{"id":799,"date":"2019-10-06T10:23:21","date_gmt":"2019-10-06T14:23:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dev.wordpress\/?p=799"},"modified":"2023-02-15T11:50:29","modified_gmt":"2023-02-15T16:50:29","slug":"buying-guide-photo-studio-backdrops","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/buying-guide-photo-studio-backdrops\/","title":{"rendered":"Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Studio Backdrop for Your Photo Shoot"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Ready to take the plunge and set up your own photography studio? You\u2019ll need to find the perfect space, purchase some lighting equipment<\/a>, and of course, find the best camera<\/a> to capture your subjects with. But what about the background? Each element of a photograph has the power to add to or detract from its overall appeal, which is why it\u2019s important to pay close attention to every single detail that you include in the photo\u2014even the studio backdrop. After all, what\u2019s behind the subject is just as important as what\u2019s in front of it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Photography backdrops come in a wide variety of sizes, textures, and materials. They also range from simple solid colors to subtle patterns.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you\u2019re just starting out, your studio may be a spare room, a basement, or even the garage. If these rooms have multiple purposes, you\u2019ll need flexible setups that are easily dismantled and stored away when not in use (see Joe Farace\u2019s Portraits without a Studio<\/a>). This limits your choices, but not by much.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you have a dedicated space, anything goes, limited only by your budget and commitment.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Why Your Background or Studio Backdrop is Important<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

A background can make or break your image. Put your subject in front of a super busy scene and it takes the focus off of your subject \u2013 not to mention, it can sometimes create mergers. Your background should not have a bunch of distractions and should help focus attention on your subject.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Sometimes a background can add context to your image or it can lend emotion and feeling to a shot, as shown in the image above. As you can see, choosing the right background or backdrop for your subject can be just as important as choosing the right lens for the shot.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Photo by Ross Sneddon on Unsplash<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

What are the Different Kinds of Studio Backdrops?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Photography backdrops are essential in photo shoots because they can set the mood of the image. Choosing and using the right photo background gives you an edge to easily communicate to the viewers, allowing them to digest the message that the photo is trying to convey.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

To start with, here are the different kinds of materials and studio backdrops for photography:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Collapsible Disc<\/a><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Location photographers have come to rely on photography backdrops that collapse down to flat discs due to convenience.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

There is a wide choice of collapsible backgrounds that give you that studio look and feel, and most discs offer two color schemes and\/or designs, one for each side. However, collapsible discs are limited to a relatively small range of sizes since a big surface is difficult to collapse.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Some foldable disc backdrops have skirts that extend in front of the backdrop on the floor, resulting in a seamless background for full-length subjects. Prices range from approximately $80.00 to around $165.00 for a 6\u00d79 two-sided chroma key.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Collapsible backdrops are most commonly and successfully used for tightly-cropped headshots, and for portraits like business headshots and class photos in a school. For the best results, try to place your subject at least a few feet in front of the photoshoot background. This ensures you won\u2019t create hard-edged shadows behind your subject with your lights.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Because their size is so limited, collapsible backdrops are often less practical for shoots with unpredictable subjects like young children and pets. Groups are also difficult to photograph in front of a collapsible backdrop. But when used appropriately, collapsible discs are among the most hassle-free background options available.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Our Top Picks<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Lastolite Urban Collapsible Rusty Metal\/Plaster Wall Background<\/a><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n
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While there are plenty of background discs with neutral designs, new collapsible backgrounds have funky distressed themes such as the\u00a0Lastolite Urban Collapsible Rusty Metal\/Plaster Wall Background<\/a>. Savage has studio backgrounds with these designs as well. We recommend the Brown\/Industrial Grunge<\/a> and Red\/Rustic Planks<\/a> discs if you\u2019re going for a more dramatic feel.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Chroma Key Background<\/a><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Image via Shutterstock<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Chroma key backgrounds usually come in green or blue, similar to the green screens used in shooting movies. They allow the photographer to edit the photo and digitally insert details that the studio setup is lacking. Even though chroma key is widely used in films, it can also be used for indoor and outdoor photo shoots.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

One of the advantages of using a chroma key background is that it can shorten production time by doing away with the need to change from one background to another. This kind of photo backdrop allows the photographer to freely take pictures without thinking of what background will best fit the image, as they can decide on that part later in the post-processing stage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

On the other hand, chroma key backgrounds are very demanding in the technical aspect. If you\u2019re going to use this kind of backdrop, make sure that the subject is not wearing anything that\u2019s the same color as the chroma, otherwise the computer will recognize the subject\u2019s clothing as part of the background and create a hole in the subject\u2019s body.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

When using a chroma key backdrop, make sure you take all the necessary steps to make background replacement easier in post processing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

For instance, chroma key backdrops need to be evenly lit. Many photographers like to use a dedicated light fixture to create a wash of even lighting. Deliberately lighting the photography background also helps create separation between the subject and the backdrop.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

While some chroma key backdrops come with background replacement software, you can also remove the green or blue screen fairly easily in Adobe Photoshop. Whichever photoshoot background removal system you choose, try to be consistent with your process and techniques to save time and frustration in your workflow.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Our Top Picks<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Westcott X-Drop kit<\/a><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n
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If you\u2019re planning to use a chroma backdrop, there are lots of manufacturers that offer this type of photography background for studios. Westcott\u2019s X-Drop kit<\/a> is one example: It features wrinkle-resistant cotton for fewer reflections in your images. The background is also easy to set up. Grommet holes on the fabric will help you mount it to an expandable frame that comes with the backdrop.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Belle Drape Collapsible Background Blue\/Green Chroma<\/a><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Location photographers who need chroma backgrounds have plenty of options, too. Belle Drape has collapsible chroma backdrops for outdoor shoots. Give their Portable 5\u2019x6\u2019<\/a> and 40×60\u201d Chroma Key<\/a> backgrounds a try if you\u2019re working outside the studio.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Fabric Backgrounds<\/a><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Fabric backdrops are among the most common photography backgrounds. They\u2019re available in a variety of materials like canvas, muslin, polyester, stretch knit, and velour. Some fabrics are intended to be stretched on a frame. Others are made to drape across any studio backdrop stand.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Selecting the right kind of fabric backdrop for your shoot often comes down to practicality. For example, if you need a portable kit that you can easily pack, transport, and set up, you\u2019ll want to avoid fabrics likely to crease or wrinkle.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Each type of photography backdrop has its own strengths and weaknesses to consider. Here are a few key points to keep in mind.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Canvas<\/a><\/b><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Image via Shutterstock<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Made of moderately thick, heavy material, canvas used to be the most popular among photography backdrops. However, due to its bulk and cost, it has been overshadowed by muslin backdrops in terms of popularity. Nevertheless, a good canvas backdrop will last a long time and provide a classy look to your shots. While you can bring canvas photo backdrops with you, they\u2019re best suited for studio work since they easily wrinkle when stored in a duffel bag.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Some canvas backdrops include subtle patterns that provide an interesting but neutral background that doesn\u2019t compete with a portrait subject for attention. Darker backgrounds can be used for low-key lighting, while a lighter, well-lit photo background can create a completely different high-key mood. Canvas studio backdrops at Adorama range in price from around $135.00 for a 5\u00d77 to $270.00 for an 8\u00d78-foot cloth.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Pros:<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n