Walter –
Yes, Perspex would be cool, but it costs an arm and a leg here: the tiny piece I bought to make up the US number plate thinggy for the car was surprisingly expensive for what it was, and my other problem is storage space. It could probably be stored under a bed, but my Ann would be turning herself into a dust storm if she thought I was hiding stuff under beds - don’t want to risk her ire, I want to keep her at and on my side!
Regarding your little platform: that was something I often dreamed about in my pro days, but I never had a studio with a high enough ceiling (Paul Simon’s fault) for such luxuries, and I think I pay the price today: my back used to ache doing full length shots, because I was inevitably crouched too low for comfort or a chair. (I always followed my little golden rule: if you can get the rear and front edges of the skirt to be in line on the screen, then you’re roughly at the right height. (Proved difficult and misleading with minis, though…) Neither could I ever get the flash high enough to get what I wanted from it, something that’s not solved in this new set-up either.
Eric –
“Congrats on getting it built, Rob. I look forward to some portraits.”
Don’t be silly, I didn’t build anything - the terrace was already there! ;-)
To be shamefully honest, Eric, the idea came about years ago, as did the making of the support hooks, of which I still have a spare pair that may be utilised some day at the other end of the same terrace to support another roll; but don’t let me hold my breath! The problem (apart from laziness) has always been background material that can live outdoors and not go soggy and out of shape with the incessant dampness from the sea air that pervades this place. Paper, as in Colorama rolls, is useless.
Actually, coming up with good work may prove difficult in a situation where the light is constantly changing - I may end up masking off all the daylight with yet more blinking sheets or blankets - like making a tent! What have I started for myself? Best to work at night!
Keith –
I forgot to add in the earlier reply to your post: using long rolls that go under the subject for a few feet was quite an expensive trick in terms of wastage; I used to tape up the soles of models’ shoes with masking tape, but the paper still failed to stay clean for a second session. In an outside situation with the constant dust problems here, it would be worse (in terms of real cost) with the expensive plasticised blind material, though perhaps that can be washed slightly. Better the occasional PS!
Thanks for the good wishes!
Rob C