Seamless Paper Suppliers

[facehugger]

Hello,

I am in the process of starting up my own studio and want to use seamless paper as my background. I want to use 140" rolls and found some from Savage on Adorama but the shipping was $200 a roll, more than the cost of the rolls themselves. I live in the Houston area and was wondering if anyone knew of any local vendors that would have what I need.

Thanks in advance!

Marie Neutron Photography

[The Philos]

Have you tried HCE or Coop?

[CaptainTom]

If there is no one in Houston, you might consider a more professional and permanent approach and use muslins as backdrops.
They cost more, last longer, and are shippable.

[facehugger]

CaptianTom: I'm currently working at a Studio One location until I get enough money to finance my startup costs. They use canvas backgrounds and they're terrible. I don't know if it's a combination of wear and tear and improper hanging or what but that's what turned me off the idea of using cloth backgrounds. I like the idea of the background being smooth and even with no wrinkles or folds. However, perhaps that's more a matter of taking care of your backgrounds.

Philosopher: I've been to HCE and I don't particularly recall seeing paper backgrounds, but then again, I've never looked for them while there. What/where is Coop?

[aerosolcheese]

HCE definitely has paper. Its all leaning vertically by the door when you walk in. Also, LightTec has it, and I believe you can get it from TexCam... not sure about that last one, but HCE and Lighttec for sure.

[Scott A]

Hello Rachel,
Save your pennies and go with a White Vinyl from Denny's http://www.dennymfg.com/store/index....mart&Itemid=26

I switched from seamless paper to this and have been extremely pleased.

Cheers

[CaptainTom]

Rachel
Maybe they are letting the background become too prominent in the photo ?
The background should only be setting a color tone and possibly to accent the subjects.
Take a look at THIS photographers gallery and see what I mean.
She's a local and a member of this forum.

[facehugger]

Thanks everyone. I called HCE and they do have seamless paper backgrounds in the size I need.

I do think they let the background become too prominent. It's especially bad when we use the white background - all the folds and wrinkles.

[The Philos]

Originally Posted by facehugger

CaptianTom: I'm currently working at a Studio One location until I get enough money to finance my startup costs. They use canvas backgrounds and they're terrible. I don't know if it's a combination of wear and tear and improper hanging or what but that's what turned me off the idea of using cloth backgrounds. I like the idea of the background being smooth and even with no wrinkles or folds. However, perhaps that's more a matter of taking care of your backgrounds.

Philosopher: I've been to HCE and I don't particularly recall seeing paper backgrounds, but then again, I've never looked for them while there. What/where is Coop?

Camera Co-op is on Shepard south of 10.

[danchez]

Originally Posted by Scott A

Hello Rachel,
Save your pennies and go with a White Vinyl from Denny's http://www.dennymfg.com/store/index....mart&Itemid=26

I switched from seamless paper to this and have been extremely pleased.

Cheers

+1, the white vinyl is awesome!!!

[Wes]

I don't know all of the details, but I think that if you join NAPP (National Association of Photoshop Professionals) you can buy seamless from B&H and get free shipping. Like I said, I don't know the details so it may be worth checkin in to. I think that membership is something like $100/yr.

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by Wes

I don't know all of the details, but I think that if you join NAPP (National Association of Photoshop Professionals) you can buy seamless from B&H and get free shipping. Like I said, I don't know the details so it may be worth checkin in to. I think that membership is something like $100/yr.

This is correct. NAPP is $99/yr. Free 3-day shipping from B&H. With all the other benefits, the membership pays for itself many times over. I'm about to start my third year.

[janikphoto]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

If there is no one in Houston, you might consider a more professional and permanent approach and use muslins as backdrops.
They cost more, last longer, and are shippable.

What makes you think paper isn't just as "professional" of an approach?!? I understand the "permanent" comment, but not the professional one. Considering that paper backgrounds have been used on national magazine cover shoots, multi-platinum and grammy-nominated album covers, and for shooting some of the world's biggest CEO's... well, I'd say that paper seamless is just as "professional".

Oh, remember to store your rolls vertically, or they will develop a ripple in the paper when unrolled...

[srwatters]

Originally Posted by janikphoto

what Makes You Think Paper Isn't Just As "professional" Of An Approach?!? I Understand The "permanent" Comment, But Not The Professional One. Considering That Paper Backgrounds Have Been Used On National Magazine Cover Shoots, Multi-platinum And Grammy-nominated Album Covers, And For Shooting Some Of The World's Biggest Ceo's... Well, I'd Say That Paper Seamless Is Just As "professional".

+1

[The Philos]

Originally Posted by janikphoto

What makes you think paper isn't just as "professional" of an approach?!? I understand the "permanent" comment, but not the professional one. Considering that paper backgrounds have been used on national magazine cover shoots, multi-platinum and grammy-nominated album covers, and for shooting some of the world's biggest CEO's... well, I'd say that paper seamless is just as "professional".

Oh, remember to store your rolls vertically, or they will develop a ripple in the paper when unrolled...

You can't just leave them up on the stand tightly rolled?