Review on Professional Westcott 577K X-Drop Kit: 5 x 7 Feet White Backdrop for Exceptional Photography Results! by Melissa Cormier

I bought this as a quick and easy high school photo gadget as many schools in my area don't allow creative/artistic lifestyle portraits for Admit seniors yearbook. I thought it would be easy to set up and give me room to work since I mostly shoot my clients at home. My first impression when I opened the box and started unpacking was of my arms and legs. They are made from very thin and light aluminium, which will most likely bend and become unusable with the slightest rough treatment. The lower part folds open like a small lamp stand, and then each of the three legs can be pulled out. This will make the bottom half about 3.5 to 4 feet tall. The upper half consists of three separate sections of retractable arms that fit into a molded plastic center piece (lower half head). When fully extended, the stand reaches its full height, which actually appears to be over 7 feet. This is her case. Once the whole device is in place, it becomes so large and fragile that it feels like a slight breeze from a fan or someone walking by would knock it over. The footprint is so large that it is almost impossible to work in a small space. It actually takes up MORE space than my standard backdrop stand which is more durable and versatile. The background material is very thin and allows light to enter from behind in the backlit area. Also, I bought two more backgrounds and won't even open them. Although this set has some positive qualities. It's cheap and easy for those just starting out in photography, and there are plenty of beautiful patterned backgrounds. It should be fairly cheap and easy to make your own backdrop to this by going to a fabric store, buying 5x7 inches of your favorite patterns and adding grommets to hook them.3. It is extremely portable and comes with a nice carry case. In general. It's a nice concept, but I think it needs some more design work before it's really practical. I will return mine.