1-man portable portrait studio possible?

Hello all. I am wondering if it's possible to carry a backdrop anywhere that will allow me to get full-body portraits. My concerns are of course what size would be good to get for a seamless look, what material? I feel like muslin/cloth would be easy to carry in my backpack but I much prefer the grainy look of paper (which I have no idea how I'd carry without crinkling/ripping).

I am also wondering if there are any clever ways to hold up the backdrop (I plan to get black, white and probably blue). Instead of two stands, one being on each side for example, would one stand in the middle be possible or a bad idea?

Then of course the issue of lighting. I realize studio lights are not portable so i'd have to resort to small flash...maybe I'd buy 3? Two to put into my key lights softbox and 1 for rim light (that is all I need). Reflector fits in my backpack easily.

I am trying to figure out how to carry all this without a car (camera, small lights + softbox, backdrop system, all stands), two big bags at most. Am I insane? This sort of system would mean I don't have to whip out $300 every time to rent a studio, and I can set up anywhere (home is not possible). Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

Edit: I am now considering the possibility of just carrying stuff with a car, so weight might not be a huge issue. Chime in!

You can get a pop up background kit. Search for "collapsible background" on B&H.

thedcmule2 wrote in post #16824771
Hello all. I am wondering if it's possible to carry a backdrop anywhere that will allow me to get full-body portraits. My concerns are of course what size would be good to get for a seamless look, what material? I feel like muslin/cloth would be easy to carry in my backpack but I much prefer the grainy look of paper (which I have no idea how I'd carry without crinkling/ripping).

I am also wondering if there are any clever ways to hold up the backdrop (I plan to get black, white and probably blue). Instead of two stands, one being on each side for example, would one stand in the middle be possible or a bad idea?

Then of course the issue of lighting. I realize studio lights are not portable so i'd have to resort to small flash...maybe I'd buy 3? Two to put into my key lights softbox and 1 for rim light (that is all I need). Reflector fits in my backpack easily.

I am trying to figure out how to carry all this without a car (camera, small lights + softbox, backdrop system, all stands), two big bags at most. Am I insane? This sort of system would mean I don't have to whip out $300 every time to rent a studio, and I can set up anywhere (home is not possible). Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

What kind of budget are you looking at BTW? An 8x16 collapsible background will lean against a wall and allow full length shots, but expect to pay at least $100 for one. Collapsible speedlight oriented boxes like this can be strapped to the side of a backpack:http://www.amazon.com …B2IP&coliid=I7L​Z74XE5WOI9, but again, expect to spend about $150 for a box. I can see having a large bag like my Vertex 300 and cramming it full of speedlights, triggers, a few lenses, and some reflectors, then strapping some collapsible softboxes on the side and nano stands on the other side. Then you'll just need to find a way to carry the awkward background. It looks like it gets pricey pretty quick though.

Well, I am trying to figure out how much I need so I don't have a set budget yet but of course the less the better. The rounded-rectangular collapsible background I found on b&h seems cool, but it doesnt look like I can pull it under the models feet for the seamless full-body look (I need space under their feet and over their head in the final photo). Also, I think I have to go with paper, I like the rough look of paper but am super concerned that it's not portable to get an 8x16' roll.

Camera (already own)
2 lenses (already own)

3 speedlights (probably need yongnuo yn-560s?)
3 triggers (yongnuos)
1 large softbox (I prefer 4ft minimum)
1 backdrop (I dont know if its even possible to carry another at this point)
4 stands (2 for backdrop, 2 for lights), with collapsible bar

Did you look at the 8x16 collapsible background? It's and 8x8 square with an 8ft train. The carry bag is admittedly awkward but it can be carried under the shoulder like a giant round man purse.

Hahaha giant round man-purse...is this the one?

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com/c/product/598113​-REG/

Would they have a black or white one by any chance?

thedcmule2 wrote in post #16824825
Well, I am trying to figure out how much I need so I don't have a set budget yet but of course the less the better. The rounded-rectangular collapsible background I found on b&h seems cool, but it doesnt look like I can pull it under the models feet for the seamless full-body look (I need space under their feet and over their head in the final photo). Also, I think I have to go with paper, I like the rough look of paper but am super concerned that it's not portable to get an 8x16' roll.

