Using an old American Flag

[75jules]

I was given and old American flag by a client which is also a popular fast food chain. They took it down and replaced it with a new one and was not sure how to properly dispose of it and thought I might could use in my photography business.

Here is my question. Can I hang it properly and use it for a backdrop for photographs?

Thanks for any advice you can offer.

[coasterville]

I guess the best advice is: Look at the flag and its condition. Does it still, in it used condition, look like the proud symbol of a nation.

Unless we are talking about an oversize flag, you might also want to ask yourself, will the clients who are paying for the photographs notice the flag isn't in top form, and is it really worth the $25-$50 (for most common sizes and materials) you save with the used flag.

I'm imagining you plan to have it on a staff to one side of the subject, similar to many military portrait photos.