[ray]

Im after 2 backgrounds, 1 white and 1 black, i would appreciate any advise on what i need as i dont know anything about them if you have what i need or can tell me where to buy them id be grateful...Ray

[AQ]

A couple of questions. What do you want them for and how large

[ray]

Well i was thinking of a person stood up

[AQ]

I cannot help then . I tend to use A2 or A1 sized coloured card when I want a background for what I photograph. I am sure you will get lots of good advice soon

[Dabhand16]

I bought some polycotton sheeting on e-bay.

[ray]

Originally Posted by Dabhand16

I bought some polycotton sheeting on e-bay.

I never thought of that, i was looking more at something on a roll

[Dabhand16]

Usually rolls are paper rolls and the standard sizes (i think) are about 135cm and 270cm. With an 11 metre length, they are going to be HEAVY! so will need decent supports.

'Proper' photographic BG material is made from crease-resistant material, and will cost around £30-£35 for 4 metres of 1.5 metre width. Polycotton is about £3 per metre for 1.5 metre widths.

Downside with black polycotton is that it is not 'pure' black, but is is usually OK. Cheap bedsheets might crease more easily.

If you get 5 metres, you will have enough to allow photographing a 6'6" model with enough BG to bring forward in front of him/her.

[ray]

Right thank you Graham i will get some of that...Ray

[Dabhand16]

If you are going to use flash, the black will be OK even if it is not pure black. Try to leave a decent distance between the subject and BG. If you are using available light, you might have to tweak the black in PP. Some polycotton can be shiney - beware!

Polycotton will be light enough to use one or two broom handles to support it with some cheap spring clips. You can 'join' them with a bit of plastic pipe and gaffer tape if necessary.

[ray]

OK thank's

[Dutchie]

I've used a white bedsheet. Pure cotton. I didn't iron it, but If I would have done that, It would have been a perfect background. It blended in perfectly well with the underground I've used.

Good tip for the black background though