backdrop question and lightstand outside..

[DefJux921]

first about the backdrop..

im planning on building this backdrop holder out of pvc pipe:

http://www.diyphotography.net/homest...backdrop-stand

and i wanted to know if im better off looking at some fabric or art store for a black backdrop or is this a good deal?

http://cgi.ebay.com/10-x-13-Ft-Backd...p3286.c0. m14

compared to what i've seen at photo stores, the above ebay is a great deal.. im open to any suggestions.. thanks!

about the lightstand outside.. i just pulled the trigger on another lightstand, umbrella, and lp120 flash.. if i go to say, the beach to take some photos, and do not have an assistant.. im worried the wind is going to easily blow over my lights.. should i not be worried or what do you suggest?

[tkman00]

i just won this auction, it looks like it's just a little more than the cost of what you were looking at.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWNX:IT

i also picked up a white muslin backdrop a little while ago from an amvona auction. it's hard to find muslin locally at that size. that being said, it's not impossible. you should just call ahead and ask if they have it.

if it's windy outside i'd definitely be concerned about your lights falling over w/ an umbrella. you could use sandbags or wieghts of some sort to weigh the legs down.

[DefJux921]

Originally Posted by tkman00

i just won this auction, it looks like it's just a little more than the cost of what you were looking at.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWNX:IT

i also picked up a white muslin backdrop a little while ago from an amvona auction. it's hard to find muslin locally at that size. that being said, it's not impossible. you should just call ahead and ask if they have it.

if it's windy outside i'd definitely be concerned about your lights falling over w/ an umbrella. you could use sandbags or wieghts of some sort to weigh the legs down.

dude, that backdrop stand with muslin u won looks pretty nice especially at that price.. drop me a line when u get it and let me kno how it is..

[tkman00]

Originally Posted by DefJux921

dude, that backdrop stand with muslin u won looks pretty nice especially at that price.. drop me a line when u get it and let me kno how it is..

will do

[i like rice]

Here's a good site for some lighting info:
http://www.shotaddict.com/tips/artic...echniques.html

As far as weights, I use ankle/wrist weights, 10 lbs. They cost about $15/pair at Walmart but they're cheaper than buying the bags ($20-30) and then buying a 50lb bag of sand. If you're really cheap, you can steal the sandbags from the side of the road. DOT use sandbags all the time to weigh down signs

I use 40 lbs of ankle/wrist band weights plus my Vagabond (18 lbs) to weigh down the light stands.

[tkman00]

^^^ awesome, a whole lot better than winging it.

[soundmike]

Originally Posted by tkman00

i just won this auction, it looks like it's just a little more than the cost of what you were looking at.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWNX:IT

The set-up is great for the price. I have one from the same seller.

However, here are my nits, if you even call it that. Extended all the way out, the middle part will sag a little and the whole set-up isn't as sturdy as i want it to be (i have the larger muslin, the 6x9 should be ok), but it works and for the price it's a great deal. It's basically a couple of their light duty light stands with the extension bar thrown in. I'm comparing it to one of their "silver/gray" heavy duty light stands which is *far* sturdier and more robust.

The black backdrop they include feels thinner than what i'm used to but it's not a problem either way. It comes folded by the way, so you'll have to iron out the kinks. I originally left it just hanging for a couple of weeks and the kinks were still there. Ironed it out and it's much better now.

[tkman00]

Originally Posted by DefJux921

dude, that backdrop stand with muslin u won looks pretty nice especially at that price.. drop me a line when u get it and let me kno how it is..

so the stands and the muslin showed up today. the stands are definitely for light duty. they could probably serve as light stands in a pinch, but i wouldn't use them like that on a regular basis. the stands themselves are made out of plastic and telescope via 2 sections. the middle pole is also 2 sections and extends to about 10 feet. for 42 bux, i'd say it's a good deal, anything more and i'd probably skip it.

[DefJux921]

thanks for the update! post up some pics from using it!