How to get backdrop to stick to wall.....

[Jam]

I have a challenge.



A client asked me for a photoshoot.

they want it in their "hallway"

But the background is "ugly"

So we agreed I could cover the background, but I'm having a challenge

I'm attempting to test this out on my own hallway to see how I can do it.



1) Hallway is about 4feet wide

2) The BACK of the hallway has an ugly door and the client wants a "clean" background

I planned to put a cloth background and make it from wall to wall.

my challenge is - how do I get the background cloth to get to / and stay attached to the wall.



I'm adding an image to make it more clear.



I do not have the luxury to attach the background to the wall. I'm trying to use "blue painters tape" and then will remove in post.



any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[LeicaEye]

I would suggest renting a studio and doing the whole shoot professionally. Lighting and setting up in the hallway would imho be somewhat iffy.

 

[SoCalAngler]

I have a challenge.

A client asked me for a photoshoot.

they want it in their "hallway"

But the background is "ugly"

So we agreed I could cover the background, but I'm having a challenge

I'm attempting to test this out on my own hallway to see how I can do it.

1) Hallway is about 4feet wide

2) The BACK of the hallway has an ugly door and the client wants a "clean" background

I planned to put a cloth background and make it from wall to wall.

my challenge is - how do I get the background cloth to get to / and stay attached to the wall.

I'm adding an image to make it more clear.

I do not have the luxury to attach the background to the wall. I'm trying to use "blue painters tape" and then will remove in post.

any suggestions would be appreciated.

I needed to do the same thing.

I used an adjustable width cargo load bar that I have in my pickup and placed that about six inches from the ceiling. To distribute the pressure forces from load bar I put an 8"x"8" piece of 3/4" plywood between the wall and the ends of the load bar. I had glued some some felt to the side of the wood against the wall to protect the wall. I then draped a bed sheet over the bar. Since the sheet wasn't long enough to balance without the long side pulling the short end I tied some nylon rope to two clamps I had with enough length to attach to a dumbell resting on the floor.

It did take two people to get the load bar and the wood pieces in place.

I happened to have everything I needed at home including the plywood pieces that I had left over from another project.

Art stores like Michaels often have have suitable precut and shaped wood pieces designed for plaques or other art that could be used. Also 2mm or 3mm foam could be used instead of felt to protect the wall.

Adjustable curtain rods or hanger rods did not have enough tension to hold the sheet in place without additional support.

 

[ishwanu]

A client asked me for a photoshoot.

they want it in their "hallway"

But the background is "ugly"

... The BACK of the hallway has an ugly door and the client wants a "clean" background

I must say I don't understand the client's point of choosing that specific area, then wanting to conceal some of the characteristics of that specific area. Do you understand it rather than choosing an area that already has a nice background? Maybe it makes sense if it's just a head shot or upper body shot and you're going to use the side walls as light reflectors.

 

[SoCalAngler]

A client asked me for a photoshoot.

they want it in their "hallway"

But the background is "ugly"

... The BACK of the hallway has an ugly door and the client wants a "clean" background

I must say I don't understand the client's point of choosing that specific area, then wanting to conceal some of the characteristics of that specific area.

I had the same thought.

Do you understand it rather than choosing an area that already has a nice background? Maybe it makes sense if it's just a head shot or upper body shot and you're going to use the side walls as light reflectors.

When I did my setup it was it was head and shoulders shots with a single main light and using the walls to my advantage. Someone came to me who couldn't afford to pay a pro and asked me to try to get some shots for them to have ready for the next day. It took me 30 minutes to figure out the setup and get it in place. I didn't like the constraints of the hall but it was I had to work with on short notice and I didn't have the proper light modifiers to work in a larger room in my home or their home. Worked better than I through it would.

--
If cameras and lenses can have autofocus then why can't I?

 

[john isaacs]

I have a challenge.

A client asked me for a photoshoot.

they want it in their "hallway"

But the background is "ugly"

So we agreed I could cover the background, but I'm having a challenge

I'm attempting to test this out on my own hallway to see how I can do it.

1) Hallway is about 4feet wide

2) The BACK of the hallway has an ugly door and the client wants a "clean" background

I planned to put a cloth background and make it from wall to wall.

my challenge is - how do I get the background cloth to get to / and stay attached to the wall.

