4 Ways to Hang a Backdrop including a corner and all the hardware you need to do it!

To sign-up for access to my exclusive tutorials, please visit johngress.com/academy
Click here for a full list of all the gear I use in the studio - shop.howl.me/JohnGress
In this video I go over all of the hardware you might use to hang a paper or canvas backdrop, including stands, wall mounted racks and how to use two matching backgrounds to form a corner.
Most of my backdrops are from Gravity Backdrops
Adorama howl.me/cjCnJyinMHf
Gravity Backdrops gravitybackdropsus.sjv.io/DK0Nmj
B&H bhpho.to/3NEXi2p
I bought the mole Richardson Rolling stands for about $165 each on ebay but you can buy them new for a small fortune.
Mole Richardson 8.3' rolling stand 40651A www.adorama.com/mr40651a.html
Kupo 40in C-Stand with Turtle Base Kit amzn.to/30lM2OF
Kupo 20in Extension Grip Arm with Baby Hex Pin
Adorama howl.me/cjFvMPOXrEi
Amazon amzn.to/3rPtOkG
B&H bhpho.to/415cPf1
Manfrotto Super Clamp
Adorama howl.me/cjFvn6P9p54
Amazon amzn.to/2JCCPZb
B&H bhpho.to/44t9c5t
Kupo 2 1/2-inch grip
Adorama howl.me/cjFvl0lfG7I
Amazon amzn.to/2Dm1LDY
B&H bhpho.to/3iIdbrU
Manfrotto 045 Background Holder Hooks Holds 3 Backgrounds amzn.to/3f0AxTz
Manfrotto 046MC Expan Background Holder Set 046 with Metal Chain - amzn.to/2Q1NAfa
Impact version bhpho.to/3knCqQI
Music: Evolution by Bensound bensound.com/

[@ThePanacon]

I appreciate the classic comedy aspect of this tutorial. A little bit of clumsiness and a tad bit of confusion makes a fun tutorial. 😅😅😅

[@JohnGress]

LOL apparently I am a natural comedian!

[@shannon.j]

So simple, but so helpful! Great video, thanks 👏 The super clamp method is handy for an extra wide or heavy backdrop too, as you can add a 3rd stand in the centre for extra support

[@EliInfante]

The stand on wheels is such a great idea, John! I'm going to try that out with my new canvas backdrop.

[@JohnGress]

Awesome! Sometimes I use the rolling stands with the pipe to flip the whole setup 180 with a double sided backdrop.

[@NeilSnapePhotography]

I use Manfrotto boom arm extensions fitted together going into a cardboard tube for my very heavy 3.5mx6m painted linen background. Otherwise for all other fabric backgrounds I use Ikea curtain extensible rods, cheap and efficient.

[@CharlesDunkley]

Perfect timing for me. I've been toying with the idea of throwing up a quick temporary backdrop and this video is just what I needed.

[@JohnGress]

Awesome! Right on time.

[@josesavant]

Excellent video John, thank you for sharing this valuable information!

[@JohnGress]

Sure thing! Thank you!

[@luisarevalo6112]

Great options for hanging beckground, I definetly like the first option since it fits my budget better. Just watching how this option was used was the best part. Thanks for a great presentaion!

[@JohnGress]

That’s great to hear. Thank you so much!

[@royantazo7248]

I always wondered how they put those painted backdrops together to make it look like a corner wall. The two 20 inch extension grip arm to hold the backdrop is also informative. The pipe with the super clamp is brilliant. Thank you for sharing this. I got 3 questions that got answered.

[@JohnGress]

Wow. Thank you so much! 🙏🏼

[@brunopires207]

Man, that last corner setup is simply GENIOUS. Thanks a bunch, keep up your great work!

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much Bruno! You are too kind.

[@elf.2702]

Finally!!! Great video man. I was struggling for months trying to build a fake room for a filming. This was really helpful!

[@JohnGress]

No problem! I’m glad it helped!

[@giovannamandel910]

Thank you, John. You saved me a bit of hand wringing deciding to go with Manfrotto or the cheaper plastic chain version of the triple. I have 3 Gravity backdrops is like to put on rollers and this just sealed it for me. Very informative video!

