Author Topic: Paper or cloth for isolations (Read 6673 times)

jsolie · « **on:** August 17, 2008, 01:13 »

I've got a question about the backgrounds used for isolations. I know that a lot of people like to use paper, and others use some type of plastic (vinyl, formica, etc). Is there a clear cut advantage of using these materials over something like a high-key muslin?

I'm not talking about doing an isolation for small items, I've got that covered. I'm thinking of something more like for full-length body shots, larger items, or items where it'd be easier to do the isolation in camera rather than spending hours with the pen tool.

Thanks!

Pixart · « **Reply #1 on:** August 17, 2008, 09:56 »

There is also the Lastolite Hi-lite to consider.

http://www.lastolite.com/hilite-backgrounds.php

You should read a few of Zack Arias's posts on shooting on white. Very, very good reading. I added several links to him on one blog post:

http://microstockjunction.com/2008/05/09/zack-arias-on-shooting-on-white-seamless.aspx

madelaide · « **Reply #2 on:** August 17, 2008, 18:55 »

If you are not shooting macro, I think the texture doesn't matter much - does it? Light sources would be the main concern.

Regards,
Adelaide

jsolie · « **Reply #3 on:** August 17, 2008, 19:32 »

Quote from: madelaide on August 17, 2008, 18:55

If you are not shooting macro, I think the texture doesn't matter much - does it? Light sources would be the main concern.

I think I've got the lighting covered, and I know I can hide the texture of the material by properly overexposing the background. I'm still not sure of any advantages of paper over something else? Wrinkles? Ease of tear down after a shoot? Re-use?

I've seen Zack's blog posts on shooting with a white background, and they are indeed excellent and very educational reading. And he uses paper, a nine-foot wide roll of paper (a bit less than 3m). Such a roll of paper does not lend itself to portability if you have to set up your equipment "somewhere else." This is something that I need to do from time to time.

photoshow · « **Reply #4 on:** August 17, 2008, 19:56 »

Well before building my studio and building the 2 wall cyclorama I preferred white seamless paper. It was affordable, durable and readily accessible to me. For portability it also comes in 3' and 4' rolls which work well for single subjects.

Adeptris · « **Reply #5 on:** August 19, 2008, 10:44 »

Quote from: jsolie on August 17, 2008, 19:32

He uses paper, a nine-foot wide roll of paper (a bit less than 3m). Such a roll of paper does not lend itself to portability if you have to set up your equipment "somewhere else." This is something that I need to do from time to time.

Why not just have both, paper is good for a static location and if you are in an environment where dirt will get transfered to the trailing background like a converted garage and then you just waste the last 2 metres on each shoot.

I have two supermarket budget ($14 Each) kingsize "Flat White Bed Sheets" sewn together, nice and cheap fold away and transportable fit on the background frame well, if I am shooting at my daughters then I take the portable stands in the car trunk, and we iron the sheets before use, and they are affordable in different colors as well.

David

MikLav · « **Reply #6 on:** August 20, 2008, 09:27 »

If you photograph people at full height paper might be better, because it gets dirty from foot steps and you can easily roll a few more feet once when that happens

On the other hand, the roll of paper is heavier/bulkier - it needs stronger support and it takes more space especially if you use several different colors

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Author Topic: Paper or cloth for isolations (Read 6673 times)

jsolie

Pixart

madelaide

jsolie

photoshow

Adeptris

MikLav

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