Handbook of Photography Backdrop
If you're a professional photographer, or have passion for photography portraits, your list of 'essential gear' can be overwhelming when browsing through online courses and tutorials on how to get started. However, one decision can be easy: Choosing your backdrops.
Photography backdrop is a staple item for both new and professional photographers. They are versatile, durable and affordable. It can be regarded as one of leading roles in your sessions besides the model.
Backdrops can come in various materials, styles, sizes and be used in different occasions. Learning the essential information of each type of photo backdrop can be a compulsory course for new studio photographers. What dose a backdrop system consist of? How to choose backdrops and use them?
In this article, we will talk about the main characteristics of backdrops for photo and video applications, and offer you clear, practical guide. The article is divided into five parts, and will show you the material, size, type, setup and maintenance of a backdrop step by step.
By providing basic instructions to help you get started, integrated with backdrops management solutions, you will soon be aware of the advantages of each kind of backdrops and make your decision to order those that would serve you and your clients best!
Ready? Now we can start!
Material of Photography Backdrop
A right backdrop can infuse personality into your sessions. You choose one by its pattern, color or images printed on it, and anticipate how well it complements the model.
A backdrop may make a difference on your photos, but how to choose a professional photo background right for you? Which kind can perfectly match for your photography without breaking the bank? Well, the first thing you need to learn of a backdrop, we call it: Material.
Material of Backdrops
Even sharing the same color or image, different materials will affect the performance of backdrops in your photos. Photography backdrops can come in various materials. To help your get an first impression on backdrop materials, here is a list of 6 common photography backdrops., in order to help you choose the right one.
Seamless Paper
Seamless paper has been popular among photographers for more than decades. It provides a smooth, dry and non-reflecting paper surface.
Unlike most backdrop made of fabric(cloth), seamless paper is not wrinkle resistant, and when there are wrinkles or stains on it, you just need to cut those damaged parts off. It shall be rolled up to store and no need to wash. Accordingly, it is not that durable for its material.
Paper backdrops are commonly used for solid color background. It is less expensive and portable. It offers seamless background, which can do good assistant in commercial portrait photography, product photography, fine arts and more.
Microfiber
Microfiber is one of the synthetic fibers. Applied in photography backdrops, the most common types of microfibers are made from polyesters. Microfiber Backdrops give an overall professional look. This material can be easily folded and makes the backdrop portable. The sturdy, wrinkle-resistant backdrop is more appropriate for realistic image printed on it.
With high-definition printing technology, microfiber backdrops can come in variety of patterns and designs. You can even custom a microfiber backdrop as your requirements! For this reason, microfiber backdrop collections can always provide fun and choices.
Microfiber backdrops have richer styles and can be used in more occasions. It is soft, durable and washable safe. It can also be easily clean and store.
You can always choose a microfiber background with of particular pattern or design which is suitable for you. Perfect for photography portraits, events, product shots, video production,etc.
Muslin
Muslin, plain woven cotton (100%), which is durable, washable and wrinkle-free. As a very traditional option, muslin backdrop is always popular among photographers
Muslin backdrops are lightweight and can be easily folded, which makes it portable. Substituting muslin backdrops for paper backdrops greatly decreases the stress for preparation of your photography, and you can take one to any location.
Muslin gives the background an overall professional look while offering versatility. This material has won praise for it is easy to dye, especially the hand-painted ones.
Vinyl
Vinyl background is durable and tough. This material makes the backdrop wrinkle-free. A high-quality vinyl backdrop usually comes with a unique non-reflective matte finish which avoid glare.
'Vinyl is a kind of nonporous plastic which is flexible, shiny, and can be transparent.' This material works so well for digital printing and provides the background bright vibrant colors and a sense of classic & fashion.
Another big advantage of vinyl backdrop is easy cleaning. Through a simple wipe with a slightly damp sponge, the vinyl will be clean and ready for next shoot. That's why it works for cake smash, food fight and more.
But please remember that vinyl can never be washed by water or be folded! You can choose to make the backdrop lying flat in your cabinet, or roll it up and store in the shipping PVC tube.
Canvas
When it comes to canvas, the first thing that would be mentioned is painting. Dyes, paints, and oils can be held easily by this fabric. Because of this, canvas is quite suitable for hand-painting without absorbing or blurring.
Hand-painted canvas backdrop is soft, smooth and waterproof , it can serve for a long time. Canvas has become a nice option for photo sessions among the backgrounds, and it will always add creativity and enhance your photography.
Rubber Floor Mats
Rubber floor Mat (Floor drop) is sturdy, wrinkle-resistant and waterproof. It has been more and more frequently used when shooting newborn, kids, pets and product photos. For example, when you need to blend your background with floor smoothly, floor mat can be a nice addition.
Also, most of the time backdrop needs to be extended onto the floor for the model to stand and move. If your backdrop is not long enough, a rubber floor mat can be a good assistant, which will add extra good effects to your final works.
Floor mats are usually digital printed and feature a thin thickness, making the patterns high-definition and realistic. It is convenient to walk on and roll up, easy to carry and store. Size usually range from 4 x 5ft（1.2×1.5m）to 5×8ft（1.5×2.5m).