[@JohnGress]

Glad it helped. There’s more on that in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4rWpIeinJimlc0 After two years I just couldn’t live with the plastic chains another day. I think I tried saving $40 and it cost me a few hundred!

[@josephbutler525]

This tutorial is absolutely brilliant! You have saved me so much money and like one other commenter mentioned answered so many questions I had. Thank you and keep inspiring…😁

[@JohnGress]

Thanks! Glad it helped!

[@WatchThatFirstStep]

Great video. I want to try the corner setup... once I have some space. For now I'll look into rolling light stands. Thanks, John.

[@JohnGress]

Awesome!

[@maurice7978]

This video was so helpful! The metal bar and super clamps worked masterfully. Thank you.

[@JohnGress]

That's great to hear! Thanks Maurice.

[@DonKangolJones]

I’ve been wanting to set up some sort of corner with my backdrops and fabric for awhile. I think I’m gonna try this, except with some auto poles in my little home studio. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@JohnGress]

You're welcome! You can do it!

[@FeedbackWrench]

Absolutely amazingly helpful. Seriously thankful for this tutorial.

[@JohnGress]

Sure thing! Happy to help🙏🏼

[@tcvaldez]

Great information. Excellent explanation. Thanks. Keep them coming!

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much!

[@donnamariajones8960]

Love the catchy titles. Great explanation of why the overlapping drops need to go in the direction shown. Good stuff John!

[@JohnGress]

Thanks Donnamaria! Miss you!

[@paulpiasecki]

Always great content John!

[@JohnGress]

Thanks Paul! I really appreciate it!

[@Marykk1448]

Amazing tutorial! Thank you!!

[@JohnGress]

You're very welcome! Thanks!

[@SpotBentley]

I use 2 light stands with a one-piece steel rod to hold the backdrop. It works but can be a hassle to maneuver a 9-foot roll of onto a 10-foot pipe in a small studio when I have lights and other props in place. But I make it work.

[@lifescansdarkly]

Great tip on the Super Clamps, you just saved me $100 over buying a single-purpose backdrop holder.

[@JohnGress]

Oh! winning!

[@tic857]

Thank you for walking through the whole set up. I was able to rig something similar using an old college floor clothing rack.

[@JohnGress]

Nice. Thank you!

[@danienelphoto]

That steel light stand is fantastic looking!

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much!

[@Digmen1]

Hi John Great video I have been struggling with the traditional backdrop stands and bar. I really like your second system Those clamps look like they will make it easy

[@JohnGress]

Thanks! I am glad it was helpful. Like so many things in photography, there is more than one way to do everything.

[@user-kx4cu6rb3f]

This is so amazing. Thank you for sharing this

[@JohnGress]

You are so welcome! I am glad you enjoyed it.

[@chrisbegin5490]

Thank you John, well done

[@JohnGress]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@joepolophotography]

of course the same day I am looking for alternative mounting methods, you share this and it pops up on the front page before I search for it... bravo

[@JohnGress]

Perfect!!

[@joshuasilvers899]

I really enjoyed this. I revisited it today in fact.

[@JohnGress]

That is great to hear! Thanks!

[@rayokasali]

I think I just found a solution for my second backdrop stand. Thanks John. 👌

[@JohnGress]

Excellent! That is great to hear.

[@lawzoge5562]

Nice. I love the detailed explanation

[@JohnGress]

Glad to hear it! Thank you.

[@CharlieChalkFaeDundalk]

Very helpful, thank you.

[@JohnGress]

You're welcome!

[@angelaromualdo4163]

Super helpful, thank you!

[@JohnGress]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks!

[@daniaahmad4015]

This was sooo helpful! Thank you so much!!

[@JohnGress]

You're so welcome! Great to hear it!

[@elizabethlangphotography9652]

Love your videos. Thank you

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much!!

[@Javier.Elias.]

That was great, thanks!

[@JohnGress]

Thanks! Glad you liked it!

[@yaredabebe5185]

Simply you are amazing. Thanks 🙏

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much!!

[@SanGoku334]

Thankyou so much for the tutorial sir! :D

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much!

