In this video, we'll be comparing the differences
between paper backdrops and cotton muslin backdrops
for photos and video.
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Let's get into it.
There are several different backdrop options available on the market
for your photo or video shoot.
A few being vinyl, plastics,
paper backdrops or cotton muslin backdrops.
The three main considerations when selecting a backdrop:
price, portability, as well as production.
With price, obviously, you're going to be selecting
the size that you want and the price to suit your budget.
For portability, if you're going to be shooting on location
versus shooting in studio,
and production, deciding whether you're going to be
needing it for a photo shoot or a video shoot.
Today, we'll be talking specifically about paper backdrops
and cotton muslin backdrops.
So, let's go a little bit more in depth about the differences between the two.
Let's jump into that first, P, price, and we'll compare the differences
between paper and cotton muslin.
So, with paper, it comes in two different sizes.
There's the full width backdrops which at 2.7 m. x 10 m. in length
and they also have the half rolls
which are 1.3 m. in width and 10 m. in length.
They're about the same in terms of price.
Therefore, with variations,
so we do have the 3 m. x 6 m. in cotton muslin,
which is the full width and they do get cheaper
as you decrease in size.
As they get smaller, with the cotton muslins,
they are a bit more economical compared to paper backdrops.
So, you do have 3 x 3 meters, 2 x 3 meters
and really small cotton muslin backdrops which are only 1.45 x 1 meter,
perfect for Twitch streaming, YouTube, live streaming, things like that.
The next P is portability.
Comparing the two different backdrops, once again.
Paper backdrops are more suitable for studio use
because they're a little bit harder to transport.
You will need a vehicle to transport them whereas cotton muslin backdrops,
as you can see here, this one here is the largest size,
the 3 x 6 meters and you can see it folds down perfectly
into my hand right here and basically a lot more portable.
Perfect for on location use.
So, if you or needing a backdrop when you're on location,
cotton muslin is probably the most convenient to take with you.
Now, comparing the different sizes,
paper backdrops come in two different sizes.
full width backdrop which is 2.7 m. in width
and 10 m. in length
and the half width backdrop which is 1.36 m. in width
and 10 m. in length as well.
You can also have them custom cut to size.
So, if you have a limited amount of space in your studio,
if you have 2 m. of width, for example,
you can get them cut to size, perfect for your space.
In terms of storage for paper backdrops,
you will actually need to store them upright.
It's advisable to store them that way because if you do store them horizontally
or lying along the ground, if there is any weight placed on it,
it may cause the actual backdrop
or the backdrop core in the roll crease like so
and then that'll cause wrinkles in your backdrops
when you unravel that on your backdrop stand.
Also, you have to be mindful of humidity so when you're standing them upright,
just less chance of it actually encountering humidity.
Store it in its box as well so don't store it just open,
taped up stuff just like this.
It's always advisable to store it in its box or if it came with plastic.
In terms of storing cotton muslin, it's nice and easy.
You basically fold it up just like this.
Disadvantage would be that when you go to mount your actual muslin,
there will be wrinkles once you unravel that
and mount that up onto your backdrop stand.
A way to get around this would be to iron it out
or if you have a steamer available, you can steam out some of those wrinkles
and make sure you have a nice clean backdrop.
Storing them, it's as simple as folding them up
and if you do have a case or a little pouch
that comes with your cotton muslin,
use that to avoid any sort of dirt and dust
to get onto your backdrop
so that way you can use it for your next shoot.
And, when cleaning your backdrops,
cotton muslins, they are reusable, that's the advantage of them.
They are machine washable because they are made from cotton.
However, if they do get dirty,
you will simply just need to machine wash them.
That's the advantage of them versus paper.
With paper, they do have 10 m. in length
and if you use it while you're on your shoot
and your model steps on it, for example,
there are some footprints,
something gets spilt onto it or it gets torn,
you can simply just cut the actual lengths and pull out a little bit more
so that's why there is 10 m. as compared to the full-length muslin
which is only 6 m.
They're a little bit more of a consumable
compared to the cotton muslin.
The cotton muslins are reusable and that's their advantage,
however, paper is recyclable.
So, if you are, obviously, going through a few shoots,
one roll should last you about three or four shoots.
If it does get dirty and if your model does step on it
or your subject does, then you can go ahead
and just chop that off and recycle the paper.
Final P is production.
Production involves what you require the backdrop for,
whether it's a photo shoot or a video shoot.
Both of these backdrops come in a chroma key green colour.
You can see this cotton muslin here is a green colour,
perfect for video shoot.
So, if you're doing any chroma key work, whether it's just individual subjects
or a group of people in your actual video,
you can use these backdrops.
You can see the paper comes in a chroma key as well.
In terms of the different colours that are available for both backdrops,
cotton Muslims are only available in a basic range of solid colours
so you only have some really basic colours
such as white, black, grey, green, blue, etc.
There are tie-dye variants available for cotton muslin.
They're popular in photography.
Things like school photos, office photos, things like that.
They use tie-dye.
You can get really creative with tie-dye backdrops
and they're typically only available in cotton muslin.
Whereas in paper backdrops,
they do come in a wide range of solid colours.
Our spectrum range of backdrops come in over 30 colours
and so, if you're wanting to get creative
with just some plain shots, so if you're doing fashion shoots,
portrait shoots, they're perfect for that type of thing.
Some accessories to consider for your backdrop setup
would be backdrops stands, obviously.
If you're wanting to mount your backdrop,
look for a backdrop stand that has some sort of crossbar
so it allows you to mount through the rod sleeve
of the cotton muslin or through the cardboard core
of the paper backdrop.
Backdrop pegs, the backdrop pegs are great
for keeping the backdrop taught.
Especially if you're using cotton muslin or just mounting them to your crossbar
and making sure that your paper roller doesn't unravel when it's mounted.
And lastly would be some sandbags.
Sandbags are perfect to use with your backdrop stands.
With the legs on the side of your backdrop stand,
you can support them and make sure they're weighted
so your backdrops nice and sturdy when it's all set up.
So, that was a quick run-through the differences between
paper versus cotton muslin backdrops.
For more videos just like this, subscribe to our channel,
follow us on Facebook and Instagram @hypop
or visit our website, hypop.com.Au.
Thanks for watching.