Hey Guys,

I am a pet photographer based in Toronto, Canada. I recently shot 45+ dogs on a paper seamless grey background. The photos turned out well, but it takes me forever to clean up the floor (in Photoshop) from all the claw marks, drool, etc. I was wondering if anyone has used a different material for a seamless background with any luck. In particular I am looking for a background that will not show scratch's from all the dogs. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Jason
www.jasonkb.com
blog.jasonkb.com

The only thing that doesn't show scratches is a mottled muslin. My canvases even scratch up. Or, you could do high key white. Mine doesn't show any scratches or dirt, even if it is there

I have great luck with whit Vinyl from B&H. They also have black and Chroma-Green. It wipes off easily between sittings of muddy feet.

I use it outdoors as well as in warehouses, etc with great results.

I'm going to have a look at the vinyl. Thanks Jim and Julie.

Jason

Jason, I don't know if you are working in a studio or on location. If you are in a studio, a roll of white paper and white tile board work AWESOME to not show scratches. The tile board gives a nice reflection to anchor the subject. Its cheap too. I use a Mr Clean eraser to clean off any shoe scuffs from human clients and a dust mop to clean off dog hair(and a vacuum later) It doesn't scratch and doesn't get dirty.

Julie, you left out MAGIC. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, it is the best invention since digital sensors.

I've been trying to find the best way to do this, too.

Julie, using the white vinyl for the floor of the shot w/white seamless background is what I am going to switch to! This Christmas was a nightmare, I used the huge roll of white, unrolled so the dogs/people were on it. PITA!

I have found that the "matte" versions of vinyl (about 5" wide) from Joanne Fabrics are working really nice for single/couple shots. Made the mistake of getting a blue vinyl that had some shine to it to use for the Humane Society shots I do...will be taking that back and getting something else as it looks like total crud. I went thru a roll of blue seamless with the dogs there in about 2 months, so I need something to last a bit longer. Plus they don't like the sound of the paper, the vinyl is quieter and there's no wrinkles to deal with.