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What Is a Photographic Backdrop and

WHY WOULD YOU Want One?
Quick Guide
Written by Rhiannon D’Averc
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Setting up a photograph is, to many, as simple as
pointing the lens in a certain direction and clicking
the shutter. But for advanced photographers, there
are many more factors to consider. The whole frame
must be carefully composed, and this includes not
just your subject but also the background behind
them.

In this guide, we’re going to look at photographic

backdrops. What constitutes a backdrop, you ask?
We’ll get to that in just a moment, as well as all the
ways in which they might help you to make your
photographs even more effective and powerful.

Here is what we will cover:

Photograph by Rhiannon D’Averc
·· What is a photographic backdrop?

·· How you can use a photographic backdrop

·· Problems to troubleshoot with photographic

backdrops

·· Why you might not want a photographic

backdrop

·· How to care for and store your photographic

backdrop

Recommended Reading: If you’d like to

learn how to create amazing portraits, grab a
copy of Photzy’s premium guide: The Art of
Portrait Photography.

What Is a Photographic Backdrop and WHY WOULD YOU Want One? // © Photzy.com 2
What Is a Photographic Backdrop?

A photographic backdrop is something that is ·· Fabric backdrops, which is any type of fabric
created specifically for the purpose of filling in the which can be hung
background of an image. That’s the basic definition,
and, like all things, it can be stretched a little. ·· Solid backdrops, such as something made
from planks of wood, a sheet of metal, or even
Just about anything can be used as a photographic foamboard, which must be kept in the same
backdrop if you’re taking a DIY approach. Many position at all times and may be installed on
studio photographers will opt to make their own, wheels for easy maneuverability
using found materials or creating themed backdrops
they can use over and over again for a certain type of Paper, fabric, and vinyl backdrops can be hung
shoot. from a backdrop stand or attached to the wall with
a pulley system, as in the photograph on the next
However, the most common types of backdrop are: page.

·· Paper backdrops, which come in rolls and a

variety of colors Key Lesson: Backdrops will fill the
background of your image, and you can choose
·· Vinyl backdrops, which can be printed with any from a range of materials and patterns or colors
pattern and either folded or rolled to suit your shoot.

What Is a Photographic Backdrop and WHY WOULD YOU Want One? // © Photzy.com 3
Photograph by Chase Wilson

Here you can see a photographic backdrop in action in the studio.

What Is a Photographic Backdrop and WHY WOULD YOU Want One? // © Photzy.com 4
How You Can Use a Photographic Backdrop

The most basic use of a photographic backdrop is to give you a smooth,

uniform, and professional-looking background. In many cases, this can be
preferable to what would be behind your subject instead, such as a messy
studio with lots of wires, or a plain white wall which is not very exciting.

The backdrop itself can also affect the mood and feel of the image.
You can use bright colors to inject a sense of fun and clash against or
compliment your subject. Muted colors can convey a darker emotion, and
pastels can harken back to younger years or events like Easter.

Patterns can also play a key part here. You might add a brick or wooden
wall to give the impression that your perfectly lit studio shot was actually
taken outside. A fun zig-zag pattern can add a sense of celebration to a
birthday photoshoot. Red hearts on a pink background can come in handy
for Valentine sessions. There are lots of directions in which to take this!

You can even have a backdrop printed to look like a real place, as if your
subject is standing in front of it!

Finally, the backdrop can be used as a way to add more drama or focus by
isolating the subject. Picture a white or pale item standing out against a
black backdrop – it’s a very effective way to ensure that all of the attention
is on the subject and nowhere else.

Key Lesson: A backdrop gives you more control over the look of
the finished image, changing the mood and directing the attention of
Photograph by Dollar Gill the viewer.
Creating a plain, dark base with this backdrop allows the subject
to stand out much more and creates an edgy mood.

What Is a Photographic Backdrop and WHY WOULD YOU Want One? // © Photzy.com 5
Problems to Troubleshoot with Photographic Backdrops

There may be issues that arise with photographic ·· The backdrop is too thin, allowing light to pass
backdrops, and it’s important to know what to do if through: double wrap your backdrop on the
they do occur. Here are some common problems, stand, or place another backdrop behind it for
and how to deal with them: double thickness.

·· The backdrop doesn’t cover the whole area ·· The backdrop is the wrong color: you can
behind the model: move the backdrop higher change this easily in post-production by
or purchase a wider backdrop. Bear in mind selecting the whole area and using the hue
that some backdrops are created for still life slider!
purposes and therefore can be much narrower!

·· The backdrop is wrinkled: if using a fabric Key Lesson: Looking after your backdrops
backdrop, you can use a steamer to iron it out. and storing them well will take care of most
For vinyl backdrops, store them more carefully, common issues. Also, being sure of your
and for paper backdrops, you can rip off the measurements when purchasing will help avoid
paper and unwind it to a smooth part of the roll. problems of the backdrop being the wrong size.

·· The backdrop is dirty: either wash it, or, for

paper backdrops, rip off the dirty part and unroll
to a clean area.

What Is a Photographic Backdrop and WHY WOULD YOU Want One? // © Photzy.com 6
Photograph by H.F.E. & Co

This backdrop is probably too narrow and is definitely hanging with wrinkles and folds!

