HOW TO SET UP A SEAMLESS PAPER BACKDROP AT THE STUDIO

When we opened up Brightside Studios, we wanted to provide more than just a space for photographers; we also wanted to empower them with the resources they need to bring their visions to life.

One skill that every photographer should master is setting up a seamless paper backdrop. We know that a properly set up seamless paper backdrop can make a world of difference in photography. Whether you’re a Dallas portrait photographer, fashion photographer, or a branding photographer, we've got a guide to help you set up a seamless paper backdrop quickly and efficiently. (Check out our video tutorial below for a quick how-to demonstration!)

Grab All Your Equipment and Materials

Here are the all the materials you need to get started:

• 2 C-Stands

• Clamps

• Sandbags/Tape

• And of course, your paper roll backdrop

SETTING UP YOUR BACKDROP STANDS

Decide where you want your backdrop to be and place your backdrop stands in that area. Set your stands at least one foot further apart than the width of your paper roll. Extend your C-Stands boom arms and position them facing each other. Slide your paper roll onto one arm and then place the other arm through the paper roll. Grab 2 sandbags and place each one on the back leg of each C-Stand.

UNROLLING YOUR PAPER ROLL

Once your paper roll is on your stands, it’s time to unfurl the roll. Unfurl several feet of paper until it curls back onto itself on the floor. If you want the paper to sweep onto the floor so your subject can stand on it, be sure to keep this in mind as you unfurl the paper. Try to keep the paper centered and taut to avoid creases and wrinkles. Once you have enough paper roll unfurled for your shoot, put a clamp on one end of the paper roll, at the top edge of where the boom arm is. This will prevent the roll from continuing to unfurl as you raise the backdrop (we’ve forgotten to do this a thousand times).

raising your backdrop

If you have an assistant or a friend, simultaneously raise each C-stand. Loosen the top knob and raise the stand together until you've reached your desired height. If you need the stand to be higher, you can loosen the bottom knob. Try to keep the top level and centered, and don't forget to tighten the knobs securely when you've reached the height you need for your shoot. If you don't require your subject to stand on the backdrop, you're all set! However, if your subject needs to be on the backdrop, you can unroll the portion of the backdrop on the floor until there's enough for your subject to stand on. Use sandbags or gaffer's tape to secure the edges of the backdrop.

If you need a visual tutorial, we’ve got you. Here’s a quick video tutorial we made, setting up our lavender backdrop.

Disassmebling your backdrop

Here are some steps to quickly take down your backdrop:

1. Remove the sandbags or gaffer’s tape from the edges of the backdrop. Allow the backdrop to curl and roll up to the base of your stands.

2. If the ends of your backdrop are dirty, you can use a utility knife to cut off the dirty edge. (Don’t forget to recycle this paper.)

3. Lower each stand starting with the bottom knob to a height where you can comfortably roll up the backdrop. Be careful to make sure the paper doesn’t crease.

4. Remove the clamps and start rolling up the paper (this is an arm workout, so prepare yourself)

5. Tape up the roll, take it off the stands and you’re done!