Photography backdrops are wonder workers in the photo studio. And so, whether you are shooting products or people, you cannot do this effectively without a backdrop. 

However, backdrops come in various styles, sizes, and designs; therefore, deciding on the right one to use for each photoshoot can be confusing. This is because you need to consider several factors such as their patterns, the colors, the tone, etc. Whatever you pick must align with your model's outfit too, and pass on the right message you desire to portray.

Consequently, as a photographer, you must differentiate between backdrops and determine which would be perfect for every shoot. At first, this instinct might not come to you easily. However, over time, you would become an expert at choosing backdrops. In this post, we would be highlighting the importance of photography backdrops and how to select them. So read on.

Knowing The Common Types Of Photography Backgrounds

First, before you begin your shoot, you have to ask yourself, what story do I want to tell with this photo? To answer this question, you can interact with your model to get a hint or two. 

Once you can answer that correctly, it becomes easy to pick a background that would tell that story,

Photography backdrops come in different types and materials, such as fabric, seamless paper, or brick backdrops. 

The list goes longer than that, but that's the major type. Hence, you can manipulate these backdrops to give you various forms of background, such as:

1. Natural detailed background

Photographers can recreate a natural when taking portrait photographs. A seamless paper or muslin backdrop can do this job for you. 

2. Blurred Background

Sometimes blurring the objects in the background is the best way to go; this creates a nice contrast that sits well with your model. We use this commonly for portrait photography done up close. It is also great for location photography.

3. Colored background

These can come in three ways; you can create a white background using seamless paper, cotton, or any other materials with white background. You can also create a black background to add a professional touch to your photos. Lastly, you can get solid color backdrops to give a classic look to your portraits. They are popularly used for family portraits and showcase the uniqueness of each family member.

How To Choose Your Photo Backdrops?

Having looked at the different background effects that you can create, let us look at how to pick the appropriate backdrop to create your desired effect. 

1. Observe the colors

The color of the clothing of your model is an essential factor to consider. Their skin tone is also vital. Take a critical look at these to enable you to decide on the colors that will compliment them, keeping the focus on them rather than away. For instance, you cannot use a white background for a model wearing a white outfit. You lose them totally.

2. Backdrop Size

Photo backdrops come in various sizes. Hence, the backdrop size you use is a factor you should equally keep in mind. For instance, the size of your subject should be proportional to the backdrop size. Again, don't forget to distance your subject from the backdrop with about 3'. This would eliminate the incidence of shadows and makes lighting effective. 

3. Avoid unnecessary props

Your backdrop has a way of highlighting everything that is in the foreground. Therefore, in the process of using props to tell the stories of your model, be sure you don't shift the focus to the props. You want to avoid busy backgrounds filled with strobes and props. The key is to keep it simple but creative.

4. Proper Lighting

One thing that can damage all your effort in the studio is poor lighting. If this is the case, there is a high chance that viewers can not interpret your picture the right way, as you would probably get blurred images instead of blurred background if that is your aim. Also, keep in mind that your lighting should equally not be too much as that would wash into your backdrop and distort the background. So, you would need to learn how to use lighting and set the right temperature.

5. Test, Test, And Test

This is a long process, but it is worth the effort, especially if you are not sure of the backdrop. There is room for testing it out before you do the actual shoot. Like I said before, after a while, you will become a pro at these things. So, start by experimenting and get the best fit for the image and then pick the appropriate choice.

Conclusion

Backdrops are a necessary commodity found in every photo studio. They provide a perfect finish for the photos and allow our hard work to yield results. However, if we do not know how to use them rightly, we might not get the results we originally had in mind. 

Perhaps you are opening your studio, and you are wondering how you can get mindblowing backdrops that would do the magic? Worry no more. You can shop photography backdrops online and offline.

They come in different materials, patterns, and sizes, enabling get according to your budget. Having acquired them, this article would guide you on the most effective way to make use of your backdrops for each photoshoot.