In the September issue of Professional Photographer, we published the first part of Stan Sholik's look at the ins, outs, and applications of different types of backgrounds, "Background Check, Part 1: Getting real," which covers seamless paper, muslin, canvas, fabrics, cyc walls and other real drops. In the October issue, Sholik covers virtual backgrounds.
As a complement to the article, click through for a list of background designers, manufacturers and retail sellers with live links and information on the types of backgrounds they sell.
Adorama
www.adorama.com
Distributor of a wide variety of background products from Savage, Studio Dynamics, Photek, as well as their own lines and a wide variety of chromakey background products
Amvona
www.amvona.com
On-line distributor of canvas and muslin backdrops, background support systems, lighting equipment, tripods, bags and cases, and chromakey backdrops
Artistic Backgrounds
www.artisticbackgrounds.com
Hand-painted scenic, floral, and old masters photography backdrops on canvas or muslin in the USA. Artistic Backgrounds also has hand-dyed muslin photography backgrounds
Backdrop Factory
www.backdropfactory.com
USA manufacturer of custom 100% cotton muslin backgrounds with many styles in stock.
Backdrop Outlet
www.backdropoutlet.com
Canvas and muslin backdrops, background stands, roller systems, track systems, props, clothing and accessories
Backdrop Source
www.backdropsource.com
On-line distributor of canvas and muslin backdrops, background support systems, lighting equipment, tripods, photo software, chromakey backdrops and low-cost background CDs
Background Artistry
www.backgroundartistry.com
Individually hand-painted backdrops on canvas and muslin in the USA. Signature-Series muslin backgrounds are painted on a heavy-duty material that is stretched and painted like a canvas giving the quality and look of canvas with the light-weight and portability of muslin.
Backgrounds by Maheu
www.backgroundsbymaheu.com
Individually hand painted canvas, muslin or windowshade backdrops to buyer’s specifications. Stock and custom designs as well as props and support systems
Blue River Digital
www.blueriverdigital.com
Can create custom, computer-produced backdrops from your original photo or digital file. Printed on fabric or vinyl
BSR Manufacturing
www.featherlight.com
Manufacturer of FeatherWhite Ultra, a tearproof, dirt-repellant backdrop, that's specifically designed to replace white seamless paper for high-end photographic applications
Calumet Photographic
www.calumetphoto.com
Sells Calumet, Studio Productions and Westcott backgrounds, seamless paper, background supports and stands, cyc infinity walls, Bogen, Lowel and Photek products
Chicago Canvas and Supply
www.chicagocanvas.com
Supplier of raw canvas and muslin, as well as dye for the do-in-yourself backdrop maker
Creative Backdrops
www.creativebackdrops.com
USA creator of custom 100% high-density cotton muslin backdrops. Each backdrop is two-sided, with one side more muted than the other, for two different surfaces
Denny Manufacturing Company, Inc.
www.dennymfg.com
Manufacturer and retailer of photography backdrops on canvas and muslin, digital backdrops, photo backgrounds, digital backgrounds, background stands, roller systems, sports backgrounds, photographic custom backdrops, sports backdrops, green screen, blue screen, photography studio equipment, photographic supplies, photo props, portable backdrops, scenic backdrops
Les Brandt
www.lesbrandtbackgrounds.com
Specializes in custom, hand-painted backgrounds on canvas or muslin.
Owen’s Originals
www.owens-originals.com
USA manufacturer of hand-painted canvas and muslin backdrops. Photographic backdrops, photo backgrounds on canvas and muslin. Scenic photography backgrounds, muslin backgrounds and backdrops, digital backdrops and backgrounds, studio equipment, photo lighting
Photek
www.photekusa.com
Backgrounds-in-a-Bag. Hand painted on one side to create an "old masters" effect (an important plus to the portrait photographer) the reverse side is offered in its solid color for other photographic uses. Because the material is not
completely opaque, the backgrounds respond very well to additive color through the use of gels
Pro Cyc
www.procyc.com
Manufacturers modular cyclorama background systems, most constructed of ABS plastic.
Savage Universal Corporation
www.savagepaper.com
Background paper, background stands, lighting, tripods, posing tables and stools
Set Shop
www.setshop.com
Supplier of the widest variety of backdrops, props and accessories for commercial and portrait photography
Signature Backgrounds
www.muslin-backgrounds.com
USA creator of standard and two-sided muslin backdrops, hand-painted canvas and muslin scenics and brush-painted canvas and muslin backdrops
Silverlake Photo Accessories
www.silverlakephoto.com
Two-color, three-color, four plus-color hand-painted backdrops on heavy 100% cotton muslin. Scenics backdrops and props also
Studio Dynamics, Inc.
www.studiodynamics.com
Wide selection of hand-painted canvas and muslin backdrops as well as a range of props, backdrop carrying bags, a motorized backdrop lift system, background stands and crossbars
Studio Productions, Inc.
www.studio-productions-inc.com
Durable translucent “gossamer-like” backdrops that can also be used as an opaque backdrop or layered for unique effects
Superior Specialties, Inc.
www.superspec.com
Seamless background paper, scenic textured backgrounds, fabric backgrounds, patterned backgrounds, graduated backgrounds, background stands and accessories
The Grand Manner Studio
www.grandmannerstudio.com
Individually hand-painted scenic backdrops in the style of the great oil painters such as Sir Joshua Reynolds and Gainsborough. Also available for custom painting in your studio. Recommended by Phillip Charis
Virtual Backgrounds
www.virtualbackgrounds.net
Manufacturer and retailer of front projection systems including transparencies. Will make transparencies from digital files.
The Woolie, Inc.
www.woolie.com
Everything you need to create your own mottled backdrops, including how-to information







Comments (1)
I need windowshade rollers! does anyone have a source other than dennys?
Posted by Bradford | October 9, 2006 3:08 PM
Posted on October 9, 2006 15:08