Question about background paper

I've been thinking about buying some white background paper for a make-do studio. However colorama only makes the usual 2,72m ( 107 inches I think ) wide paper and a smaller 1,35m ( 53" ) model.
I have used the larger one in normal studios but I think it's too big for transporting in a normal car. Is anyone using the smaller model ? Is it only useful for headshots ? What are your experiences with it ?

I use the narrower paper for tabletop work and, occasionally, for passport-style portraits of individual people. For most portrait work, I use a mottled gray muslin that I light up with colored gels to produce a variety of appearances in the background.

I use Calumet 26'' papers for a lot of small tabletop shooting and macro. The 53'' size can be too large for some things. The 53" paper is good for headshots and head and shoulders of a single person (can be tough to do three quarters shots of adults) or two kids. You could shoot full lengths of elementary school age children with it, provided that the background is close to the subject and/or a fairly long focal length is used (otherwise you may need to use Photoshop to expand the edges of the background to fill the frame).

I was thinking 3/4 shots ( head to knees ) of adults very close to the background. Do you think I would have to extend a lot ?

I also found this :
http://www.slw.pt …8d27136e95/1/_/​1_4_51.gif

More versatile, cheaper ( I would have to buy bg stands ) and a bit wider, 59".

Davidoff wrote in post #14372371
I was thinking 3/4 shots ( head to knees ) of adults very close to the background.

There's a problem with having a portrait subject close to the background. The problem is the inability to control shadows on the background or to be able to light the background separately from the subject. Try to keep a minimum of about five feet between a portrait subject and the background and you'll be able to solve these problems easily.

Buy the big one and cut it to the size you want/need.

I know Skip, I meant to shoot very close to it. Jak, I wish I had a truck sometimes :P

David, your work on 500px is awesome. You need more followers.

Thank you so much Jak, really appreciate it Any tips ?

HAHA no.... I feel I should be asking you for the tips.

I was talking about getting more followers :P Thanks again Jak.

Oh hahaha - If you start following people with images like yours and commenting on their work, hopefully theyll like and follow you back.

I'll try and find the time to do that and not being the usual " good photo " comment...

Hi DAVIDOFF/David,

The comments about paper have been covered & you know it is ok, but with constraints/tradeoffs…

Hmmm… just a thought, which you have already eluded to in your post, but maybe want to take a second look at - a collapsible background option, perhaps something like this quality item (given your apparent preference for white & grey backgrounds)
Lastolite 6ft x 7ft Collapsible Background (White/Mid Grey) Mfr# LL LB67GW:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …L_LB67GW_Collap​sible.html
http://www.lastolite.c​om/collapsible-backgrounds.php (as you know UK based)
This would enable your ¾ shots(head to knees) criteria, with enough space for say 1-5 adults, occasional props/chairs/benches etc. which you sometimes use, have versatility with color gels (like wisely experienced SKIPD POTN user usefully indicated) and also transportable in a normal car, since as you know it collapses to 1/3 its size.

[Yes I too wish I had a truck sometimes and I recognize European cars often tend to be smaller than North American cars; I have several collapsible (& curtain) backgrounds including this Lastolite 6ft x 7ft Collapsible Background (Black/Mid Grey) http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …L_LB67GB_Collap​sible.html
which even though I’m only 5ft 2in (157cms) find it very versatile & portable, can support itself without a stand if required, or leaned against something like a wall and without the wrinkle/ironing hassle of my other muslin backgrounds and it fits in my small sports car’s trunk (BMW 135i coupe)].

Its just one option, but a viable one - good luck in finding a solution that works for YOU…


Mary

Hello Mary, thank you so much for taking the time and writing such a thorough answer. The collapsible background definitely is the most practical option. However, they all hover around 1,5m wide which is kind of tight even for one person shots in my opinion.
The lastolite you mentioned really would be great and looks like a quality product, but at 140£ plus shipping it's more than twice the price of the walimex I'm looking at and just 30cm ( 11" ) wider.

Lastolite

Walimex

I still have some research to do, including making sure I can't fit a 2,72m tube of paper in my car

P.S: great choice of car, love it in this colour particularly