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Super easy hardware store light-backdrop stand
Tim Boesenkool has sent this awesome idea on how you can make a DIY backdrop stand that reaches all the way to the ceiling, without getting in a fight with your wife.
I have two sturdy light stands but with the work I'm doing it isn't really enough, and I'm tired of propping reflectors on wobbly chairs etc. Because I don't have excess room I needed something with a small footprint as well.
So cruising around the hardware store I discovered a great cheap, no assembly required solution and I have two stands for under 50 bucks.
Go to the paint section and see if you can find painter extension poles that twist lock. This is important, the have to be the twist lock variety that can be extended to any length. (About $20 each.) There are painter poles that use pin locks, but these won't work. Next walk over to the plumbing aisle and get a toilet plunger head. (About $3 each.) Make sure you get the big black ones. Chances are good that they use the same thread and you shouldn't have a problem twisting the plunger head onto the painter pole.
When at the till, make sure you have some explanation ready, because you will get funny looks standing in line with a 4-12 foot toilet plunger. I just mumbled "the toilet in the basement keeps plugging up". I've rarely seen a more confused look on a store tellers face as she tried to figure out whether she was dumb and not getting what I was talking about, or if she thought I was a serious idiot. I had a good chuckle on the way to the car and congratulated myself on my ingenuity.
Here is how the pole and plunger fit together
Now to use the poles. Just push plunger up against the ceiling until the plunger pops inwards. Then make sure the pole is on the floor, sturdy and straight. Twist lock the handle while keeping upward pressure and you have a cheap reasonably sturdy lightweight, transportable lightstand. The plungers should even form a suction lock on the ceiling. I've used these in rooms with an angled ceiling as well, and they worked perfectly up to 12 feet. Be careful in clients homes because the rubber can leave dark rings that need to be wiped off.
Be careful not to crank on clamps on too hard or you will collapse the pole, but it should be capable of holding at least a light or a roll of paper between two poles.
Also It may be a good idea to cover the plunger with something to avoid marks on the ceiling. You can use a Nylon Baggy or a balloon cut in half. (David and PANZERWOLF, thanks for the tips).
If you liked this article you might also be interested in other backdrop articles:
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Comments
Very cool, but how is the
Very cool, but how is the roll attached to the two poles?
Clamps
If you are looking for a versital ruggard clamp look for the Brewster Clawclamp
clamps. look at the picture.
clamps. look at the picture.
clamps
I can't tell what kind of clamps from the picture. Could we have a pic of just the clamps up close?
I can't tell form the photo
I can't tell form the photo either and can't find anything that would work at the Home Depot page or at http://www.justclamps.com/catalog.htm More info or a link to a product would be great!
Clamps
The clamps I'm using are actual photo clamps that I bought at an auction. Reasonably cheap effective clamps is one of my next projects to figure out.
Thanks for the update on the
Thanks for the update on the clamps. That they are photo clamps explains why I can't find them at Home Depot. BTW, This is an awesome idea. Many thanks for sharing!
Clamps
How about scientific clamps???
http://www.bestlabdeals.com/CLAMP_HOLDERS_p/usmp075.htm
Cross Bar question
Can we get a detailed picture of the photo clamps?
hey, how do this do on drop
hey, how do this do on drop tile ceilings? You know, like in offices.
backdrop holder #2
Hey Folks,
Great minds think alike. I found something similar but less fussy.
They're called 'quick support rods' and they're designed to hold wallboard up while you put screws in.
Features:
-Length range of 5'3" to 9'5"
-Ratchet/lock type extension mechanism with screw type feet and a twist-to-tighten system for LOCKING in place.
-Very well built and rated at 200lb each
-The rathet holes in the bar allow a thick zap-strap to be threaded through to hold a horizontal bar for a backdrop.
-Only $30cdn each
-Can be used (with a photographic super clamp) as a floor-to-ceiling light stand/bar.
This will be all you need, HANDS DOWN. Email me if you want detailed and close up photos.
And, no, I do not work for either Home Depot.
Here's the Home Depot link:
http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogSearchResultVie...
