Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

boxofrocks · **Collapsible Backgrounds -** 02-14-2007, 03:12 PM

When I was at Imaging USA I saw a few vendors of Collapsible Backgrounds, but didn't get any info since I was in such a hurry.

Now I think I have a need for one or two of them, or a nice reversable. Not sure if i want a freestanding full lenght, or one I can use on a stand for heashots.

Does anyone have experience with them, and can recommend some that are good value (won't fall apart, but won't require financing to purchase them)? I want something with a simple muslin appearance, if that helps (as opposed to chroma key).

Thanks!

brad · 02-14-2007, 03:26 PM

I use a 6 foot tall one that I got from B&H.. black on one side, white on the other because those are the two colors I use 98% of the time for headshots.... don't remember who makes it, though...

Just looked it up... this is it, I think.. 5 x 7 from Botero:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search

boxofrocks · 02-14-2007, 04:06 PM

Thanks, Brad. I'll keep that in mind.

Anyone use "muslin" collapsibles?

prairiefire · 02-19-2007, 06:16 PM

Wescott makes backdrops that fold like reflectors. I've got one and it works well.

boxofrocks · 02-19-2007, 06:46 PM

I've been looking at those. I'm gonna have to pull the trigger on something soon, since I have an entire company's board that needs headshots, and I'd rather not drag in my 10x24 muslin.

prairiefire · 02-19-2007, 06:55 PM

The Westcott's do that very well. I've got one that is mottled gray. Perfect for executive heads.

They come in lots of colors and some are reversible. Mine has a "tail" -- like a real backdrop it pulls into the foreground.

sjh

Clayton Wallace · 02-20-2007, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Wescott makes backdrops that fold like reflectors. I've got one and it works well.

I just bought the black/white one yesterday (after lugging around muslins for tooooo long). I've realized several things since then:

1. I should have done this long ago.
2. I can use this is a fill or flag in a pinch (a very large one, 5x6)
3. I'm going to make slip covers for it on the cheap as there are many fabrics available 5 feet wide. If I do them reversable, I can then get 6 colors from ONE collapseable background. Talk about cutting down on the luggage...
4. The secret to collapsing those bad boys correctly is in the hold and fold. Grab each side of the 6' length, keeping your thumbs up. Make a sharp upwards motion, then quickly in and down...voila, it is 1/3 the size and ready to go. I got mine at HCE and a guy there calls it the 'breast stroke' technique...and he is right on the money.