I'm adding an image to make it more clear.

I do not have the luxury to attach the background to the wall. I'm trying to use "blue painters tape" and then will remove in post.

any suggestions would be appreciated.

I would use paper for a cleaner backdrop (no wrinkles). I assume this is for headshots or waist shots and not full length. Cut a piece larger than needed for the hallway, tape it to that cross bar and tape it to the walls. You can get white painters tape, which won't leave any color spill if someone gets in front of it.

 

[SoCalAngler]

I would use paper for a cleaner backdrop (no wrinkles). I assume this is for headshots or waist shots and not full length. Cut a piece larger than needed for the hallway, tape it to that cross bar and tape it to the walls. You can get white painters tape, which won't leave any color spill if someone gets in front of it.

Paper would indeed most likely provide a cleaner backdrop if it can be cut and hung without wrinkles or creases.

My wife pointed out to me many years ago that I could put wrinkles into steel plate.

 

[Jam]

I would suggest renting a studio and doing the whole shoot professionally. Lighting and setting up in the hallway would imho be somewhat iffy.

Client doesn't want that.

 

[Jam]

A client asked me for a photoshoot.

they want it in their "hallway"

But the background is "ugly"

... The BACK of the hallway has an ugly door and the client wants a "clean" background

I must say I don't understand the client's point of choosing that specific area, then wanting to conceal some of the characteristics of that specific area. Do you understand it rather than choosing an area that already has a nice background? Maybe it makes sense if it's just a head shot or upper body shot and you're going to use the side walls as light reflectors.

The client asked for it. so I guess it doesnt matter WHY.

 

[LeicaEye]

I would suggest renting a studio and doing the whole shoot professionally. Lighting and setting up in the hallway would imho be somewhat iffy.

Client doesn't want that.

I never met a client who wants an unprofessional environment.. Surely you are better than this makeshift circus..

 

[Jam]

I have a challenge.

A client asked me for a photoshoot.

they want it in their "hallway"

But the background is "ugly"

So we agreed I could cover the background, but I'm having a challenge

I'm attempting to test this out on my own hallway to see how I can do it.

1) Hallway is about 4feet wide

2) The BACK of the hallway has an ugly door and the client wants a "clean" background

I planned to put a cloth background and make it from wall to wall.

my challenge is - how do I get the background cloth to get to / and stay attached to the wall.

I'm adding an image to make it more clear.

I do not have the luxury to attach the background to the wall. I'm trying to use "blue painters tape" and then will remove in post.

any suggestions would be appreciated.

I needed to do the same thing.

I used an adjustable width cargo load bar that I have in my pickup and placed that about six inches from the ceiling. To distribute the pressure forces from load bar I put an 8"x"8" piece of 3/4" plywood between the wall and the ends of the load bar. I had glued some some felt to the side of the wood against the wall to protect the wall. I then draped a bed sheet over the bar. Since the sheet wasn't long enough to balance without the long side pulling the short end I tied some nylon rope to two clamps I had with enough length to attach to a dumbell resting on the floor.

It did take two people to get the load bar and the wood pieces in place.

I happened to have everything I needed at home including the plywood pieces that I had left over from another project.

Art stores like Michaels often have have suitable precut and shaped wood pieces designed for plaques or other art that could be used. Also 2mm or 3mm foam could be used instead of felt to protect the wall.

Adjustable curtain rods or hanger rods did not have enough tension to hold the sheet in place without additional support.

thank you this is very helpful. I will see what I can do to match your design.

 

[Jam]

I would suggest renting a studio and doing the whole shoot professionally. Lighting and setting up in the hallway would imho be somewhat iffy.

Client doesn't want that.

I never met a client who wants an unprofessional environment.. Surely you are better than this makeshift circus..

I don't understand. if I have a paying client that asked for something unique and personal to them --- you are suggesting it' not correct???

Think this through before you speak.

 

[jp pietro]

I have a challenge.

A client asked me for a photoshoot.

they want it in their "hallway"

But the background is "ugly"

So we agreed I could cover the background, but I'm having a challenge

I'm attempting to test this out on my own hallway to see how I can do it.

