Whatever form a photography backdrop may come, they remain a crucial part of any photograph. They spell the failure and success of a photograph. Choosing the ideal photography backdrop may be quite tricky though.
Outlined here are some main points to consider when choosing a photography backdrop that will enhance pictures plus two do-it-yourself photography backgrounds that can be easily made.
Whether the subject of the photography is persons or objects, there remains a variety of photography backdrops to choose from. From criteria like color to texture and materials, the options are limitless. To name a few, types of photo backdrops include fabrics, paper, MDF sheets, and portable backdrops like V-flats.
Types of Studio Photography Backdrop
Here are some types of photography backdrops that can be used in a studio:
Fabric Photography Backdrops
Photography backdrops made of fabrics like canvas or muslin are quite popular due to their portability and availability in a wide variety. Overall, canvas backgrounds are heavier and bulkier than their muslin background counterparts. Canvas offers more depth and color. Muslin photography backdrops are made from cotton and are therefore lighter than canvas backdrops. Muslins come in different styles too.
1. Wooden Boards
Often used as a product photography backdrop, there are a great variety of affordable wooden boards that are available in the market. Old table tops can be repurposed as wooden boards photography backdrops. Wooden pieces can also be easily found in thrift markets and antique shops. When looking for a more creative and polished look, wooden boards can be readily done.
2. Paper Rolls
Paper rolls have a variety of widths. They are also available in different colors. One advantage of paper rolls is that they are most affordable. They are difficult to store though and a major drawback when using paper rolls is that they crease easily which can be evident in the photographs taken. And because they crease easily, paper rolls are not quite portable.
3. Medium-density Fiberboards or MDF sheets
Medium-density fiberboards or MDF sheets are often preferred because of the desirable smooth background that they offer. They can also be painted to achieve the color desired. And they can be repainted and reused. Sizes of MDF sheets also vary and they are available in most local hardware. They are lightweight and can easily be stored without taking up a lot of space.
4. Vinyl photography backdrops
Vinyl backdrops can be solid or printed backgrounds. Solid vinyl backdrops evoke drama and mood because of their matte design. They come in various colors too from the very basic black, gray, and white to pastel colors.
Printed vinyl backdrops on the other hand are comparable to that of printed paper backdrops and the only main difference is the material used. Vinyl material crumples less compared to paper backdrops. Vinyl backdrops also are in various designs to fit the mood one wants to achieve and is ideal for many themes.
The size of vinyl photography backdrops ranges from 5×7 feet to up to 10×20 feet.
3. Pop-up photography backdrops
Photography backdrop pop-ups are portable and collapsible backgrounds like V-flats. They are ideal for photographers shooting on location or with limited space. They are also available in different colors and textures. As versatile as they are, they often have a reversible side. It is like having a 2-in-1 backdrop. They are also fairly inexpensive. They can however be limited in size when doing full-length portraits.
4. Velvet material photography backdrops
This backdrop requires a more do-it-yourself approach as most retailers do not sell velvet-specific backgrounds. Photographers desiring to use this backdrop can buy velvet materials with the dimension of choice. Velvet material can then be hanged using backdrop clips.
The type of photography backdrop material one must choose should be given careful thought depending also on the photography subject, color, texture, and size.
Photography Backdrop Color Choice
Color is one of the prime elements of photography together with light. It can affect everything in the photo such as the composition and visual appeal that can catch the viewer’s attention and mood. Understanding color must be a priority to ensure making the most of this element.
Photographers must think of what they want the photos to be. Is it going to be bright? Or does it need contrasting colors or complementary colors perhaps? Or are subtle hues more applicable?
Photography Backdrop Textures
Texture like light and color is also essential in portrait photography. Manipulating texture even a bit can add to an image but it can form distractions as well. Familiarity with incorporating texture into photographs is needed.
When texture in the background is too much, viewers can be lost to it. Thinking of the subject and what texture is appropriate for it must be done carefully. Sometimes photographs require a smooth and clean background and other times a more textured surface is more appropriate.
Photography Backdrop Sizes
Another element to consider is the size of the photography background. Certain types of background are more appropriate when photographing full-length portraits and some are ideal for close up and product shoots. Some backdrops are smaller in size and more portable.
Photographers must not be limited by the photography backdrops size and must come up with ways to work around available backgrounds.
Do-it-Yourself Photography Backdrops
When resources and time allow, making a DIY photography backdrop is pretty basic. Following are two examples of how to make backdrops with basic materials and supplies available in hardware or art stores.
1. DIY Canvas Backdrop
Materials needed are:
- A blank piece of canvas fabric
- A large sheet of plastic
- Polyvinyl acetate or PVA glue
- Various colors of paint to color the base, wash and splatter effects
Lay the canvas fabric on the floor that is laid over the plastic (to avoid stains when working indoors). Color the canvas fabric with desired effects.
2. DIY Wooden Board Backdrop
Materials needed are:
- Wooden surface as background
- Wooden surface as the base
Steps in making DIY wooden boards:
- Think about the shot. Determine what colors will work well with the desired shot. Envision if it will be needing a darker or lighter color and an older or newer look.
- Create the basic board. If a board is not yet available, make one by joining together pieces of wood pallets
- Age the wood by burning the wood (preferably in a well-ventilated space as it creates a lot of fumes)
- Add the base color
- Apply a color wash
Remember to choose a photography backdrop according to the type of material, the color or design element, the size and portability, and the price range.
