I have 2 of those collapsible backdrops, but until today I didn’t know how to fold them. I would struggle for many minutes, with the help of my daughter and my wife, but reached an acceptable outcome only by sheer luck. Thanks for the Taco System! It really works!
The single one backdrop that I use the most in my home studio is my Erin Gray 10x20 cloth backdrop. I get nothing but good, positive feed back with the end results of this particular cloth backdrop.
The custom painted is my favorite. My parents met each other after the war in the 1940s and my mom, a muralist, painted custom backdrops for window displays, and my dad was the window display designer.
Seamless gray background is definitely one I used the most, I have done some custom my self with paint and sponge, they look very good, but most of the time just plain gray.
Amazing video thanks a lot! Does Gravity backdrops comes with pipe inside so you can mount it to background stand easily? or it is just like a large carpet and you need to mount it with clamps?
As someone who's still starting into studio photography, one of the things I'm most interested investing in besides the lighting are backdrops. This video fits well for me moving forward. Thanks!
I'm presently using 86" seamless in my small home studio but after watching your sublime background tutorial, I can easily see buying collapsible for on location work. I prefer the earth tone from Savage as a starter. Earth tones seem to offer the flexibility with most client apparel. Thanks for the share Miguel.
Oliphant makes the best backdrops...not because they are the most expensive, but because she really cares and will do custom work for high end photographers. Also, if someone buys a v-flat....they're just not trying hard enough. v-flats are totally within DIY. in a pinch, you can hit a white backdrop with a colored strobe or light and change the color.
Okay... I'm returning EVERYTHING I've bought at Amazon, those heavy, bulky stands which are ugly if you keep in the living room, but then annoying to disasemble, and these cloths background are always FULL of wrinkles, hard to even out, etc!
The "best" background is whatever you're selling through affiliate links, right? The real answer - the "best" background is whatever YOU (meaning any photographer) feels is best for that particular photo/subject. In other words, there's no "best." Unless, of course you don't mind getting suckered into buying the "best" you're being offered here. Click bait.
Hi Miguel, For portraits, I often use a chocolate brown paper roll backdrop. The colour can change from cafe au lait to tan to a rich deep brown by adusting the amount of light that's hitting it. Cheers, Hamish
I think I love gray color backdrops...because 1 graycolour backdrops use for many different types of photo-shoot. Hey you know what the folding backdrops are really good....specially i like this compactness of this product... it's available with a multiple both side defferent colours. Thank you 😊
Thanks. The taco method works good. I have been shooting with several backdrops in the last 4 years. First one I bought off was from Amazon. It was a musical themed paper one for $15. Worked good keeping it a distance from the subject. Recently bought 2- colaspable large rectangular 5-colot reflector. Another 7' green/blue from Adorama and a nice multi black & gray from Kate Backdrops. Looking to buying more as I can afford to. Also want to thank you Miguel for your videos have helped me tremendously.
Good explanation, Miguel. I subscribed. Also, I tried to look at your photo examples to see your background, but I didn't get past your beautiful models!
Hola Miguel, My favourite background colour is the 50% neutral grey because it makes life so easy to drop in an alternative background in Photoshop. Gracias from the UK.
Here in the UK, the Savage collapsible backgrounds can be quite hard to find for sale. I use a Lastolite 'grey concrete' collapsible background (very similar to the Savage ones shown in your video).
My two main backdrops are Savage grey seamless paper and a plain black muslin 10'x20' cloth. Muslin is a pain to work with though - wrinkles and gets dirty quickly.
My favourite backdrop? 64 million dollars question.... it all depends on the situation, the model, etc. however when I can I enjoy making my own, either by painting a wall, a blank canvas, or sticking just about anything on them, like for example making a tub of clear glue and sticking today’s newspaper as if it was wallpaper; For portability and ease of use the collapsible ones are fabulous....
Hi Miguel! I use a simple collapsible white / black combo, from a generic brand on amazon. 2m x 1.5m , very straight forward and portable for on location shoots. Would love to get a one by savage with a texture, but it is difficult to ship to Mongolia where I live. You can find me on IG under the same name. As a portrait photographer and Sony user, I love all your contents! Cheers !