More Info:
Model: T74500
Internet/Cat #: 976549
Store SKU #: 1000151401
Hope that helps!
Cheers,
Slackeye.
on drop ceilings, you can
on drop ceilings, you can suspend from the frame using clamps and/or lightweight rope. Just pop up a few tiles and replace when done. Don;t go TOO heavy though
Great minds think...
...alike?
I've been doing this with 8th grade photography classes for the last few years. Boy, do they get a kick out of the "two story outhouse" comments. ;)
Get a third paint pole to use as the cross piece and you can vary the width of the whole works. Narrow for tight spaces, and wide for larger group portraits.
stronger poles
Note that if you choose poles with larger diameters, they will be more resistant to buckling. Physics is your friend.
stronger poles
The only (or first) ones I found were at Home Depot in Canada. If anyone finds a company that makes poles with a wider diameter, please post the name and where you bought them. It would be handy to have a heavy duty version.
stronger poles,
great idea, for stronger poles try swimming pool suppliers, they have extendable poles for cleaning swimming pool equipment !
light poles
A great Idea made better. Im a construction contractor and use what we call "the poles" For blocking off areas we dont want dust or flying debris to enter. These poles have a non skid boot on both ends. They pinch off a drop cloth or plastic sheet between a ceiling and floor. They are made of a steel tube (not aluminum) so theres a lot more ar arr but not unreasonably heavy. Ive used them for an extra hand holding up kitchen cabinets, a custom built mantle, and I have a shorter one I use for a load lock in my Van. These poles "click lock" to the main height. You twist the pole to out thread the boots and expand it tight. The version I have expands from about 6'too about 10' the shorter one 2.5-about 5 feet. I know your waiting for names and numbers...It looks like in a logo kind of way made by a company called ITASK. I tried to google and didnt want to look past the first three results. It took all my good samaritan efforts to run out to my truck and bring in a pole. The company has "quick support rod" printed on the side. I have seen these poles listed in the back of builder/remodeling magazines such as "Fine home builder" Companies that sell slip on booties or rolls of plastic so you dont track dirt through home owner houses or commercial projects. The bigger poles were 25 bucks @ jay-k lumber in New Hartford NY and 5 bucks less @ HEP in Auburn ny. Ive seen cheesier versions in the field but love what I got from this manufacturer. While Im on a roll there is a variety of pole clamps available at "Tractor Supply" or "Farm and Family" Type stores. Look in the Fastening Tubeing such as Dog Kennel parts section.
Dgar12863@aol.com
link to supplier
Hi Dave,
can you post a link to an online supplier of those?
- Udi
Thank You!
Can't Thank You enough for your post!!! I'm just starting out my Photo business and am {like all artists} on a tight budget! Your info really helped out a gal who's really not very good at following directions but at least I now have an idea where to start looking for pre made poles. I realize they may be a tad more$$ but on a time limit this will really help !! THANKS AGAIN for SHARING
What's a balloon cat?
What's a balloon cat?
got me!!
A balloon cat is a special cat that allows you to remove stains off ceilings.
no, really - it was a typo, thanks for the catch. I fixed it.
Instead of toilet plungers
You could use the rubber feet for Crutches found at most drug stores. They might look a little more natural and are designed not to leave marks. No Baloon cats necessary.
Instead of toilet plungers
When I was cruising the hardware temple of DIY, I tried some rubber caps like you suggested. I went with thoilet plunger heads because you can push them in and they maintain a couple inches of downward spring force pressure. They also create suction on a smooth ceiling which helps to really steady them.
Great Idea
This is a pretty cool trick. I've been wanting to create a simple, affordable, portable backdrop system for shooting in-home portraits and this is perfect. Thanks for the idea.
Back ground paper
Thanks for the instruction - What do you think is the best paper to use as a backdrop roll?
Background paper
After MUCH experimenting, I find the best paper is actual photography seamless paper from a photography store. Other cheaper papers either dont reflect light back or will reflect it back with odd color casts. I also recommend cheap muslins, we have an article on these at L7 Foto, you can get good muslins for under $50.
