I don't normally do backdrop type shots, mostly location portraits, and I just got rid of my only white backdrop because hauling around a 96" paper roll is extremely annoying and difficult.
Anyway...this guy emails me through my website saying he needs 10 portraits for seperate people with different backgrounds. What are my options here? I would really hate to pass up a customer, but at the same time I have no backdrops...can anyone think of anything?
Did he specify that they had to be studio type shots? If not, maybe you could find a location with different type buildings or a park with varied settings that you can set each person up with a different background. Brick walls, stucco walls, painted walls, trees, etc....
I'm saving up to buy a few collapsible muslin backdrops from B&H...they look like they would be extremely easy to transport, hang, and use. And they come in mad colors and patterns. I just haven't acquired any yet so I guess until I do I won't be doing any backdrop shots.
If you or someone you know is artistically minded you can save a bit of money making the backdrops yourself. You can get the muslin from a fabric store and either dye or paint them.
Well, you can always plant the idea in his head. Maybe environmental, on location portraits was something he hadn't thought about. You never know, work with what you've got until you get what you need. Can't hurt if it ends up making the sale and if it doesn't, no skin off your back.