The gray textured backdrop comes out looking really good when there's a slight blur to give it some separation. Your editing skills on some of the sample images are just amazing. PS: HOPE I WIN THE SD CARD :D
Thank you! I already have a ginormous black and white collapsible backdrop and I want to get a dual color one (brown/blue sound good?). Can you recommend a stand for collapsible back drops? I've seen single stands with a clamp at the top (but what if you want to hang your backdrop horizontally?). Currently, I use my large 2 stands and crossbar background stand -- it takes time to set it up and break it down. Thank you in advance!
I like the Savage seamless paper backdrops because they are cheap however I think I'm going to move to the collapsible backdrop like you are using. Easier to transport. Thanks for your videos. Always educational.
I have been looking at different backdrops, I am just in the beginning phase photography. This is the first I have heard of collapsible back drops. I will definitely look into them, Thanks.
Nice Video on Backgrounds but best bit for me was showing how easy it was to fold in the "Pop Ups"... will also be useful too for my "Pop Up" tent too..Many thanks.
Admittedly I'm still learning portrait photography, but I'm a simple guy and tend to go with gray cloth. I have black and white cloth also. But I'm just as likely to just keep the subject away from any background and let it drop to black behind them.
Damn that is so expensive compare to paper! It sucks also when you can't get the color you want on both side, like choose a "custom one" at such price cause I wouldn't want to pay that much just to like or use 1 side. Also why is there MAJOR import fees on the Kate backdrops from Amazon?!?
I have 3 of the Savage Backdrops. I love it for the same reasons, portability, and easy to store. But Miguel I usually have to grab my cell phone and look at a youtube video on how to refold it back. 😂😂Dude, you know in your heart of hearts that thing can be satanic trying to fold it back!!! Sigh. There still isn’t anything better in my opinion.
what about muslin backdrops... getting rid of wrinkles is a pain, but they don't use space at all, very cheap and you can go very wide with them. I'm also doing my DIY hand painted canvas backdrop.
Currently using drop sheets. I have black, white and green. I have to keep the subject further away from the background to avoid shadow between neck and shoulders. I was thinking a Last-O-Lite would remove the these shadows. Thanks for the video.
My apartment in Tokyo is fairly small but I do some portrait photography in it occasionally. For me, I can only use a collapsible backdrop as I have only limited space to store stuff. Wish I could use hand-painted custom backdrops ... that would be heaven!
As usual your videos are superb. To the point, offering a lot of useful information and interesting tips. We haven't personally used collapsible background yet, we went for the Kate Backdrops 10x10 abstract ones (which we loved) but you got an absolute point regarding the size and the absolute inconvenient of the time it takes to set them up. Will definitely study these collapsible Savage options you specify, as they look as a great way to speed up the whole process. Do you have any recommendation regarding what stands to use for these ones?
All great points! The Savage kit comes with the stand and everything. You could also use a regular light stand with a magic clamp if you want something a little more sturdy.
@@MiguelQuilesJr excellent. We love the texture and look of the Kate Backdrops, and it seems the Savage are very similar. And the fact you can flip them and obtain a completely different color is a huge plus! Will definitely add these to our next purchase 🤘
My go to right now is polar white paper background as im doing more high key fashion and product photography. My favorite is gray though as i can manipulate the color especially w gels. Thanks...Ry from Dubai
The best backdrop is white. It’s very versatile can be used right form portraits to product photography like amazon and can be turned into any colour. Easy in post production - cheers.
I have 3 muslin cloth backdrops and they are a pain to travel with and store....Now I have seen the collapsible ones, I am going to have to buy some of them and sell off the muslin ones I have....it will make it so much easier!! But thankfully most of my clients prefer to shoot outdoors so there is always some beautiful natural "backdrops" I can use.
Hi! love your videos. Seamless paper for me is my go to options. hand painted- well I always want to make one myself, but haven't gotten to that just yet. i'll have to look into investing into the collapseable backgrounds.
Great video ! I have been watching other photographers and never seen those collapsible backdrops. Actually in your photos, all the colors look awesome, was gonna say gray at first ..
I use black bed sheet size 210/240 cm on an improvised stand. It works on every type of shoot as long as I do not have to go outside. You made me thinking abot an colapsable oane now :)
My favorite would have to be savage charcoal grey, because with just some lights and a few speed gels you can get multicolored backgrounds. But have been thinking about getting one of these for more on location quick setup shoots.