Background paper
I agree with KerryG. After trying some other roles of paper I've found that the best is actual photo backdrop paper. Its a little more expensive but the results certainly make up for the difference. You can do some reasonably simple tricks to help protect your $50 (or so) investment.
A good art eraser can help to remove scuffs or dirty marks off your paper.
Roll your paper back up when you aren't using it, dust can really stick to it.
If you can get help from someone when rolling or moving your paper you can avoid those big moon shaped creases that happen when it folds wrong.
If you are shooting someone standing on your precious paper, give the soles of their shoes a quick wipe with a rag. And lay down another large piece of scrap paper for them to walk in and out of the scene on. Sounds picky but I've had to toss 10 feet of paper for a couple dirty footprints before.
Also flip the roll, before slicing into new paper. Its got two sides!
HAHAHAH!!!
Flip the roll! I never thought of that! I LOVE IT!!! :)
Clamps for BG pole
Is there a name or P/N of the clamps for this? also, how thick is the pipe that holds the roll of BG material? What does a roll of seamless paper weigh?
thanks!
Clamps, and Cheap Backdrop Stands on Ebay
Hey, This seems like another good idea. I've also been searching for clamps for this project. I've two painter's poles in my trunk right now. Has anyone found a good source for these clamps or a picture of what they look like? Also, this DIY is pretty cool, but does it beat the cheap stands I see on ebay? It looks like they are between $50-$70 with shipping included. Just thinking out loud. Keep up the good work.
clamps
I picked up a bag of various size alligator clamps at Wal-Mart for about $5 from the Hardware section. Not sure if they would work for holding paper rolls in place, but they are great for keeping muslins and other cloth backgrounds in place as well as for keeping paper rolls from unraveling . They are heavy duty plastic and they come in pairs from extra small to extra large and all have a pretty strong amount of tension.
Plunger Covers
Throwing a rag over the plungers may prevent marking the ceiling. A more elegant solutions may be something like a hotel shower cap or a berret.
YOU ROCK!
dude you totally rock!!! And, I can't believe you are so kind to share all your information from making backdrops to this with other cheap photographers. Thanks! :-)
Quick support rod
Here is the link for the support rods, they are made by TASK http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prodmap_151401_151401_...
Model: T74500
Store SKU #: 151401
Adjustable Rubber Face
Fast Ratchet Action
Cushion Grip
They expand 5'3" - 9'5".
At Home Depot, (not available online) for 29.98
Cheap place to buy portable heavy duty backdrop stands
Hi - I loved reading thru these articles and great ideas. But, after adding up the cost of DIY pricing - I found a website that sells a fully portable, heavy duty backdrop system for $89 - $129 for everything. I just purchased an entire system with 3 crossbars for $129. I am very price conscience...here is the website - I have also ordered muslins from them and they are fine and cheap...here you go: http://www.skaeser.com/servlet/Categories?category=BACKGROUND+SUPPORT+SY...
I hope this helps those penny pinchers like myself. My website is:
http://www.photosbyjennifersell.com
Good luck!
Diy prices
I've found that a combination of DIY pieces and store bought items seems to be the most conducive to work flow. At some point you need your materials to look a touch more professional, but at the same time you can get away with a lot of DIY items that a client wont have any clue about.
Back drop hooks
Great idea!! I did it with the heavy duty poles and they are very strong, I would not hesitate to have a model standing on a back drop in front of those poles. They are solid and will safely cary the weight. I would be hesitant to do the same on a cheap system using light stands.
I used big steel hooks for holding the back drop pole. I mounted them high enough by using tie rap (optional) and then wrap the rest of it in Black electrical tape. This way they are solid! At 5$ each also cheap. The hooks are made of steel and are probably made to hook up a chain to them for towing vehicles. Also they are curvy and not sharp in anyway. If they would fall on someone they would not cut the person!
Excellent idea those telescopic poles!!!!
Poles
I am currently doing photography for a football team. It involves some portrait work for the individual players, not just action shots. This is a wonderful idea, and I just wanted everyone to know how well it worked!!! Thank you!
plungers don't fit poles?
