Backgrounds?

I am looking into getting a background support system and a few backgrounds to practice with, etc. I want to practice headshots, as well as group/family portraits. I am looking at the JTL 10' x 10' system to get me started. Thoughts on that?

What is the general recommendation for the first few backgrounds to get? I am thinking seamless paper in gray, white, and black, but not sure what the logic behind my thinking is nor what it should be? What do you guys recommend? I know it all depends on the look you want, but I have never used this technique before so I have no idea what I am after. Just want something to begin practicing the technique. Thanks in advance.

How transportable is the 107" roll? Is it possible to take on site to people's homes? It will fit in my truck bed if at an angle, but still stick out a foot or so. Any thoughts on how to protect it during transit?

Lastly, how long will a certain section of paper last? I am thinking that if it is rolled out along the floor to get the truly seamless affect for full body shots, then not long, but if it is just dropped low enough for headshots or 3/4 poses, then maybe it can be rolled back up and reused?

Thanks guys!

bmaxphoto wrote in post #15879788
I am looking into getting a background support system and a few backgrounds to practice with, etc. I want to practice headshots, as well as group/family portraits. I am looking at the JTL 10' x 10' system to get me started. Thoughts on that?

What is the general recommendation for the first few backgrounds to get? I am thinking seamless paper in gray, white, and black, but not sure what the logic behind my thinking is nor what it should be? What do you guys recommend? I know it all depends on the look you want, but I have never used this technique before so I have no idea what I am after. Just want something to begin practicing the technique. Thanks in advance.

How transportable is the 107" roll? Is it possible to take on site to people's homes? It will fit in my truck bed if at an angle, but still stick out a foot or so. Any thoughts on how to protect it during transit?

Lastly, how long will a certain section of paper last? I am thinking that if it is rolled out along the floor to get the truly seamless affect for full body shots, then not long, but if it is just dropped low enough for headshots or 3/4 poses, then maybe it can be rolled back up and reused?

Thanks guys!

Roll paper can be hard to transport, handle and reuse. Muslin cloth is far more forgiving when it's time to use with real people and situations you can't totally control.

bmaxphoto wrote in post #15879788
What is the general recommendation for the first few backgrounds to get? I am thinking seamless paper in gray, white, and black, but not sure what the logic behind my thinking is nor what it should be? What do you guys recommend? I know it all depends on the look you want, but I have never used this technique before so I have no idea what I am after. Just want something to begin practicing the technique. Thanks in advance.

Same white background - different looks

More of his white seamless tutorials

White Seamless Tutorial :: Part 1 :: Gear & Space

I don't think trying to use a 107" background in someone's house is going to work.
First, they have furniture that's going to be in the way.
Second, for a full body shot, I don't think that you're going to have room to shoot without using a very wide angle lens that's going to tastefully distort the people because you're too close.
Third, if there's carpet on the floor, their feet are going to sink into it & buckle the paper.
Fourth, why would people need a shot showing their feet, anyway? ; )

So I would never commit to shooting in someone's house without seeing the environment first, & would prefer to use that environment in the images, w/out bringing a white backdrop.
Do a free shoot for some friends with a big family & find ways to work through the problems that will crop up. Then you'll have a better idea of what you're getting into.

1+ on the don't bring the paper to the shoot.

I also agree that it is an absolute must to go to the home they want you to take the pictures at. I would even bring a camera just to take a couple of pictures so you have an accurate picture of what you are up against. I just shot 6 couples at a local home for Prom this past weekend. I did check the house out before hand, I thought I remembered accurately what I was up against, the wanted a white back ground so I brought the white muslin (and the 4x8 white panel board to stand on too), and the clips to pull the muslin straight, this, that.......bunch of crap.

When I got there, boy that room that seemed so big wasn't so big after all......perhaps with the camera you bring a tape measure too.

If they want something formal with a white or any colored background, I would recommend they come to you or you use the fireplace......somewhe​re on the property that would work before dragging everything needed to do what you are indicating they want done. Furniture moving will be needed in any case I am sure.

Photosguy recommendation of trying so in-home, on-location practice tests before hand would certainly improve your knowledge and capabilities before being put on the spot. So go as a matter of fact, I think I am going to do it for some neighbors just to get some experience under my belt.

Please come back and tell us how the session went and some thoughts on what you would do different.

Bob E.