Camera (already own)
2 lenses (already own)

3 speedlights (probably need yongnuo yn-560s?)
3 triggers (yongnuos)
1 large softbox (I prefer 4ft minimum)
1 backdrop (I dont know if its even possible to carry another at this point)
4 stands (2 for backdrop, 2 for lights), with collapsible bar

The issue that you're going to run into here is finding a lightstand strong enough to hold a giant softbox and still portable. Beyond that you're not going to get even lighting out of a large softbox with speedlights. You'll have to use the rear facing style boxes like the Westcott Apollo.

thedcmule2 wrote in post #16824855
Hahaha giant round man-purse...is this the one?

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com/c/product/598113​-REG/

Would they have a black or white one by any chance?

I'm pretty sure they would, there are 82 different ones listed.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …7&N=3974794941+​3974795051

You're right, that is why I was wondering if 2 speedlights inside the softbox would be a good idea. Or maybe an alienbee or other small studio monolight (if any exist) that can fit into my backpack (wild idea, I know).

I like how a light stand can go right through the Westcott Apollo to keep a nice center of gravity...that is a great recommendation.

Maybe I can recreate the look of a softbox/octabank using a large umbrella with a diffuser. I don't mind as long as the light is super, super soft.

Edit: seems like Westcott also has wrinkle-resistant backs! http://fjwestcott.com …t/9-x-20-black-background that is really, really nifty...but again doesn't have the powdery look of paper

Edit 2: now I am thinking I can just catch a cab to wherever I go if the stuff starts to get too heavy. $60 in cab fare (back and forth) is really much more affordable than $300 for 2 hours at a studio. With this in mind, let's not worry about weight!

You can go with a bare bulb flash like the cheetah light. That will give you the size and form factor of a speedlight while giving you the power output and light spread of a small monolight. Flashpoint have also recently released their own branded version of the light over at Adorama. http://www.adorama.com​/FPLFSL180K1.html

Or you could get something like this which is small enough to fit in a backpack: http://www.adorama.com​/FPBPLB.html. Moving up to a roller back might help too.

You could get a white lined PLM which will give large, soft light while being easy to strap to a backpack. Or you can look at the new Glow boxes from Adorama. I personally have been contemplating a 47" Glow Grand box from them. Check their YouTube channel for a video demoing the new boxes.

thedcmule2 wrote in post #16824771
Hello all. I am wondering if it's possible to carry a backdrop anywhere that will allow me to get full-body portraits. My concerns are of course what size would be good to get for a seamless look, what material? I feel like muslin/cloth would be easy to carry in my backpack but I much prefer the grainy look of paper (which I have no idea how I'd carry without crinkling/ripping).

I am also wondering if there are any clever ways to hold up the backdrop (I plan to get black, white and probably blue). Instead of two stands, one being on each side for example, would one stand in the middle be possible or a bad idea?

Then of course the issue of lighting. I realize studio lights are not portable so i'd have to resort to small flash...maybe I'd buy 3? Two to put into my key lights softbox and 1 for rim light (that is all I need). Reflector fits in my backpack easily.

I am trying to figure out how to carry all this without a car (camera, small lights + softbox, backdrop system, all stands), two big bags at most. Am I insane? This sort of system would mean I don't have to whip out $300 every time to rent a studio, and I can set up anywhere (home is not possible). Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

Edit: I am now considering the possibility of just carrying stuff with a car, so weight might not be a huge issue. Chime in!

The new generation of discount photo suppliers such as Cowboy Studio sell a wide range of low-cost backdrop kits.

@DC Fan: geez they have full studio kits including lights, modifiers and stands under $400...how reliable do you think those are? I feel like theyll break apart after one use

thedcmule2 wrote in post #16824945
@DC Fan: geez they have full studio kits including lights, modifiers and stands under $400...how reliable do you think those are? I feel like theyll break apart after one use

They will.

How about a green screen muslin, they can be hung up on just about anything with a couple of squeeze type clamps. That eliminates the stands. maybe shoot through umbrellas instead of soft boxes, great light smaller package, lighter stands. Any small self contained flash units will work. I prefer Quantum Q-flashes with triggers.

thedcmule2 wrote in post #16824855
Would they have a black or white one by any chance?

http://www.adorama.com …Size_8-squote-x-16-squote