Two main sources of traditional seamless photography studio backdrop paper.

During over forty years of studio photography I have interchangeably used Super Specialities seamless backdrop paper or Savage backdrop paper. Presently we have primarily background paper from Savage because they sent it for evaluation (it works fine). But in past years we have used backdrop paper from Superior. Indeed the best material I have ever seen was a synthetic white backdrop material from Superior Specialities in Japan. But the US company did not know of this material (it was circa 1996, when FLAAR was hired by the Japanese National Museum of Ethnology to do a feasibility study for their museum on scanning and digital asset management.

Superior makes traditional seamless background papers in dozens of attractive and subtle colors, scenic background material with texture, fabric backgrounds (muslin) and graduated backdrop material. Of the traditional background papers, one blue and one green are chroma key compatible.

Superior Specialties has a clever eye-catching theme, female models dressed entirely in backdrop paper.

Superior Specialities also sells gaffer’s tape and naturally offers photography backdrop stands.

Superior specialities background paper.

If you prefer synthetic material for backdrop paper

 You can try FeatherWhite Multi, FeatherWhite Ultra from BSR Manufacturing. We have no experience with this material (don’t have any), have not noticed it at any trade show, so are unable to comment on it until we have it available. It may very well have been at hundreds of trade shows but with thousands of products displayed, unless the booth is very special, we may not notice the products

If you need a backdrop in the form of paint

Rosco makes many kinds of “photographic backdrop paint” Rosco also makes Cinefoil and Photofoil which are useful to have around the photo studio.

First posted June 21, 2006.

Available by october 2008 Available by octuber 2008 Available by october 2008 Available by october 2008 Available by october 2008

Nicholas Hellmuth’s Medium Format Digital Camera Initiative For over 40 years Nicholas Hellmuth has used Rolleiflex and Hasselblad cameras to record the flora, fauna, and archaeology of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. Now for several years he is extending his medium format experience to digital photography. Since FLAAR works both in a studio as well as out on location, we are an ideal focus for judging portability. We have experience with large format digital scan backs (the excellent BetterLight) and we also use Nikon and Canon digital cameras. A full-service digital pro should have at least one medium format digital system and should consider large format digital options as well. Although we started with a Leaf Valeo 22 coupled with a Mamiya 645 AFD body and lenses, we are open to showcasing all bodies as well as other digital backs. Indeed we have tested an Imacon 4-shot back on a Hasselblad H1 body. Then (February 2006 onwards) we are evaluated a MegaVision black-and-white dedicated back for fine art photography. Next we are testing a 33-megapixel Phase One P 30. Since 2008 FLAAR has used a Phase One P25+ (a great way to update an aging Hasselblad ELX body with its excellent Zeiss lenses). Camera resellers or manufacturers who wish to have their cameras, lenses, and backs included in this initiative are welcome to send their equipment for evaluation. FLAAR is the de facto source of information because we have been university based, independent, blunt, and we are one of the few review sources that dares to review advertising specs, advertising claims, and advertising hype. We can afford to reveal all the pros and cons because FLAAR is a research institute. Photographers feel they can trust a university research professor who has devoted years to understanding the pros and cons of each aspect of a digital camera system and workflow. Notice you are not blinded by blinking, flashing, or pesty ads for low-bid camera stores on a FLAAR photography review. I am always amused by a pseudo-review that obviously is simply paid to send you to a camera store. You can download our colorful FLAAR Reports on our medium format digital camera initiative.