[@traviswallace]

Never thought about attaching two heads together like that. It’s a pain the 🍑 putting up and pulling down backdrops, especially changing it in one session. Super great video. Thank you.

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much!

[@chrisbellette9181]

The thinking bit was hilarious and awesome haha. Thanks for the video 😂🙌👌

[@JohnGress]

Ha! Sometimes thinking about shapes in 3D hard! 🤣

[@absolutestudios55]

super useful, thank you.

[@JohnGress]

Great to hear that!

[@DiviPhotos]

cool video great work

[@JohnGress]

Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@jacquelinejackson5191]

great video

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much!

[@bicycleninja1685]

Helpful, thank you!

[@JohnGress]

That is great to hear. Thank you!

[@tomkearney617]

Hey John, Just starting out with creating a photo studio here in LA. Primarily for headshots. Great info! Thanks man.

[@JohnGress]

No problem Tom! Best of luck to you in all of your endeavors.

[@JamesBoyer-plus]

Thank you. I think that I'll be experimenting with a lot of corners after this. :-)

[@JohnGress]

That is great to hear!

[@Jambo1999]

great tips

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much!

[@Herkulez1981]

Never tougy About Having two griparms. Now i i have a thicker pipe in there parts that works good when i use the full with paper backdrops that are around 2.75x11 meter. But when im shooting in my small homestudio i only use paper backdrops that are half as wide (1.36m ish) then i have to use 2 of the 3 pipes and it takes to much space. But with two griparms i can save alot of space in width and use them to put two backdrops together in a v. Excellent tip

[@JohnGress]

Great to hear. Thanks!

[@CallofPlastic]

Thank you

[@JohnGress]

You're welcome!

[@jer3006]

Great way to build a set with depth and make a corner where there is none. Thanks for these wonderful tips. I made sure last year I purchased 2 Grip Heads on my C-Stand Grip Arm for flexibility-did not foresee I might need 2 Grip Arms. 🤣

[@JohnGress]

IKR! Glad it was helpful! You might like this series I am working on - three more videos will post next weekend. kzbin.info/aero/PL2FsS8NtBTy5wKqDeNc3q3_twg30yTxCn

[@fatboicjfilms]

Thanks 🔥🔥🔥

[@JohnGress]

Thank you for watching!

[@Being_Joe]

Dued you saved me some money. I am going with the super clamp method and going down to home depot for some pipe.

[@JohnGress]

That’s great! 🙌🏼

[@TheFragranceGuy]

Thanks

[@JohnGress]

You're welcome!

[@bigwoofphotography]

Here is a question I cannot seem to find the answer to anywhere and would LOVE a video over. Where do you purchase your props / furniture like ladders (etc.). What are the key things to consider when buying online? Also curious where you get your backdrops - but that ones an easy answer (unless you are creating them yourself?!). The double sided is GORGEOUS. THANK YOU JOHN GRESS we appreciate everything you are doing!

[@JohnGress]

Thanks Krystal! The backgrounds I used in this video are from Gravity Backdrops. In the near future I am going to make a prop shopping tutoring for my website johngress.com/academy/

[@canadagoose62]

@@JohnGress Thanks, I was going to ask the same question re the backgrounds, just love them!

[@JohnGress]

Thanks’ 😊

[@curtisclement]

Always good content from you John

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much!

[@curtisclement]

@@JohnGress at least this time you didn’t give me too much GAS but gave me ideas to be more efficient in my small studio space

[@curtisclement]

What size backdrops are those?

[@JohnGress]

ha! sorry ;)

[@JohnGress]

Gravity Backdrops size medium. They're about 7' wide.

[@nicolecole2310]

Interesting video. I have autopoles I was fortunate to pick up years ago from a retiring photographer. It has the 3 rack system attached to it. Never thought of using the superclamps on top of lightstands. That is a great and flexible trick. I like your idea of not having things that aren't multipurpose. How do you store your backdrops when not in use?

[@JohnGress]

Very cool. I keeo them rolled up and leaned in the corner.

[@wolfgangk1]

Very good

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much!

[@defender7709]

THANKS

[@JohnGress]

You're welcome!

