PHOTOGRAPHERS - ADVICE PLEASE

[yellowrose]

Hello

Could someone please tell me what sort of fabrics, etc can be used for a backdrop to take photos with a digital camera at home ?

I am setting up a website and doing the photos myself to save money.

I have read that muslins are good, but what sort of size do I need for a backdrop and where is the cheapest place to buy one ? Can it just be a bog standard muslin cloth from a bog standard fabric shop ?

Thanks for any advice !

I'm not a photographer, I'm afraid, but I did the photos on my website, and used a white baby blanket as a backdrop here

I took them outside on a bright day, and used an opened out box as a mini 'studio'

A tiny tripod helped - only a fiver from jessops, and stopped me getting arm ache!

Betty - thanks so much for your reply - my items are large and will include wide shots with babies in them, so need something bigger than a blanket.
I think I will just have to go to a fabric store that does very large sheet size muslin !

I went to a fancy dress Hallowe'en party a couple of years ago, and decided to go as a mummy (I still don't know what possessed me!) so wrapped up in 6 meters of muslin. I got it from Dunelms (sp?) and it was really cheap - a couple of £ a metre, so if it doesn't work, there shouldn't be too much outlay finding out!

Thanks betty - you went as a mummy ? It must have been the pun on the word "mummy" that made you do it

Yes - I wish I still lived in East London - I did years ago as a student - there is a road there called Green Road or Green Lane that has the most amasing array of Indian/Pakistani fabrics beautiful silks, etc.

I think I will have to pop down there as it will be cheaper than buying in John Lewis !

Hi yelloworse - you helped me out so it's only fair I try! My DH trained as a photographer so I just asked him for you. Basically just a big piece of fabric will do, he reckons try and take photos in good daylight (though not necessarily direct sunlight as you get strong shadows) and try an 'infill' (don't know if that's a prfessional word!) shaded spots using something that will reflect difuse light - big piece of white card would work - rather than using a flash.

Another thing we've found works as an improvised surface for small items are white wall tiles.

Also I agree with betty - ge yourself a tripod if you're taking a lot of photos and especially if you're not using flash, it's well worth the investement.

Are you setting up a business or an info site? - best of luck whichever!

Hi liquid - thanks so much - very helpful !
Yes, I am setting up a business on-line selling baby products. I will be advertising here soon, I am sure

ooh - very exciting! best of luck to you.

liquid - sorry I didn't understand the infill thing and not using a flash.

Does that mean I should just use a white background to difuse the light and never use flash indoors ?

I have an Olympus digital camera - I can switch the flash off. Is that what he means ?

Thanks for any help !

I think 'infill' means not using a flash, but if you are getting 'shade' ie someones face is half in shadow, then have a willing helper hold up a big piece of white card opposite your 'models'. This reflects some of the sunlight and can be directed to 'infill' any shaded areas.

That's probably as clear as mud!

Would a white double bedsheet be any good?

I use a pale blue mottled duvet cover for shots of DS that I want to look like they are 'professional', comes out fine.

Thanks everyone - I am going down the muslin or bed sheet route !

Betty - thanks - I know what he means now