Abstract: A photographer's backdrop includes a spunbonded olefin material which is prepared according to several methods. According to one method of preparing the material, the material is softened by crushing it to break down the fibers in the material and render it more supple prior to the application of paint or dye. According to another method of preparing the material, acrylic paint, spray enamel, or soluble dye is applied to the material. After the material is completely dried, it is crushed (again) to assure a soft supple quality. Preferred aspects of the invention include: using a spunbonded olefin having the characteristics of DuPont TYVEK.RTM. #1422R which has one side which is relatively absorbent and another side which is non-absorbent, applying paint or dye to the relatively absorbent side of the TYVEK.RTM., and crushing the TYVEK.RTM. before and after painting or dyeing.