chroma-key paper vs cloth

Hi,
I have a portrait studio. I’ve been cutting people out of a white background using Knockout II with supurb results. The problem is the time it takes, sometimes half an hour per pose to get it right.
I’m thinking of converting to blue screen. My search has turned up a number of dead links though which makes me wonder if this is the way to go. If anyone has any advise/warnings/encouragement I’m all ears. I have demo software (Primatte and Ultimatte) which is promising using demo photos but I would like to try them on my own blue backgrounds with my own lights before purchasing.

Which is better for backgrounds, blue paper which would be stiffer and would curve into the floor or cloth which is washable? What is the advantage for foam back vs normal cloth, is it stiff like paper? Hard to wash?

I also see special blue paint for sale, again I ask for any comments/advise.

And as long as I’m asking a million questions, software preferences anyone?

PS// For Hecate: I bought Katerin Eismann R&R 2nd edition as suggested last time I posted here. Most of it doesn’t apply to what I do but the remove wrinkle tutorial has actually earned me a kiss on the cheek! Kind of a handsome old fellow at that! Thanks.

Hi,
I have a portrait studio. I’ve been cutting people out of a white background using Knockout II with supurb results. The problem is the time it takes, sometimes half an hour per pose to get it right.
I’m thinking of converting to blue screen. My search has turned up a number of dead links though which makes me wonder if this is the way to go. If anyone has any advise/warnings/encouragement I’m all ears. I have demo software (Primatte and Ultimatte) which is promising using demo photos but I would like to try them on my own blue backgrounds with my own lights before purchasing.

Which is better for backgrounds, blue paper which would be stiffer and would curve into the floor or cloth which is washable? What is the advantage for foam back vs normal cloth, is it stiff like paper? Hard to wash?

I also see special blue paint for sale, again I ask for any comments/advise.

And as long as I’m asking a million questions, software preferences anyone?

PS// For Hecate: I bought Katerin Eismann R&R 2nd edition as suggested last time I posted here. Most of it doesn’t apply to what I do but the remove wrinkle tutorial has actually earned me a kiss on the cheek! Kind of a handsome old fellow at that! Thanks.

There is nothing special about the colors….If it were me and I had the studio space I would paint a wall. That way you can wash or repaint. I work in my dining room so I choose a portable system. I went with green as photos are more likely to have blues in them….but any color will work. Oh…and any flat paint will do ….don’t pay more for something "special".

PS// For Hecate: I bought Katerin Eismann R&R 2nd edition as suggested last time I posted here. Most of it doesn’t apply to what I do but the remove wrinkle tutorial has actually earned me a kiss on the cheek! Kind of a handsome old fellow at that! Thanks.