After a year of service, the big sheet of white paper backdrop (which was gaffer-taped from the wall to the floor) went into the recycle bin.
White paper background was cheap and great in my home studio but it is not portable and not cleanable. So, I was thinking what I should get next.
I evaluated a few different options:
- Canvas backdrops - Canvas backdrops are not long enough to shoot head to toe, since they do not sweep onto the floor. They are mainly for business portraits and senior head-shots in a studio.
- Vinyl backdrops -Vinyl backdrops are smooth, easy to clean, durable and long lasting - great for pet and kids photos. I can even add sheer backdrop cloths with vinyl for a softer look on portraits. I was very interested in getting it. But, Vinyl backdrops are heavy and not foldable and thus it is not portable.
- Collapsible backdrops - Collapsible, folding backdrops are easy to transport for photography on location. I am not sure how to clean it with the frame. I'd guess you just spot clean it as needed.
- Muslin fabric backdrops - Portable and great in the permanent studio. They fold easily for transportation. They can be hang on a rail system in the studio or can be set-up on location with the portable background stands. However, Muslin wrinkles and drapes with folds.
- Paper backdrops - initially it's cheap and it has a variety of colors. However, it is not easily portable.
At the end, I got a 1.8m x 2.15m (6’ x 7’) lastolite collapsible (black and white with train) backdrop with train for my home studio and those on-site photo shoots. :-) Note: I confirmed with Lastolite's sales that only the black and white with trains are removable and washable! All of the other colours are fixed to the frame and therefore cannot be washed in the machine.
