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Muslin backdrops are the
most popular background used by portrait photographers. Muslin is typically
an all cotton woven fabric that is batch dyed or hand painted.
Muslins are available in a wide variety of sizes, colors and patterns.
 The
styles of Muslin Backdrops include:
Solid color
muslin backdrops derive their particular look by the method of wrinkling
and or draping. Draping of the fabric to produce waves in the backdrop
introduces dimension and shading. Some backdrops like "Old Masters" and
scenics are always hung flat and not draped.
Most muslins are
stored crumpled in a duffel bag. When opened and hung from a support, the
muslin will have a strong wrinkled texture. This texture may be desired but
if the wrinkled texture is to be removed, a garment steamer and lots of
time are required. A hung muslin will loose its wrinkles over time. Also,
washing and line drying will remove the wrinkles. |
This
illustration shows why a 10 foot wide backdrop is the minimum acceptable
width. The important parameters are the subject to background distance
and the camera to subject distance. The subject should be at least 4 feet
from the background to prevent strong shadows from falling on the
background and to prevent background lights from falling on the subject.