[@rickjbradbury]

lol those thinking pauses cracked me up. I do this as well with somethings even though I have done said things 100's of times. I am yet to shoot with canvas backgrounds... itching to pick a couple up though to give them a try.

[@JohnGress]

LOL They do cost a little more but they are great to have on set. =)

[@lgm9324]

Just got my pair of 20" grip arms!

[@JohnGress]

Great to hear! Enjoy your corn on the cob! ;)

[@tomharrop6166]

I just found your channel and really love all your great content! One quick question for you. I use the two backdrop setup quite often. However, I don't have the two sided backdrops like what you show. I'd love to pick some up. Would you share where you found those? Thanks again for all the great content.

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much! I had these made by Gravity Backdrops

[@EdwardLaurenson]

I didn't know Jeff Goldblum had a brother... :) Love your voice mate

[@vinodp76]

Superb and informative video. Thank you. Can you post the link for the backdrops, the specific brand that you used in this video demonstration ?

[@JohnGress]

Thanks! These backdrops are one of a kind from Gravity Backdrops.

[@tayoakinmulero]

Hi John, fantastic videos as always. 2 questions please. I know it’s from gravity but what’s the size of your backdrop and the ladder you used to climb, where did you purchase it from? Thanks

[@JohnGress]

Thanks! Most of my backdrops are there size mid, around 2m wide. The adder is an antique which was a gift from a friend.

[@2BSports]

Great info as always! Have you ever tried the Clot Studio backgrounds?

[@JohnGress]

Thanks! I have not. Just gravity and Storm. And then I’ve used Oliphant and Franklin while teaching in different studios.

[@2BSports]

@@JohnGress Thank you for replying! I am trying to get one that looks good, but equitable!

[@ludmila9070]

very informative video, i like your double sided backdrops, which brand are they

[@JohnGress]

Thanks! These backdrops are from Gravitybackdrops

[@ludmila9070]

@@JohnGress thanks! i like this idea with the grip arm, it's awesome.

[@petemcknight803]

Great tutorial John. I want to hand paint some canvas backdrops and the C Stands solution with super clamps would be ideal for these heavy canvases. And mobile. And useable for other things as well. One question. How tall should the C Stand be for most portrait shots? Would 10 foot be enough? Or would taller be better just in case. By the way, corn has absolutely no nutritional value. 🤣

[@JohnGress]

🌽🌽🌽 thank you so much! Most of my canvases are only nine or so keep mine. So I will be 40 c-stands are perfect. Maybe if I were photographing dancers I would regret them only being 9’ tall.

[@michaelcirlos150]

thank you john! can you recommend a good place to purchase some backdrops?

[@JohnGress]

Thanks! Mine are from www.stormbackdrops.com/ and www.gravitybackdrops.com/

[@mmknipser]

Thank you very much for that great piece of education, John. Where did you get this awesome double sided canvas from? Live in germany, and having issues finding canvas at all. Mario

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much. It was made by Gravity Backdrops.

[@mmknipser]

Thank you, John. Love your videos.

[@KamranDodhy]

Thanks for these lovely ideas. Just wanted to ask the material of these wrinkle free washable backdrops.

[@JohnGress]

Thanks! They are painted canvass backdrops and they aren’t washable. They’re wrinkle free because I keep them stored on a tube.

[@JudahEarlyliving4Christ]

Great tutorial! Where do you get your backdrops from?

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much. These are from Gravity Backdrops. but I also have backdrops from Storm Backdrops.

[@photographybyjanetlee6559]

Love your backdrops behind you in this video. Where did you purchase them?

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much! These backdrops are from Gravity Backdrops. You might also want to checkout Storm Backdrops.

[@photographybyjanetlee6559]

@@JohnGress thank you!

[@fellowcreator]

Amazing stuff as always, by the way those backdrops look soo different, what is that material mate......

[@JohnGress]

Thanks! They are painted canvas.

[@fellowcreator]

@@JohnGress aaaaah, thank you friend, gonna get them right now

[@octavianus8]

Hello! A link where can I buy this canvas? Please! 😊

[@valbou1089]

Thanks for this great video. Did you put adesive tape between the extremity of the backdrop and the tube to be sure it doesn't fall down before you put the clamp?