I am not trying to sound ignorant or simple. But my favorite best background is probably what you’re recommending. I have just started to get into headshot portrait photography and need to learn all I can. So i am going through youtube to learn. Thank you for all your knowledge.
There is nothing better than a collapsible background. Its the best you can get with the price so reasonable. The photos start making sense and the best part is you can use them almost anywhere. Unfortunately, it is not available in India online. Also, the price in India seems very high if bought from International websites. However, no matter what your videos are always great. If you have time I would request you to make videos on posting not so ideal female and male body types. I am really struggling with that. I am not sure what I am looking for in their photos most of the time. I love your technique of moving the head using your chin pull method. I use it all the time and it helps a lot. Looking forward to your future videos.
I haven't shot in any specific background besides a white wall lol but would def love to get a grey paper backdrop to start out with in the future. Thanks for the video
I actually haven’t used any textured I had white and black cloth ones so I would say white because you could always make it black depending on your camera settings
collapsible.its light and easy to transport.and best value for money.yes it is some options more good ,but it's more expensive and not transportable like collapsible is.
I like the medium gray backgrounds, so versatile. I tend to use gels or rgb lights to change the back color when appropriate. Great video man, gonna look into those collapsible ones.
I used 7 yards of gray cotton muslin, mounted on hooks and a rolled onto Pvc. My studio doubles as my living room. I like this option as it makes photoshop cut outs easy
A friend and I started doing corporate head shots and on our second shoot we couldn’t get the background folded, it took like 5 try’s it was so embarrassing. The taco method is a great way to remember.
I have 2 of those collapsible backdrops, but until today I didn’t know how to fold them. I would struggle for many minutes, with the help of my daughter and my wife, but reached an acceptable outcome only by sheer luck. Thanks for the Taco System! It really works!
Medium grey, I can make it white, black, or grey with different lighting setups.
How do you transform it in white ?
I prefer gray backgrounds. Easy white balancing and awesome 3d effect (colour over dullness)
The single one backdrop that I use the most in my home studio is my Erin Gray 10x20 cloth backdrop. I get nothing but good, positive feed back with the end results of this particular cloth backdrop.
The perfect backdrop for a studio is the one the client requests or you have negotiated to use!
The custom painted is my favorite.
My parents met each other after the war in the 1940s and my mom, a muralist, painted custom backdrops for window displays, and my dad was the window display designer.
Great video! What about full-body shots? are these usable for that too or do you recommend paper rolls for that?
I have a grey collapsible background-looks good when blurred. Folding a collapsible background-sometimes on the first try, sometimes takes me 5 😂
My favorite portrait background: anywhere outdoors because I can’t afford studio equipment lol.
I have one of the grey collapsible backdrops and it’s my favorite. I am able to go from pure white to grey to black with one backdrop.
I love black background with Rembrandt lighting. Classic dramatic look.
Seamless gray background is definitely one I used the most, I have done some custom my self with paint and sponge, they look very good, but most of the time just plain gray.
Amazing video thanks a lot! Does Gravity backdrops comes with pipe inside so you can mount it to background stand easily? or it is just like a large carpet and you need to mount it with clamps?
I love savage backgrounds, the paper ones take up too much room in my small in-house studio.
As someone who's still starting into studio photography, one of the things I'm most interested investing in besides the lighting are backdrops. This video fits well for me moving forward. Thanks!
I'm presently using 86" seamless in my small home studio but after watching your sublime background tutorial, I can easily see buying collapsible for on location work. I prefer the earth tone from Savage as a starter. Earth tones seem to offer the flexibility with most client apparel. Thanks for the share Miguel.
Oliphant makes the best backdrops...not because they are the most expensive, but because she really cares and will do custom work for high end photographers. Also, if someone buys a v-flat....they're just not trying hard enough. v-flats are totally within DIY. in a pinch, you can hit a white backdrop with a colored strobe or light and change the color.
The best background (in particular, for environmental portrait) is their uncluttered environment itself.
Thumbs up for the taco method alone :-) If I had to choose one I'd use the Kate 5x6.5ft Collapsible Backdrop Grey.
