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DPChallenge Forums >> Business of Photography >> backdrop question for dance
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 05/12/2015 02:03:58 PM · #1
I'm shooting a middle school, 8th grade formal dance. They want formal group and perhaps individual shots.

I need a new backdrop, because my only large one is solid black. I'm looking at like a 10'x20' backdrop. I have no idea what to get.

Do I get canvas or muslin? I assume paper's a bad idea since girls will be going on it in high heel shoes, and I assume I should be doing full length portraits to show the getups.

And help/suggestions?

Thanks!
05/12/2015 02:10:04 PM · #2
Your answer may be in one of these threads, some of which are only a couple of months old.

Recommendation may also depend on the venue/location, lighting availability, number of subjects, costumes, etc. ...
 05/12/2015 04:27:56 PM · #3
Paper would be fine and your best option if you could set up in an area that has a hard floor and not carpeting. In my area I can get a really wide roll for around $30 that I could simple keep pulling down and trimming off as it got soiled. They are pretty heavy duty and hard to tear, so I think I would only have to do it a few times and still have paper left on the roll.

Message edited by author 2015-05-12 16:28:34.
 05/12/2015 10:40:29 PM · #4
Not an expert by any chance, but my feeling would be a lighter color background would maximize the light, since you'll probably be shooting indoors. On the other hand, if you're using a lighting setup, you can go with the black. I'm guessing 8th graders would tend towards lighter colored dresses, which would be higher contrast against the black, but who knows the current fashion?
 05/13/2015 05:08:49 AM · #5
it's a matter of economics. if you are being paid, you don't want to spend more than you are being paid. if you are shooting on spec (hoping to sell to the kid's parents), you don't want to spend more than you can make back. if you are going to go in the hole on this, get something that you will be able to use again and again, so that it will pay for itself sooner than later.

you might consider something that would also be acceptable as a high school yearbook backdrop (just check with the school's to find out their guidelines); chances are you can serve both purposes with the same backdrop.
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