Pure Black Backdrop From Lastolite

For the last few events we have had a black backdrop on loan from Lastolite. Here are our thoughts.

PROS!

• Easy to storage and handle
• Light and collapsable. I was surprised an object  9’ x 7’ would fold down so small  
• Produces deep rich blacks
• • Which enhances contrast and colour tones in final  printing. Previously the black has been an off black.  
    
• Increase Photographic Area
• • At every event there groups of people wanting to  be photographed together. Often groups are of up to 30 people. Although we  employ methods to fit these people in it is not easy when the width  available is only 7’. So the increase to 9’ may only seem small but it is  priceless!  
  • The material we have used in the past has meant  that to obtain a deep black rear the subject to key light has needed to be  small and the subject to backdrop greater. This obviously meant that the  subject/s could not stand up against the backdrop and that the  photographable area of the backdrop was diminished from 7’ to something  nearer 4’
    
• Time saving
• • The time saving was twofold. Firstly to just  unfold the new backdrop and clip it up against the hi-lite took seconds.  In the past trying to pin a sheet onto the Hi-Lite was so fiddly; having  to try and ensure every crease and fold was smooth was a nightmare!         
  • Secondly, cloning time was reduced. The blackness  is so rich and even we were able to print each image as shot without  having to adjust levels of contrast or brightness. This arose from the  fact that subject could stand a few millimetres from the backdrop without  producing a shadow. Obviously this means the photographer can position  subjects in the same position every time. Party goers natural instinct is  to stand as close to the backdrop as possible. As you can imagine if you  need them to stand on a mark every time, trying to manoevre drunk couples  and gangs of men above the din of a band or disco is not an easy  task!!!
    

CONS

• The internal steel is not rigid  enough
• • This leads to the top sagging down. At the moment  it could not even relly be used successfully leant up against a wall, it  would need to be clipped to a Hi-Lite or supported on  bracket and  stands
    
• Transparency
• • The backdrop needs a lining. At the venue we used  it at there was a mirror behind which reflected back our lights through  the backdrop fabric. Also if you intend to backlight or rim light then  again the light “glows” through the fabric. Space is often at a premium so  the lights and backdrop all are very close  together
    
• White Fluff
• • Any white fluff around seems to be attracted like  moths to a flame.
    

Conclusion
It was a  joy to use and made both my job (as the photographer) and my assistant’s job  (as the printer) so much easier than usual. When fully completed it will be a  gem to anyone wishing to use low key photography at events. I just hope it goes into production
I hope this is of use to you,.