My favorite portrait background would have to be Kates ♥️♥️♥️♥️🥰 Them
My most loved backdrops are a stained light grey and stained blue collapsible backdrop! They are just amazing. No funny moments today 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺
Using a grey backdrop with OVERLAY blend mode in photoshop allows you to make the grey into ANY texture you want...
Okay... I'm returning EVERYTHING I've bought at Amazon, those heavy, bulky stands which are ugly if you keep in the living room, but then annoying to disasemble, and these cloths background are always FULL of wrinkles, hard to even out, etc!
I like using a plain white poster board mostly because that's the only thing I currently have access to/afford
Great video Miguel!! as always!!... I prefer the fabric background with texture... that adds a lot to the portraits!
Superior Seamless Paper is what I like. But really good video which specifically talks about backgrounds. Fingers crossed for 128 Gb memory card ;)
The "best" background is whatever you're selling through affiliate links, right? The real answer - the "best" background is whatever YOU (meaning any photographer) feels is best for that particular photo/subject. In other words, there's no "best." Unless, of course you don't mind getting suckered into buying the "best" you're being offered here. Click bait.
My favorite studio background is my Kate backdrop-Collapsable doublesided because it is portable and easy to set up.
Work smarter, not harder! N.J. MISSES YOU. ONCE MORE A USEFULL VID, THANKS
Hi Miguel, For portraits, I often use a chocolate brown paper roll backdrop. The colour can change from cafe au lait to tan to a rich deep brown by adusting the amount of light that's hitting it.
Cheers, Hamish
Thanks for the video... MY FAVORITE IS: Savage Painted Canvas Backdrop (5x7', Ash)
I think I love gray color backdrops...because 1 graycolour backdrops use for many different types of photo-shoot. Hey you know what the folding backdrops are really good....specially i like this compactness of this product... it's available with a multiple both side defferent colours. Thank you 😊
Thanks. The taco method works good. I have been shooting with several backdrops in the last 4 years.
First one I bought off was from Amazon. It was a musical themed paper one for $15. Worked good keeping it a distance from the subject.
Recently bought 2- colaspable large rectangular 5-colot reflector. Another 7' green/blue from Adorama and a nice multi black & gray from Kate Backdrops. Looking to buying more as I can afford to.
Also want to thank you Miguel for your videos have helped me tremendously.
Good explanation, Miguel. I subscribed. Also, I tried to look at your photo examples to see your background, but I didn't get past your beautiful models!
Funny how I check out your video for background inspiration and I see a familiar NYC model. Small world.
Hola Miguel, My favourite background colour is the 50% neutral grey because it makes life so easy to drop in an alternative background in Photoshop. Gracias from the UK.
Here in the UK, the Savage collapsible backgrounds can be quite hard to find for sale. I use a Lastolite 'grey concrete' collapsible background (very similar to the Savage ones shown in your video).
My two main backdrops are Savage grey seamless paper and a plain black muslin 10'x20' cloth. Muslin is a pain to work with though - wrinkles and gets dirty quickly.
My favourite backdrop? 64 million dollars question.... it all depends on the situation, the model, etc. however when I can I enjoy making my own, either by painting a wall, a blank canvas, or sticking just about anything on them, like for example making a tub of clear glue and sticking today’s newspaper as if it was wallpaper;
For portability and ease of use the collapsible ones are fabulous....
Hi Miguel!
I use a simple collapsible white / black combo, from a generic brand on amazon. 2m x 1.5m , very straight forward and portable for on location shoots.
Would love to get a one by savage with a texture, but it is difficult to ship to Mongolia where I live.
You can find me on IG under the same name. As a portrait photographer and Sony user, I love all your contents!
Cheers !
The gray textured backdrop comes out looking really good when there's a slight blur to give it some separation. Your editing skills on some of the sample images are just amazing.
PS: HOPE I WIN THE SD CARD :D
Thank you! I already have a ginormous black and white collapsible backdrop and I want to get a dual color one (brown/blue sound good?). Can you recommend a stand for collapsible back drops? I've seen single stands with a clamp at the top (but what if you want to hang your backdrop horizontally?). Currently, I use my large 2 stands and crossbar background stand -- it takes time to set it up and break it down. Thank you in advance!
