Finally got around to testing out a new backdrop I got ahold of. This is a paper backdrop that comes in a large roll. Obviously you can get them in lots of different colors and they tend to be cheaper relative to Muslin backdrops. Also, being paper they tend to have a surface that works a little different from other backdrops as they tend to have a paper texture surface so light on them can look different depending on the angle. Plus, if they tear, they usually have lots extra, so you just cut a that point and start from there.

There are downsides though, as with everything, the fact of the matter is that they do tear after you use them a lot, even if you are being careful. It’s paper and after a while it tears. Furthermore, these are even less water friendly then most other types of backdrops because, well, paper. The rolls can be heavy and tricky to put up and might benefit from some assistance. Finally, if you don’t have a good setup up to hold the backdrop then you are going to have a problem. I would only use this roll on my expensive heavy-duty backdrop stand as I have no doubt the light backdrop stand would collapse under the weight.

As for lighting, I am using a clamshell light setup for these photos. Two strobes with softboxes. The key light had an octagon softbox with a grid and was just in front of the subject but high aimed down. Then a gap then on the floor was a rectangle softbox aimed up at the subject acting as a fill light, no grid with this one. It looks like a clamshell sort of, so they call it a clamshell setup.