The Machine (A photographic background)

There is a light coming from the top of the set, is it built into it, or do you place it every time?

I am going to start building and painting some sets this fall and am looking for ideas.  Any information you can give me on the materials you used, how much a set like this costs to build, and any other information you think I should know would be greatly appreciated.  Do you build them on wheels, or is it stationary?

I do agree with Ryan, I think you need a more rustic, worn look to it.  Have you ever done any faux painting?  That might do wonders.  A rust colored wash over the whole thing.  Another idea might be to use a tungsten light source on the background.

Oh, and I like the image.  I am actually glad to see you doing photography like this again.  I, for one, like your style and was a little disappointed when you said you were going to change it.  Not that that's necessarily bad, I just wasn't too impressed with the direction you were going.

Travis

I was wondering the same thing as Leen was, about justifying the elaborate sets, although if you build something timeless you can use it for years... 

I agree with Travis, it needs a bit more of a worn look.  I work for a company that has wedding backdrops and some of them have an antique finish that the manufacture calls "attic" style.  Basically they take metal arches, paint them white and sand down the corners so they look worn and so the bare metal is showing through.  I am guessing the set is probably wood, you could still make it look a bit more antique with a creative paint finish.
I don't have a studio so I haven't considered building backdrops, but I am acquiring quite an arsenal of props.  A local florist made a bunch of silk flower bouquets for me.  They are for brides to borrow for bridal pictures.  I am looking for a pretty white umbrella, I haven't checked online but I can't find one locally. 


But, just for the record, I like the image of the senior you posted. 

I did check out Benji's site.  I am jealous of some of the sets both outdoors and indoors.  I think the application of this backdrop with this particular senior was the best.  Being a girl I wouldn't choose it, but I still think it is pretty cool.

Building sets doesn't have to be expensive.  It is more a matter of creativity, time, and a place to store them.  I live in a townhouse in the city.  My space is somewhat of a premium.  Travis' house is much larger than mine. 

I have a couple sets in mind, nothing as elaborate or single-use and Benji's, but they will probably just stay in my head forever.

I am not saying it can't be used for girls.  I just personally wouldn't choose it, I am really girly    I like it for kids and boys though.  Although it would be great for a girl if she is looking for an industrial look, it's just not grungy enough for my taste to be the urban/industrial look I personally like.
And for the record, I never said it was a single use thing!  I love the idea of sets, as long as they are practical, easy to move, can be used for multiple things and if you have a place to store them.

I really like it with the darker background....

the one thing that jumped out at me is that the gear that he is leaning on looks funny....it doesn't look like it is real or even useful piece of equipment....it made me think of a large wooden wire spool and not a gear.

that is just the first thing that popped out at me