I like the Savage seamless paper backdrops because they are cheap however I think I'm going to move to the collapsible backdrop like you are using. Easier to transport. Thanks for your videos. Always educational.
Awesome video. I have just been using seamless from Savage in Thunder Gray. BTW what backdrop is the one with the wood print?
I have been looking at different backdrops, I am just in the beginning phase photography. This is the first I have heard of collapsible back drops. I will definitely look into them, Thanks.
Nice Video on Backgrounds but best bit for me was showing how easy it was to fold in the "Pop Ups"... will also be useful too for my "Pop Up" tent too..Many thanks.
Admittedly I'm still learning portrait photography, but I'm a simple guy and tend to go with gray cloth. I have black and white cloth also. But I'm just as likely to just keep the subject away from any background and let it drop to black behind them.
Damn that is so expensive compare to paper! It sucks also when you can't get the color you want on both side, like choose a "custom one" at such price cause I wouldn't want to pay that much just to like or use 1 side.
Also why is there MAJOR import fees on the Kate backdrops from Amazon?!?
I have 3 of the Savage Backdrops. I love it for the same reasons, portability, and easy to store. But Miguel I usually have to grab my cell phone and look at a youtube video on how to refold it back. 😂😂Dude, you know in your heart of hearts that thing can be satanic trying to fold it back!!! Sigh. There still isn’t anything better in my opinion.
I have a printed muslin 8x10' but seldom use I prefer to use collapsible background since I usually use a diy studio lol.
what about muslin backdrops... getting rid of wrinkles is a pain, but they don't use space at all, very cheap and you can go very wide with them. I'm also doing my DIY hand painted canvas backdrop.
Currently using drop sheets. I have black, white and green. I have to keep the subject further away from the background to avoid shadow between neck and shoulders. I was thinking a Last-O-Lite would remove the these shadows. Thanks for the video.
Mid grey paper. Maybe not my fav but it's what I use the most. Add light it's white, remove light it's black. Easy to mask and cheap
My apartment in Tokyo is fairly small but I do some portrait photography in it occasionally. For me, I can only use a collapsible backdrop as I have only limited space to store stuff. Wish I could use hand-painted custom backdrops ... that would be heaven!
I don't have any backgrounds yet, but the collapsible would probably be my first choice.
As usual your videos are superb. To the point, offering a lot of useful information and interesting tips. We haven't personally used collapsible background yet, we went for the Kate Backdrops 10x10 abstract ones (which we loved) but you got an absolute point regarding the size and the absolute inconvenient of the time it takes to set them up. Will definitely study these collapsible Savage options you specify, as they look as a great way to speed up the whole process. Do you have any recommendation regarding what stands to use for these ones?
All great points! The Savage kit comes with the stand and everything. You could also use a regular light stand with a magic clamp if you want something a little more sturdy.
@@MiguelQuilesJr excellent. We love the texture and look of the Kate Backdrops, and it seems the Savage are very similar. And the fact you can flip them and obtain a completely different color is a huge plus! Will definitely add these to our next purchase 🤘
Thanks for this. I was contemplating what new backgrounds I should get and this helped a lot. Making a order now.
Those collapsible backdrops would be awesome for a noob photographer like me (with a small space). Thanks for sharing.
I have only one backdrop I use Westcott Neutral Gray. I will order couple of couple of collapsible. Backdrop. Thanks
My go to right now is polar white paper background as im doing more high key fashion and product photography. My favorite is gray though as i can manipulate the color especially w gels. Thanks...Ry from Dubai
My favorite background is a black anything, seamless, cloth. But for a while now I have been trying a gray one and adding texture to it in photoshop.
Savage Seemless. Budget is an issue for me. Looking at the Kate backdrops too. Great information man.
This is so awesome... but I don't know which I like better the backdrop or the model..... do the backdrops come with the model? 🤔
The best backdrop is white. It’s very versatile can be used right form portraits to product photography like amazon and can be turned into any colour. Easy in post production - cheers.
I have 3 muslin cloth backdrops and they are a pain to travel with and store....Now I have seen the collapsible ones, I am going to have to buy some of them and sell off the muslin ones I have....it will make it so much easier!! But thankfully most of my clients prefer to shoot outdoors so there is always some beautiful natural "backdrops" I can use.
