty convenient than busting out the background support and the seamless paper.

Where does everyone buy these?

Some sign shops have them

Check theatrical supply stores. Arts and crafts sell them for twice the price, at least here in SF bay area. For example Michales has 4x8 for like $40 or so. Aaron brothers is like $30 if they can get that big. Musson theatrical is $18.

I get them at Samy's Camera a 4' x 8' for $19 ea.

Ok so I found a local art supply store that sold me 8 for $13 each and I used some of their White "Artist tape" to hide the seems. I think I need to do some tweaking on my lighting and get used to this confined space but all in all I think this foamcore is going to work out very well. Thanks for you help!

Here is my new office with the foamcore up. I put 2 6" strips running the hight of the corners so I wouldn't get any deep shadow in there.

sweet.... nice ending to this thread.

So that was $104.00.
You could have had background paper in 107" (up to 140") widths starting at $40.00, & you could have coved it at the bottom if you ever had to shoot a full length shot. Just something to think about.

Any other suggestions on where to find foamcore in 4x8 sheets? I thought it would be easy, but have spent hours on the net & calling local stores. As has been pointed out, craft stores get ridiculous prices for these; no luck elsewhere...

Sculp1n wrote in post #13864090
Ok so I found a local art supply store that sold me 8 for $13 each and I used some of their White "Artist tape" to hide the seems. I think I need to do some tweaking on my lighting and get used to this confined space but all in all I think this foamcore is going to work out very well. Thanks for you help!

Here is my new office with the foamcore up. I put 2 6" strips running the hight of the corners so I wouldn't get any deep shadow in there.

Here is a shot with the strobes running. I think the clean-up is going to be pretty easy from here on out.

Micah

For a shot like this you would have been much better off with white seamless paper.
With just a little bit of work you could have got the paper to drape over the table from the wall creating a cove and then lit it and the weapon in such a way as to make the background a natural fall off of light that would require little maybe no post production work.

IMO you spend a lot of time and money to get a result that is less desirable than with white seamless.

I've seen similar threads regarding foamcore... and having done vinyl graphic work (I still own a vinyl plotter) I am familiar with foamcore (aka foamboard). I've always been curious what thickness you guys use? I've seen both 3/16" and 1/2" sold... any preference?