1) Hallway is about 4feet wide

2) The BACK of the hallway has an ugly door and the client wants a "clean" background

I planned to put a cloth background and make it from wall to wall.

my challenge is - how do I get the background cloth to get to / and stay attached to the wall.

I'm adding an image to make it more clear.

I do not have the luxury to attach the background to the wall. I'm trying to use "blue painters tape" and then will remove in post.

any suggestions would be appreciated.

I needed to do the same thing.

I used an adjustable width cargo load bar that I have in my pickup and placed that about six inches from the ceiling. To distribute the pressure forces from load bar I put an 8"x"8" piece of 3/4" plywood between the wall and the ends of the load bar. I had glued some some felt to the side of the wood against the wall to protect the wall. I then draped a bed sheet over the bar. Since the sheet wasn't long enough to balance without the long side pulling the short end I tied some nylon rope to two clamps I had with enough length to attach to a dumbell resting on the floor.

It did take two people to get the load bar and the wood pieces in place.

I happened to have everything I needed at home including the plywood pieces that I had left over from another project.

Art stores like Michaels often have have suitable precut and shaped wood pieces designed for plaques or other art that could be used. Also 2mm or 3mm foam could be used instead of felt to protect the wall.

Adjustable curtain rods or hanger rods did not have enough tension to hold the sheet in place without additional support.

thank you this is very helpful. I will see what I can do to match your design.

based on the photo, consider an adjustable shower curtain rod

 

[LeicaEye]

I would suggest renting a studio and doing the whole shoot professionally. Lighting and setting up in the hallway would imho be somewhat iffy.

Client doesn't want that.

I never met a client who wants an unprofessional environment.. Surely you are better than this makeshift circus..

I don't understand. if I have a paying client that asked for something unique and personal to them --- you are suggesting it' not correct???

Think this through before you speak.

As a professional, having done weddings, street, vacation & general shoots, no way would I have accepted a job that includes those parameters.. How can a hallway with a sheet hanging in front of a door be a professional environment! Maybe You should think before answering..

 

[Gato Amarillo]

what I can do to match your design.

based on the photo, consider an adjustable shower curtain rod

That was my thought. Use A clamps or binder clips to hold the fabric -- you'll need 3 or maybe 4.

You may need a steamer to smooth the fabric.

Gaffer's tape would probably work, but might pull the paint on the wall, so I like the rod.

Like the first reply, I'm wondering how you plan to light this setup.

Gato

 

[ZorSy]

I have a challenge.

A client asked me for a photoshoot.

they want it in their "hallway"

But the background is "ugly"

So we agreed I could cover the background, but I'm having a challenge

I'm attempting to test this out on my own hallway to see how I can do it.

1) Hallway is about 4feet wide

2) The BACK of the hallway has an ugly door and the client wants a "clean" background

I planned to put a cloth background and make it from wall to wall.

my challenge is - how do I get the background cloth to get to / and stay attached to the wall.

I'm adding an image to make it more clear.

I do not have the luxury to attach the background to the wall. I'm trying to use "blue painters tape" and then will remove in post.

any suggestions would be appreciated.

It would help If you knew the exact width of the corridor. If I had to do similar, I'd go the the local hardware depot and buy cheap white roller blind (sorry for referencing to the local store, this is an example https://www.bunnings.com.au/smart-home-products-120-x-210cm-white-basic-indoor-roller-blind_p0044689).

It is semi rigid, rolled onto the roller (hence no creases and is crease proof to some extent), flat in appearance so no reflections + pure neutral colour - for AUD$17 , you cannot go wrong.

then if it does not fit to exact width, you can use Velcro strips (picture hanging kits, one side to the frame, the other to the wall, can hold quite a weight depending on the size https://www.bunnings.com.au/command-large-white-adhesive-picture-hanging-strips-4-pack_p3950291) and use that to attach the blind to the rear end (over the ugly doors or whatever). Or just throw the roller over the door as the bottom is self weighted to keep straight. The velcro things have a pull-tab for removal and will not damage the wall. I use them everywhere.