[@JohnGress]

Thank you. I think from eBay or Adorama. I gaffertape all of my backdrops to the tubes. I have a video tutorial on my website if you want to check it out and there is a three day free trial. johngress.com/member-exclusive-how-to-mount-a-canvass-backdrop/

[@valbou1089]

@@JohnGress Ok, thanks

[@valbou1089]

​@@JohnGress The video you told me about is very informative. Thanks.

[@Raquita]

can I ask where you are buying double sided backdrops? those are beautiful

[@JohnGress]

Thanks! I bought these from Gravity Backdrops but I also have some from Storm Backdrops.

[@elckler9821]

Hey John! What is the exact color of blue on your backdrop? Keep up the great work and content! 🙏🏾

[@JohnGress]

Thanks! It’s a custom painted backdrop.

[@elckler9821]

@@JohnGress do you know the color of the paint? Thanks for getting back to me so quickly!

[@JohnGress]

Sorry I don’t, I just had Gravity Backdrops make it for me after I showed them some inspiration images.

[@elckler9821]

@@JohnGress that’s unique! I got something similar, inspired by your background

[@cydneecimone7863]

Where did you get you backdrops from? I love the color

[@JohnGress]

These are from Gravity Backdrops. I also have backdrops from Storm Backdrops

[@misterlove7034]

Would you please link the backdrops you use?

[@peerlessportraits]

Hi John. What was the brand of brown /aquamarine backdrop?

[@JohnGress]

Its a custom backdrop from Gravity Backdrops

[@siemworks7078]

Righty tighty 🤩

[@JohnGress]

Right!

[@matthewcheung5136]

I need to grab some pvc piping to roll up my backdrop, friend of mine cut me off about 12 feet

[@JohnGress]

Awesome! I have a video coming out about that next month.

[@KelvinLIEWYOUHONG]

Where to buy the spare part for the tripod stand or diy it. Cuz my existing stand is lower i need to increase the height

[@JohnGress]

Sorry I don't understand your question. Could you be more specific or provide a time stamp?

[@PROgaming-fm6yu]

Hi John, Where did you get the vintage c stands from? thanks

[@JohnGress]

eBay.

[@petermiller6829]

Hi John, may I ask where you buy your backdrops ? Thanks in advance & regards Peter

[@JohnGress]

Sure, these are from Gravity Backdrops.

[@petermiller6829]

@@JohnGress thanks John

[@rahi.hasan.dreams]

can you please share link to the green/blue backdrops you have?

[@JohnGress]

It's a custom painted backdrop from Gravity Backdrops.

[@artandadventurerv]

Do you have to use an extra metal tube between the ends pieces? Or can you simply put the paper rolls onto the two end pieces?

[@JohnGress]

I’m not sure I understand but I don’t use metal tube. Just the plastic and paper ones I have the canvas backdrops attached to or the paper ones seamless comes on.

[@artandadventurerv]

@@JohnGress I just meant something stronger, bc I find painted canvas very heavy and sometime the bar sags.

[@MuhammadAbrar-kr5bs]

What is this roll in backdrop? Can you please provide any link to buy and see its specifications

[@JohnGress]

Thank you for watching the video! The blue backdrop you're referring to is a custom backdrop from Gravity Backdrops. Here is a link to where you can find more information: Adorama: howl.me/cjCnJyinMHf Gravity Backdrops: gravitybackdropsus.sjv.io/DK0Nmj B&H: bhpho.to/3NEXi2p

[@GerrickTaylor23]

What do you use to connect the canvas back drop to the pipes ?

[@JohnGress]

The short answer is I tape them on. There is a tutorial on my website, which has a three day free trial if you want to check it out. johngress.com/member-exclusive-how-to-mount-a-canvass-backdrop/

[@ROBERTDANIELSrobdanielsphotos]

where do you get your backdrops? do you make them yourself ?

[@JohnGress]

These backdrops are from Gravity Backdrops, but I also have Storm Backdrops.

