Muslins vs seamless white paper backdrops

hi all. which should i go for? muslins or paper for background? which one is easier to transport as i need to bring it along on a location shoot!

What sort of results are you trying to achieve?
How big do you need to go?
If transportation is an issue, what are you driving? Compact hatchback, full-size sedan, panel van?

Muslin is easier to transport - you just fold it up or wad it up - but depending on what you're shooting, you may need to iron it or steam it once you're there.
Generally speaking, the inexpensive "kit" muslins will be much harder to use to achieve professional-looking results.

Paper will likely give you better photographic results, but is harder to transport if you're in a small car. A 53" roll will fit in most sedans, I just lay it across the back seat of my car since my seats don't fold down. I like my 107" roll for easier results with groups or "big" poses, but it's tough to transport.

nathan nailed it. Easy to transport is one thing, but getting there with a wrinkled mess is another. Factor in what sort of drop and how you are using it. Black muslin is nice as you can get away with a few more wrinkles by simply not lighting the drop and letting it go really black. Wrinkles in white or gray are a bit more of an issue. If you go muslin, invest in a decent garment steamer.

I just have to post to demonstrate my own lack of attention to detail. I opened this thread because the thought in my mind was "now why in the world would Muslims have anything against seamless white paper backdropts"? Ooh, look, a squirrel.

well i went with seamless paper and it does the job!

now need to figure out how to roll it up tightly onto the cardboard roller as one evening i came home and the whole roll was rolled on the floor lol.

i rolled it back but now there is a large gap between the cardboard roller and the paper so its loosly rolled up in other words

BigSky wrote in post #16582230
Ooh, look, a squirrel.

I beg your pardon. I am not a squirrel!

Roll it up tightly by hand, then remove it from the backdrop stand and store it upright in the original box. If you store it hanging horizontally, it can potentially develop waves in the paper, especially if it's a humid environment.

White is generally more flexible, if you can gel the backdrop light(s), then your white background can be any color.

i thougth grey is more flexible?

anyways here is some shots with the background used.

You need a massive bakcgdrop to gel the background as the model has to stand away from it at a fair distance so the main key light doesnt effect and spill on the backdrop.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/josh1408/115289​74414/

You buy both....then use the one that best fits the particular situation each time.

indeed i will. they are cheap enough!