If the width of the roller blind is close to the corridor width, you can shim it with something until jammed hard (like wood or polystyrene)

 

[Jam]

I have a challenge.

A client asked me for a photoshoot.

they want it in their "hallway"

But the background is "ugly"

So we agreed I could cover the background, but I'm having a challenge

I'm attempting to test this out on my own hallway to see how I can do it.

1) Hallway is about 4feet wide

2) The BACK of the hallway has an ugly door and the client wants a "clean" background

I planned to put a cloth background and make it from wall to wall.

my challenge is - how do I get the background cloth to get to / and stay attached to the wall.

I'm adding an image to make it more clear.

I do not have the luxury to attach the background to the wall. I'm trying to use "blue painters tape" and then will remove in post.

any suggestions would be appreciated.

It would help If you knew the exact width of the corridor. If I had to do similar, I'd go the the local hardware depot and buy cheap white roller blind (sorry for referencing to the local store, this is an example https://www.bunnings.com.au/smart-home-products-120-x-210cm-white-basic-indoor-roller-blind_p0044689).

It is semi rigid, rolled onto the roller (hence no creases and is crease proof to some extent), flat in appearance so no reflections + pure neutral colour - for AUD$17 , you cannot go wrong.

then if it does not fit to exact width, you can use Velcro strips (picture hanging kits, one side to the frame, the other to the wall, can hold quite a weight depending on the size https://www.bunnings.com.au/command-large-white-adhesive-picture-hanging-strips-4-pack_p3950291) and use that to attach the blind to the rear end (over the ugly doors or whatever). Or just throw the roller over the door as the bottom is self weighted to keep straight. The velcro things have a pull-tab for removal and will not damage the wall. I use them everywhere.

If the width of the roller blind is close to the corridor width, you can shim it with something until jammed hard (like wood or polystyrene)

Thanks. I’m looking into this now

 

[ZorSy]

My links by mistake have ). at the end.....

 

[photolando]

I have a challenge.

A client asked me for a photoshoot.

they want it in their "hallway"

But the background is "ugly"

So we agreed I could cover the background, but I'm having a challenge

I'm attempting to test this out on my own hallway to see how I can do it.

1) Hallway is about 4feet wide

2) The BACK of the hallway has an ugly door and the client wants a "clean" background

I planned to put a cloth background and make it from wall to wall.

my challenge is - how do I get the background cloth to get to / and stay attached to the wall.

I'm adding an image to make it more clear.

I do not have the luxury to attach the background to the wall. I'm trying to use "blue painters tape" and then will remove in post.

any suggestions would be appreciated.

The hallway is 4 FEET wide?! AS someone who shoots thousands of headshots every year, I do not even see how that is possible. How are you lighting it? If their walls are white you're going to get a lot of fill no matter how you light it. I don't even see how you get a light stand with a decent modifier on there without taking up at least half of the hall. Even small umbrellas are at least 36 inches. Clamshell maybe. Still tight. Light the background directly behind the subject. Clean it up in Photoshop.

--
Mike

 

[A-Marc]

A client asked me for a photoshoot.

they want it in their "hallway"

But the background is "ugly"

... The BACK of the hallway has an ugly door and the client wants a "clean" background

I must say I don't understand the client's point of choosing that specific area, then wanting to conceal some of the characteristics of that specific area. Do you understand it rather than choosing an area that already has a nice background? Maybe it makes sense if it's just a head shot or upper body shot and you're going to use the side walls as light reflectors.

The client asked for it. so I guess it doesnt matter WHY.

it makes no sense to satisfy the customers wishes if the outcome and quality will suffer under the circumstances. Its a common misconception that the customer wishes need to be treated as a primary goal, when the wishes involve a bad outcome or sacrifice the quality, it will reflect back onto you. You never gonna be able to argument afterwards, that the client asked for it, and now he has to live with a compromised outcome. The customer will either pay less or will never book you again.

Better be professional and point out problematics before hand and show alternatives to solve problems to produce the best outcome possible. The client isnt the photographer and doesnt know about the craft. It is the responsibility of the craftsmen to perform the work. That is what the customer pays for.

If the customer still wants the shoot in the hallway, you talked about it before hand and a compromised outcome is what both parties know to be expected.