bobby bruderle , Sep 06, 2010; 11:59 a.m.
Hey Everyone,
This is my first post...been a fan of the site for some time though. Really appreciate all the knowledge put out there!
I need to shoot group portraits (approx 8 people) on white, portable backgrounds. It is for a semi nude charity calendar that I have shot two years previously.
I know from experience that I need at least 18 feet of back drop. My question is, what is the best way to hang multiple rolls of paper background? I have a background kit, but this can only accommodate a 10 foot roll. Is there some standard way to do this, possibly with c-stands? Is there a trick to avoid having seams between rolls?
Thanks so much for the help!
Bobby
Michael Axel 
, Sep 06, 2010; 12:55 p.m.
Bobby, Whenever I photograph something this large, I use a painted wall, usually a studio (my own or a rented one). Do you have a wall you can shoot it against? Miller Paint makes a neutral white paint specifically for photography studios.
bobby bruderle , Sep 06, 2010; 01:21 p.m.
Hey Michael,
Thanks so much for the response. The issue is that we are not going to be using studio space, and will have to setup/breakdown for every shoot. Also, the subject's feet will be in the shot, so we will need to have an infinity edge.
Henry Posner , Sep 06, 2010; 05:21 p.m.
Photek Background Support System Including Stands, 12' 4-Section Crossbar, Bag (Mfr #
S-4010-4) plus their Add-On 12' Crossbar Kit for Fabric Background System (Mfr # S-4022K) should be ample. If that's too wide you could drop the 12' kit and get the Extension Set for Background Support Systems - Includes: 2 Crossbar Extensions & Stand Mfr # SXT-18 (The extension package includes two 3' extensions plus an additional support stand.) Another option would be the Center Extension Piece for Crossbar Set - 3' (91cm) Mfr # S-4033.
I've used this. It's a 2-person setup and teardown, but it'll handle the width you need and if you take care with the setup and the stand placement, it's reliable.
IMO with paper, seams are unavoidable, even if you lap the edges and tape them. Muslin or canvas would help there, but to get the background taught you'll want a case of A-clamps. The widest muslin B&H sells is 16'. The length is up to 30'.
Henry Posner
B&H Photo-Video
bobby bruderle , Sep 06, 2010; 05:50 p.m.
Hey Henry,
Thanks so much for the suggestion. I spoke with a Key Grip I know earlier today and he gave me what he thinks would be the easiest option.
He said to take two 10' aluminum pipes and connect them using a speed-rail coupler, and then attach the pipe to c-stands using mafers. He also suggested using tie-downs to pull outward on the top of the stands, to reduce bending.
Had I known about it earlier I may have gotten the photek kit, but I already have a background kit.
Thanks so much!
Marios Forsos 
, Sep 07, 2010; 05:49 a.m.
You could also make a simple, cheap stand and cover it with whatever you have available - check www.diyphotography.net for ideas, diagrams, etc.
