Fabric background suggestions

[Spike]

I do not usually visit the Studio & Lighting forum because of that crazy Steve guy who moderates it. (Hi, Steve! ;) ) Actually, it is because I normally shoot landscapes. Well, that is going to change soon with the birth of my first child... any time now, eek!

Soooo, I would like to ask for suggestions on backgrounds. The studio baby photos I've seen typically have either a black or a white (off-white?) background. I figured I would try each, and see what I have the most success with. Could I go to a fabric store and buy something on a budget that would be suitable? Any ideas? If the fabric store is a stupid idea, then feel free to suggest other sources, but since I am located in Canada, the great deals often available in the US are negated by shipping, tax, customs, etc.

Thanks,

Spike

[mjm]

how about some paper background? it is available at just about any photography related store.... i get decent results with that.



(hit refresh to see different colors)

[MJS]

How about king size flat sheets, the kids don't take up all that much room for a couple of years. Do they have BJ"S wholesale, costco of Sam's club there, heck, even K-Mart would be great.

Good luck with the new kid. I still think that being a Dad is the coolest job in the world.

Michael

[Peter_AUS]

Go to a fabric store and look for king size bedding sheeting on a roll, that is a good size in width. Being on a roll you can get it cut to the length you want (I got 5 metres) that way I only need to get the wife to sew a little rod pocket at the top and small overlock on the bottom. Now I have a continuous backdrop 5 metres long and about 2 metres wide, which for head/sholder shots is all I need, can even do full length shots as well. This way you can get the colours you want as well.

Seemless paper is a good idea as well, although easily torn and can get wet and destroyed easily that way. Also becomes an on going cost.

Sheeting materials, can be washed easily on a regular basis, yes gets crinkled, but can be steamed out once hung as well, using a good steam iron or steamer as well, like in a shop environment.

[Spike]

Thanks for your help, mjm, MJS, and Peter!

Spike