Got one of those fancy step and repeat backdrops and some carpet for your special event? Did it come with a cumbersome stand, screw on feet and wacky top and bottom poles? Yeah?…Me too but I upgraded to something better…
For the last 4 years, I have been an event coordinating geek with my fitness instructor friend, Mychele (aka The FRO from Get2Werk Fitness) One of the primary items we purchased was a step and repeat backdrop package. You can’t take red carpet photos without the classic backdrop with logos plastered all over it.
We selected the gold package from Red Carpet Runway, which included a backdrop, backdrop stand and carpet, all in a easy (read: large) carry all bag. The package was priced perfectly and suitable to our needs. I had no issue with the backdrop, carpet or even the carry bag, but the stand left much to be desired.
The Time Sink: You’re screwed!
The basic stand (shown left) with its many parts, can be found in several backdrop packages. (so it is not just Red Carpet Runway) The stand is lightweight and low cost and would work for small events like a birthday party or any place where set up time is not an issue. This stand is acceptable if it is never moved once assembled. It is wholly unsuitable for any event where fast set up and breakdown are key. In fact, it is a horrible time sink.
The basic stand includes:
- six (6) screws: (2 a hex key/Allen wrench; 4 knob screws)
- two (2) vertical stand poles
- two (2) base feet
- four (4) horizontal poles (top and bottom for the backdrop)
Putting this stand together, takes up a considerable amount of time. The base feet are screwed to the two vertical poles. The top and bottom horizontal poles are screwed into the vertical poles with the knob screws.
Did I mention the twisting and pulling of all the polls to make sure they are the correct length and height? No?…Well, once you’re done screwing around you can take more time to pull on poles.
For added fun, the top and bottom poles are labeled ‘top’ and ‘bottom’ and do not fit well if you mix them up.
Good luck figuring that out when you’re pressed for time and need to get the backdrop set up when your attendees and photographer are waiting. After a few sweat induced assembles at time sensitives events, I ditched this backdrop stand for something better.
The Photographer’s Backdrop Stand
After a year of time sink hell, I upgraded to a heavy duty photographer’s backdrop stand. The Ravelli ABSL Photo Video Backdrop Stand Kit ($99).
Why a photographer’s backdrop stand?
Because photography backdrops are heavy and made of paper (on a roll) or muslin (cloth). A photography backdrop stand has to be sturdy enough to withstand the weight of a roll of paper. Some stands, like the ABSL are heavy duty, which means it is more than capable of handling a heavy load with the bonus of added mobility.
Photography backdrop stands can range in price and quality. I chose the Ravelli stand because it was heavy duty and extends out up to 15 ft (width) and upward to 13ft (height). The Ravelli ABSL Stand is air cushioned, which means that the bar won’t collapse into itself at a finger crushing speed. Set up and breakdown with is extremely easy. Just a turn of a knob to expand the feet, the two vertical standard are ready to go. The horizontal poles connect together with a just a twist, in a male to female configuration. The poles attach to the vertical stands with a wingnut and a washer. The best part NO SCREWS!
Also, included in the ABSL package are two rubber covered metal clips/clamps. These clips are large and excellent for securing a backdrop. I highly recommend buying a set of 12 (Ravelli 12 Pack of Muslin Background Clips), they will come in handy and for under $20 the price can’t be beat. These clips are useful for backdrop stands with or without grommets.
If you’re an event planner, photographer, or anyone using a backdrop. You cannot go wrong with the Ravelli ABSL Backdrop Stand.