Am I the only one who can't find plunger heads with the same sized threading as the poles... I took all the poles I could find (from painting and cleaning supply) to the plumbing section of Home Depot and none fit... the plungers threads were too large! :(
For those of us here in
For those of us here in Canada, Canadian tire has poles for drywall etc for about $36. I stumbled across these looking for clamps that could work for this project. Heres the link
http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_...
I plan to build mine like in the tutorial myself, just for cost reasons, but it may work for people who cant find plunger heads to fit the painting poles
Brilliant!
I plan on making one or two to bring along for light placement in tight corners. I am a video producer and often find myself in less than plenty of space.
THANK YOU!
SWeet Deal
I went to home depot, and i sprung for the even taller set. which seemed strong besides being longer. up to 16 feet. Hopefully i won't have to take it outside or find someone with a ceiling over 16 feet. lol. If they have a ceiling that's over 16 feet, they should be paying enough for me to have extra pro equipment right? lol. Anyway, thank you for posting this. i had a few people in the street ask what they were used for, i told them my dog was stuck in a well and i need something to reach him. They gasped and were like why don't you call 911, but then said i was jk lol. I guess i pushed it lol. But it was funny non the less.
Hardware Store Stands
I just built two of these stands today. They cost a little more for me because Canadian retailers are scam artists, but other than that I haven't found a better solution for this kind of thing. Kudos.
cool!
I'll have to try this... I'm fixing to start a studio in my tiny dining room. I'm definitely on budget and this is exactly what I've been looking for! Thanks!
Totally awesome idea. Can
Totally awesome idea. Can someone help me out with figuring out what kinds of clamps to use and how to attach the seamless paper to them? I'm lost. Do I attach a C-clamp the upright pole and then a SuperClamp to that and clamp the SuperClamp to the seamless paper? Do I drill an A-clamp with a bolt through it so I can attach a SuperClamp? I totally need some help.
Thanks!
Clamps
Hi Namir,
The hole and Superclamp idea rocks, If you have a Superclamp it is definitely worth trying.
A clamp similar to the one in the pic is a simple tabletop clamp like this one. (it is the first one I got from google, you can go for any other brand, now that you have a picture)
You can use the "table mount" to attach to the vertical poles and the real clamp to hang the extra pole.
Great, thanks! The tabletop
Great, thanks! The tabletop clamp is a good idea. I picked up a few C-clamps at Home Depot and I'm playing around with a few different setups. This is a killer idea, though, especially since I can scale it easily for 5-ft seamless for portraits or the full roll for full-length or couples shots.
Thanks! I love this idea!
Thanks! I love this idea! I've read all the suggesting comments too and will be making a trip to the hardware store soon! Perfect timing too as I just got a job that I needed this for!
Possible suggestion for the claps. I was told A-Clamps work best for holding up the majority of things that the poles will be able to handle as well. Just a thought. I'm going to check them out myself. Got a few ideas brewing in my head as well, but won't post them until I know how to make them work. lol
Clamps
We'll since your only method of clamping the backdrop pole, is by using photography clamps, Can you please, kindly give us the name brand, or even the type of clamp that is in the picture. It would be highly appreciated, thanks.
DIY Backdrop update, with detailed photos..
Hey everyone, I posted a while back about my Home Depot setup. I finally got a little DIY section started on my website:
http://www.slackeye.com/index.php?page=23&tp=7&sub=98&title1=Do%20It%20Y...
Enjoy, and email me if you have any other ideas you'd like to document and post on slackeye.com
Cheers,
RG.
e: editor@slackeye.com
Perfect in a Pinch
I photographed a baby just this past Friday and used this backdrop stand creation with a 9x12 painter canvas drop cloth... it worked perfect... thanks for sharing!!!
Careful on popcorn ceilings
I would be careful using it on ceilings with popcorn ceilings as it may knock good chunks of it off. Otherwise, awesome idea.
Amazing
Wow! Some ideas are so simple after we see
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