Using Bed Sheets as Backdrops

I am el cheapo when it comes to spending money, and these days being cheap is not such a bad thing, with the prices of everything on the rise, and that includes gas prices, sometimes it feels darn right good to get a deal these days.

Case in point, Muslins (Muslin is often the cloth of choice for studio sets. It is helpful in masking the background and helping to establish the mood or feel of different scenes. It can be painted to look like countless different settings, and if treated properly it can become semi-translucent).

You can find Muslins at different sizes, colors and prices, now as for me I like the word “Free”. Got an old sheet stuck deep in your closet? Use it for your backdrop!!! It’s just that simple, but wait there’s more interesting and creative ways to use that old sheet as a backdrop. If a sheet is smooth and out of focus in the background, it should work just fine. You can also try Goodwill or other thrift shops for curtains, sheets, etc.., which might work as well. I have often use a white bed sheet as a reflector in the studio.

IF you make the decision to use a bed sheet, please at least use an iron on it, some people like seeing a wrinkled effect, but thats not for me, I won’t leave home without ironing my clothes. I've used sheets many times, random fabrics, shower curtains, even brown craft paper, just anything I could get my hands on, try it, you will never know, sometimes the results will surprise you. When I use sheets as seamless backgrounds, I would hang them and clamp them on the sides so they would be tight and smooth as possible.

A friend of mine uses some tarp clips and ball bungees, and he does not iron them. Three per side works fairly well - top corners to stretch horizontally across the bar, bottom corners to pull it down and tight, then middle sides to pull any remaining wrinkles out of the middle.

Also try fabric stores; they are a great place to find backgrounds. The selection is unlimited and you can save a fortune. If you do decide to use bed sheets as a backdrop just shoot a shallower depth of field so it's not in focus and it works great.

Well that’s it for now, so if you need a quick backdrop, don’t go and buy one just use your trusty old bed sheet and happy shooting!!!