[@artandadventurerv]

What kind of black pipe (8:13) are you using for the crossbar you said you got at the hardward store? Is is one that doesn't sag with the weight of a painted backdrop like pvc does? I want to hang a 12' wide X12' high painted canvas from a stand without it sagging at all. Is that possible? I feel like something like a wooden structure has to be built to make this happen.

[@JohnGress]

Its probably a steel pipe but I am sure you could configure something that would work from the plumbing section at Home Depot or Lowes.

[@stylez3656]

Question.... when you combine 2 backdrops, is that for a V flat effect?

[@JohnGress]

It’s so for the look.posing in a corner can be more dynamic than posing on a flat wall.

[@TheRightSideOfHistory]

I’m considering backdrop these days and I’m absolutely bummed about the dimensions. Can you please tell me what would be dimensions for a regular talking head style video where subject isn’t placed too close to the backdrop? Thanks

[@JohnGress]

That would be quite difficult to define given "too close" is open to interpretation, but you could always mount your backdrops horizontally for video so they're close to 3m wide.

[@valbou1089]

Hi, I listened about finding the 1/3 being lighter and consequently the top of the backdrop but it's not always very easy to tell depending on the light. On Gravity backdrops, do you know if the position of the reference written on the back of the backdrop is the top or the bottom of the backdrop?

[@JohnGress]

I have always laid them out on the floor and once I figured out which end was the top, I taped that end to a tube.

[@valbou1089]

@@JohnGress Ok

[@ErwinTan80]

Where did you buy that cool ladder?

[@JohnGress]

A friend gave it to me and I suspect it's older than me.

[@jaclynjacobs125]

What are the sizes of your backdrops? Thanks!

[@JohnGress]

The painted backdrops are size mid (medium) - Gravity Backdrops gravitybackdropsus.sjv.io/DK0Nmj
 Adorama howl.me/cjCnJyinMHf
B&H bhpho.to/3NEXi2p

[@valbou1089]

At the end of the video, we can see that you put the Manfrotto 035 super clamps in opposite directions. Is this for security?

[@JohnGress]

I think it just happened by chance.

[@valbou1089]

@@JohnGress Ok ^^

[@photoray002]

I was wondering, how do those PVC pipes (schedule 40/80 3inch?) hold up with a heavy canvas on them as far as sagging in the middle? I have some long canvas/muslin that are around 18' long. Or can the hand crank rollers handle 12'x18' rolls? On the hand crank rollers, does the metal chains work better than plastic? Someone said the metal binds and comes off the gear and is too short. Thanks.

[@JohnGress]

The plastic chains have turned out to be a total disaster and I will be replacing them with metal chains. In order to hold the weight of the backdrop and the 2" PVC pipes in place I have to tighten the non crank side. Then when I go to pull the chain, the plastic links snap!

[@photoray002]

Good to know on the chains. It apparently only holds 2" diameter pipe. I imagine 12' is gonna sag quite a bit with that small size. i would think aluminum pipe with be slightly better. Thanks for the reply.

[@JohnGress]

Sure thing. I think someone may sell 9' aluminium tubes for backdrops.

[@ahrongordonas5726]

what kind of backdrop did you used sir? i see that it have texture in it

[@JohnGress]

These backdrops are by Gravity Backdrops, but I also have some from Storm Backdrops

[@chitChatNexus]

where did you buy these backdrops , can i find plain white , and black in the same material , what do they callled?

[@JohnGress]

Most of my backdrops are from Gravity Backdrops Adorama howl.me/cjCnJyinMHf Gravity Backdrops gravitybackdropsus.sjv.io/DK0Nmj B&H bhpho.to/3NEXi2p

[@chitChatNexus]

Thankyou@@JohnGress

[@MuhammadAbrar-kr5bs]

What is this roll in backdrop? Can you please provide any link to buy and see its specifications I want to creat videos and need this kind of matt black or dark blue background I am wondering this is cloth, carpet, or paper or something else

[@JohnGress]

Thank you for watching the video! The blue backdrop you're referring to is a custom backdrop from Gravity Backdrops. Here is a link to where you can find more information: Adorama: howl.me/cjCnJyinMHf Gravity Backdrops: gravitybackdropsus.sjv.io/DK0Nmj B&H: bhpho.to/3NEXi2p