What Is a Photographic Backdrop and WHY WOULD YOU Want One? // © Photzy.com 7
Why You Might Not Want a
Photographic Backdrop

There are, of course, situations when you might not want

a photographic backdrop. If your background is already
plain enough or you’ve chosen a location on purpose, why
would you want to cover it?

Note that some photographers can be tempted to use a

green backdrop when intending to change it out later in
post-production, because they know that a green screen
is used for effects on film. The problem is that the green
screen is primarily for video. In fact, a green backdrop can
leave a green cast on the subject in a photograph, and it’s
just as easy to use any color. You can select the backdrop
in Photoshop no matter what color it is, so long as it is a
solid color and not a color present in your model’s clothes
(which can present difficulties in selecting the color in
editing programs).

Key Lesson: If you want to add effects, green

isn’t always the way to go. In some cases, you might
not want to add any backdrop at all.

Photograph by Joshua Rondeau

When you’re shooting in a dynamic location, you don’t want to block the background out!

What Is a Photographic Backdrop and WHY WOULD YOU Want One? // © Photzy.com 8
How to Care for
and Store Your
Photographic Backdrop

Now that you have your backdrops

sorted, here’s how to look after them!
Storing and using them correctly can help
them last a lot longer.

For paper backdrops:

·· Avoid shoes on the backdrop unless

necessary for your model

·· Roll them carefully back into place

after use

·· Tear off any damaged or dirty

sections before shooting

·· Use gaffer tape along the bottom

edge of the backdrop to keep it in
place during the shoot

·· If attaching to a backdrop stand, clip

at the top onto the horizontal pole
only – clips further down may rip the
paper

Photograph by Alexander Jawfox

This is probably not the best way to care for your backdrop or preserve it for the next shoot!

What Is a Photographic Backdrop and WHY WOULD YOU Want One? // © Photzy.com 9
·· Unroll the backdrop carefully once on the For all backdrops, store them in a clean and dry area,
backdrop stand. Don’t crease the paper as you and avoid allowing them to get wet or damp. Keep
pull it down, and make sure to avoid pulling it them neat and tidy at all times and rolled up rather
out too far. Once it covers the floor area where than folded to avoid wrinkles or creases. Keep them
your subject will be, there’s no need to go out of direct sunlight to avoid fading.
further

For vinyl backdrops: Key Lesson: Knowing how to take care of

each particular type of backdrop will make them
·· Wipe down with a soft, damp cloth if dirty, and last longer and give better results!
dry with a towel before putting away

For fabric backdrops: Recommended Reading: If you’d like to

learn how to create amazing portraits, grab a
·· Put them through the washing machine if copy of Photzy’s premium guide: The Art of
necessary, but be sure to check the washing Portrait Photography.
instructions first

What Is a Photographic Backdrop and WHY WOULD YOU Want One? // © Photzy.com 10
Conclusion

Backdrops can come in lots of shapes and sizes, not ·· Wrinkled, dirty, or thin backdrops can be fixed.
to mention textures and colors! Remember these
tips: ·· Make sure to purchase the right size and type of
backdrop for your needs.
·· Backdrops can be made from vinyl, paper,
fabric, or your own choice of material. ·· Don’t feel that you always have to use a
backdrop if it doesn’t fit the shoot.
·· Backdrops offer you more control over the
image and better focus. ·· Look after and store your backdrops properly to
make them last longer.
·· A backdrop can change the mood of your
composition.

What Is a Photographic Backdrop and WHY WOULD YOU Want One? // © Photzy.com 11
Self-Check Quiz:

1) What are the three most common types of material used for backdrops?

2) Why might you need different colors or patterns of backdrops?

3) How can a plain black backdrop be effective?

4) What should you do if your paper backdrop is creased or wrinkled?

5) Why must you check your backdrop measurements carefully before purchasing?

6) What should you do if you don’t have the right color backdrop?

7) Should you use a green screen backdrop for still photography?

8) When should you walk on your paper backdrop with shoes?

9) Where should you store your backdrops when they’re not in use?

10) How should you clean a vinyl backdrop?

11) How should you clean a fabric backdrop?

12) How can you prevent your backdrops from fading?

Assignment:

You can work with small backdrops that are around the size of a tabletop if you want
to experiment with colors and textures first. Order something small online and have a
go at shooting a still life in front of it to see what a difference it can make!

What Is a Photographic Backdrop and WHY WOULD YOU Want One? // © Photzy.com 12
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we're here to help you every step of the way! Here are 3 of our most useful (and
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sheets that will help you the #1 thing holding your downloadable (pdf) tutorials on
understand the basics. photography back. everything you can imagine.

Download Cheat Sheets → Take Quiz → Download eBooks →

Want quick photography tips?

Check out our friends at DailyPhotoTips.com they'll send you 1 solid photography tip
to your inbox, 5 days a week. So you can start your day right, with actionable tips to
help you on your creative journey. Subscribe now →
(free for a limited time)

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About the Author Congratulations! You’ve completed
this Photzy guide!

If you liked this photography tutorial, check out

this premium guide to help you create inspiring
portraits: The Art of Portrait Photography.

Rhiannon D’Averc is a fashion and portrait photographer, as

well as a published author. She is the Chief Editor of London
Runway, an indie fashion magazine.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RhiannonDAverc If you’d like to continue

learning and improving
Studio: http://pcistudio.co.uk/
your photography please
Website: https://rhiannondaverc.co.uk/ visit Photzy.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhiannondaverc/

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