Thank you for the video. Just what I needed as I start my photography journey
Hi! love your videos. Seamless paper for me is my go to options. hand painted- well I always want to make one myself, but haven't gotten to that just yet. i'll have to look into investing into the collapseable backgrounds.
Great video ! I have been watching other photographers and never seen those collapsible backdrops. Actually in your photos, all the colors look awesome, was gonna say gray at first ..
I use black bed sheet size 210/240 cm on an improvised stand. It works on every type of shoot as long as I do not have to go outside. You made me thinking abot an colapsable oane now :)
My favorite would have to be savage charcoal grey, because with just some lights and a few speed gels you can get multicolored backgrounds. But have been thinking about getting one of these for more on location quick setup shoots.
Folding reflector it goes any where. Can be used as backdrop or reflector white/silver
I am not trying to sound ignorant or simple. But my favorite best background is probably what you’re recommending. I have just started to get into headshot portrait photography and need to learn all I can. So i am going through youtube to learn. Thank you for all your knowledge.
I own westcott Black & White Backdrop that came with the stand... but I like your set up ... kool
There is nothing better than a collapsible background. Its the best you can get with the price so reasonable. The photos start making sense and the best part is you can use them almost anywhere. Unfortunately, it is not available in India online. Also, the price in India seems very high if bought from International websites.
However, no matter what your videos are always great. If you have time I would request you to make videos on posting not so ideal female and male body types. I am really struggling with that. I am not sure what I am looking for in their photos most of the time. I love your technique of moving the head using your chin pull method. I use it all the time and it helps a lot.
Looking forward to your future videos.
I prefer black and white background for the versatility but sometimes I would like to choose an intense weird color
I love the look of painted - need to have a go at making one myself because $
Godox 7in1collapsible background.
I love it!
Not the easiest to work with, but aluminium foil is a great background, in combination with using colour gels of course :) bookeh addict heaven ;)
Great video. As an amateur, lots of things to consider that I hadn't thought of when looking for a backdrop.
Collapsable background is my best choice too. It can actually go with many photo shoot.
I like collapsible backgrounds too, and also the westcott x-drop system
My favorite is pink textile. It's very cheap ( ~1$ for 1.6 m2)
i love duvetyne and diy hand painted on fabric color grey , natural raw cement wall texture, metal rust
with paint blue ,green colors
I haven't shot in any specific background besides a white wall lol but would def love to get a grey paper backdrop to start out with in the future. Thanks for the video
Velour fabric. Comes in a variety of colors, not expensive, reusable, wrinkle free, does not take up much space.
I actually haven’t used any textured I had white and black cloth ones so I would say white because you could always make it black depending on your camera settings
I love V-flat.. more functions than other backgrounds sir
I have been using savage seamless paper background and it’s been working out great for me in my small home studio.
collapsible.its light and easy to transport.and best value for money.yes it is some options more good ,but it's more expensive and not transportable like collapsible is.
An outstanding information for portraiture photography quite informative thks
Ive shot with anastasia before...great model and great photographer. Hope i get picked for the sd card!
At the moment I only have a white wall and a black curtain
But I think collapsible backdrop is the best option
Mine is a 3x2 meter portable backdrop with black on one side and white on the other. I love to use the black side. It gives the feel.
I like the medium gray backgrounds, so versatile. I tend to use gels or rgb lights to change the back color when appropriate. Great video man, gonna look into those collapsible ones.
Great information, such a shame Savage dont have a partner in the UK , stay safe Miguel
Hi it's lucky from namibia planning to open a stupid soon and i love seemless paper..
Hi it's lucky from namibia planning to open a stupid soon and i love seemless paper..
I used 7 yards of gray cotton muslin, mounted on hooks and a rolled onto Pvc. My studio doubles as my living room. I like this option as it makes photoshop cut outs easy
A friend and I started doing corporate head shots and on our second shoot we couldn’t get the background folded, it took like 5 try’s it was so embarrassing. The taco method is a great way to remember.
I'm using a dark gray seamless paper. I like it but your idea is much better. Could you recommend some good ones?