Photography can become ridiculously expensive with gear and props and all the other necessities. So when there is a chance to save, I save!
This shoot was planned really last minute as the model was in Singapore for only a short amount of time so I didn’t really have the luxury to come up with a strong concept. Deciding to do away with my usual plain backdrop, I remembered I had some shiny red paper stored away that I had bought on a whim for $1 a piece. So, I did a little arts and crafts and taped them all together. Honestly, it looked like a kid did it, but I knew it was going to be good enough for photography with lights and magic to turn it into a fabulous background. I taped it up to two C-Stands and voila, new backdrop!
Equipment List
- Canon 5DS R
- Canon 100mm f/2.8
- 3 Profoto B2s
- 1 Profoto A1
- Translucent Umbrella
- OCF Beauty Dish
- Silver Reflector
Lighting Setup
We did not have much time to shoot due to logistical issues, so I used Exlixxier’s newly upgraded software, set.a.light 3D, to plan my lighting more accurately during hair and makeup time. I absolutely love this software! It helps me come with lighting setups so much faster and I'm able to see how certain modifiers would affect the set without actually having to set them up only to not use them.
As the paper was made out of reflective material, I knew I needed a light shining on it to show off the texture and shine. I had one light on the left, top down shining straight onto the backdrop. For main light, I used a beauty dish, because it’s an easy go-to light that’s flattering. Wanting to push the mood even more, I had two lights from the back shining on each side of the model, covered with red cellophane paper (I ran out of color gels). For one of them, I used a white umbrella facing away for a softer look, while on the other, I used my Profoto A1 because it was so easy to set up.
Here’s a BTS for a clearer look. Ignore the shoe I used for model placement.
Even though we only had an hour and a half to shoot, we managed to bang out four looks anyway, and I really like these images! I am really happy I trusted my instincts that day and decided to actually buy those papers.
Closing
What are your cheap buys that have been useful in your photoshoots? Put down in the comments and let us know!
Photographer: Shavonne Wong
Model: Mia Sabathy
Makeup: Benji Oo and Xuan
Wardrobe: Violet Foo
never mind
nobody noticed how plastic almost doll like the models look ? i think you should go easier with photoshop...i like the background
I have a shiny mylar christmas wrapping bag.
Perfect, use it for a shoot and then wrapping! 2 in 1!
Shavonne, you have an apartment in Singapore. If you really want to make this article relatable to me, I insist that you shoot where I live - in a small shed at the bottom of my parents' garden. Then we'll see how you do when you really shoot something cheaply. Otherwise I'm sorry but your red paper makes no sense.
Oh Andy, there are so many trolls in this section I can't tell who is actually serious anymore...
Hahahaha
Is everyone complaining seeing a different title?
I'm still seeing this.
How I Shot This With a Cheap and Unimpressive Looking Backdrop
I was wondering what was wrong with my English. I mean, I know I'm not much of a writer but.. I'm not THAT bad! Hah!
Great article!
I like Organza fabric. Works really well with a kicker. They have them monochromatic or multichromatic, reflects very well.
Cellophane sounds very risky tho, doesn't it start to melt or burn? I never run out of color gels (LEE), the smallest size I can buy here is 1.2 metres per color :D
Thanks David! Gotta try that organza fabric!
As for cellophane, I think it's generally okay if you're not using modelling light or full power on the strobe!
I always find it strange that people list their equipment used, as it is any factor. It's not of course. I also realized that most times those who list the equipment usually boast some really expensive gear.
No $10 umbrella here :-).
FStoppers just posted an article of the Biggest Photography Rip-Offs to Avoid. Well, I avoid paying almost $90 USD for umbrellas or $190 for Collapsible Reflectors lol.
Nice article but the list is unnecessary. really.
It's listed because when I don't list, people ask for it.
Many years ago I saw a tutorial on youtube about lighting and such. When a few commentators asked about what was used the youtubers replied (not word for word): "not important, you can achieve it with any three speedlight as long as you keep lighting ratio and approximate position as I showed you"
he also stressed that using small softboxes, instead of umbrellas, will produce best results and he explained why.
I find inspiring when authors encourage people to use what they have in their disposal and pay attention to the concept and not the equipment used.
That's one way to do it I guess.
Throughout the comments I have mentioned that gear is unimportant, something I will try to remember to do inside my future articles because how many people seem to get affected by it.
My aim was to give as much information as possible. I can't control how someone reacts to them.
Keep up the good work.
For sure this can be done with a Canon 300D or what comes next from the late 90's and easily lit with speedlights or even hot lights from home depot. But that wasn't the point. It's about the idea of having a (cheap) backdrop for a colourful portrait and trying something new.
Shavone, thanks for the great article. It's amazing how such a simple lesson on using cheap backdrops becomes a troll fest. This is the reason why I can't stand social media. If these folks think its so easy to do maybe they should submit there own articles.
Hehe people like you makes it worth it. Thank you, appreciate it!
I have made the move from an old canon point and shoot, to a Rebel, and have been working with a Canon 70D now for a couple of years. These kinds of articles are always a joy to read. I am always looking for new ideas and Shavonne, this one is great. Last week I did a shoot using a shiny screen from a screen door as a diffuser and a bluish shower curtain backlit for portraits. It was a blast. I appreciate the subject, the layout, and the equipment list.
People seem to forget that this is a creative endeavor. Taking what you have, what you missed, and then things you might never have thought of to create a photo is all part of the game. And if your equipment is not as expensive, or your locations not as robust, this is where creativity can trump budget. After all, necessity is the mother of invention. Helmut Newton often shot with a single lens and flash. His polaroids alone show skill and creativity.
Keep it up!
Trying to explain some things to some people is like trying to nail Jello on a wall. They just don't get the point no matter how you explain it to them. Great work Shavonne!