I’m putting together a provisional (cheap & quick) studio setup, to get on with photographing ceramics & sculpture in the first instance but the option to reuse for portrait work would be a plus.
What should I look at in terms of backdrops? Are the cheap ones from amazon viable? There is a good haberdashery locally who have rolls of fabric - what should I look for if I enquire there?
I’m a competent DIYer but want to avoid false economies and, if poss, too much redundant kit when I upgrade. I also need to crack on with it asap!
What is your advice?
All of my props and backdrops came from thrift shops, close-out sales. Most of them are unique and intricate fabrics or bedsheets; the plain white is my go-to for people or objects (it still has the mark from an old hospital that closed down).
-
I hung a bedsheet over paracord tied to two coat racks. This works very well but the challenge is keeping the sheets wrinkle-free. Enter iron.
-
folding screen that I got at thrift store was reproduced by a friend using louvered closet doors she purchased at a hardware store.
-
I also used the biggest 3M reusable wall hook and used a cheap tension rod to hold a bedsheet.
-
have a look at an Ikea catalog for ideas as well. I purchased their big aluminum (i think) hooks and screwed them on the wall to hang seasonal props and bunting.
EDIT: Craft and Fabric stores are always advertising sales. If you have time, check out their fabric-by-the yard sale or pre-primed canvas. The canvas can be double purpose: backdrop and create artwork. I have several: propped on an easel, leaning on a wall, etc. It’s lightweight enough to be portable if you don’t frame it. Have fun!
-
