Collapsible Photography Backdrops

Collapsible backgrounds, also known as pop-up backgrounds, are a smart solution for photographers who need to set up portable photo studios on location.

Collapsible backdrops come in a range of sizes, colors, and textures, so whether you’re shooting headshots in an office or photographing products in a store, you have many options to choose from.

How to Fold a Collapsible Backdrop

Collapsible backdrops consist of durable fabric stretched over a metal or plastic frame. The internal frame has its own shape memory, so even after being stored for long periods of time, it will still pop open into the correct shape.

After your shoot is over, putting your collapsible backdrop away is as easy as folding it according to the manufacturer’s directions. In most cases, you’ll fold the backdrop in half until it forms a U-shape, then overlap the sides. The memory of the frame will help it curve inward until the background collapses on itself into a circular shape.

How Do You Use a Collapsible Backdrop?

Using your collapsible backdrop is easy. Unzip it from its carrying case, unfold it until it pops open, and then mount it on a background stand or tripod. You can use most collapsible backdrops either horizontally or vertically, depending on your subject and environment.

How Do You Hang a Backdrop Without a Wall or Stand?

If you plan to use a collapsible background, but you don’t have access to a wall or a background stand, you may need to get creative. Fortunately, collapsible backgrounds have enough shape memory to stand up on their own, as long as you lean them against a table, bookshelf, or another sturdy object.

Keep in mind that pop-up backgrounds are lightweight and can bend easily in windy settings. If you don’t have a background stand and clamps, you’ll want to use your collapsible background indoors.

Can You Pin a Backdrop to the Wall?

There are many ways to mount your collapsible background, but using pins isn’t recommended. Because pop-up backgrounds maintain their shape with tension over a frame, making holes in them could affect their lifespan or compromise their integrity. Instead of pins, consider using spring clamps.

Quality Counts for Collapsible Backgrounds

Westcott, Savage, Manfrotto, Glow, and Belle Drape are among the leading manufacturers of collapsible backgrounds. Whether you’re looking for solid color backgrounds, Old Masters-style backgrounds, green-screens, or photo-realistic textures, you can find durable, reliable pop-up backgrounds in plenty of useful sizes from these brands.