Photography is not easy. It entails a lot of consideration on the most basic elements while also not leaving out the creative details.

Here are some tips on how to properly do these.

How to Choose Fail-Safe Colors for Photography Backdrops

More than flattering the photographs, the color schemes of photography backdrops chosen can have an immense effect on various elements such as the lighting, the frame of the subject. It also influences the overall appeal of the creative direction and theme of the photoshoot project.

While there is a countless number of colors to choose from for a photography backdrop, there are 5 prominent colors that are thought to dominate the color themes category.

1. White-colored Backdrops

People generally see white backdrops as a minimalist style and tone, but that is not necessarily the case in photography. Notably the most common backdrop color, white is the most misconstrued. When setting up a shoot against a white background, it can look grey and dull when not done correctly. The color difference has something to do with the lighting of the backdrop.

Make sure the lighting is in a position that does not light the background of the subject alone but also the subject itself. This can make for a whiter color payoff by creating ample shadow to visibly mark the location of the floor or bottom of the image.

2. Grey-colored Backdrops

Although technically not calculated as an official color, great is thought to be an essential color. Grey backdrops are usually used for portrait shots. It is also a great choice as this color does not overpower the photoshoot’s subject. It also complements the subject at the same time – regardless of the color of hair, eyes, or skin. Grey also being the hybrid of black and white, it is the best buy and beneficial to keep around. It can transform to being white or black depending on the amount of lighting placed.

3. Solid-colored Backdrops

Solid backdrops are fun and imaginative to use in photography. Bold-, solid-colored photography backdrops bring some intensity while keeping the professionalism.

It is an interesting thing to note that by lighting the subject and the backdrop individually at the same time, a variety of colored tones is created through a single backdrop. This means that the purchase of one colored backdrop is saving the photographer or studio a lot of dollars while also building up the portfolio in several ways.

When deciding to shoot with solid-colored, bold backdrops, it is essential to learn the color theory and dynamics of color to help coherently pull together the elements of the photo.

4. Black-colored Backdrops

Black backdrops are excellent options to use when shooting imagery more than just being a city wardrobe staple. Some fabrics absorb light easily without causing glare and so black is the perfect color when it comes to getting into terms with lighting. Black backdrops are thus ideal for theater and stage performances. A crucial thing to consider when trying out black backdrops for a shoot is to ensure that the subject (assumed portrait) does not wear black as they could be washed out by the backdrop.

5. Textured and Imagery Backdrops

There are many benefits to creating pictures that place subjects in a “new world” outside the standard photography studio. Using textured backdrops and imagery backdrops allows photographers to bring out their creativity. Imaginative photography backdrops can certainly convey stories and create narratives.

A thing to note though is that these kinds of backdrops tend to be “busy” and so the photographer must make sure that the texture, tones, and overall theme do not go against the subject.

Things to Consider When Choosing Backdrops

There are several considerations when trying to choose properly fit photography backdrops for a shoot. Some are physical aspects that have to do with positioning and lighting, while some are more inherent and personal coinciding with creativity and the conveyance of the objective. Before picking a backdrop, make sure these questions are asked:

1. What is Being Shot?

This is the first question to ask when setting up a shoot. Is it a product or a person? Or pet? This is one of the priorities to ponder on to cohesively put together an image – backdrops included.

2. How is Creativity Utilized?

For photographers, it is essential to make sure that everything flows great together and also equally important not to play it safe or go with the simpler shots. A photographer may go with standard choices to avoid making the shots overly complicated or too “busy”. Check that each choice of photography backdrop is done so purposely and not just because it is preset and easy.

3. How Can the Lighting Be Arranged?

Lighting will remain to be the most crucial element in a photo even when trying out various photography backdrops. It will have a great impact on the result of the photo regardless of the backdrop fabric, material, and color.

4. Is It Too Busy to the Eyes?

This consideration is usually particular to bold color or imagery backdrops. When shooting multiple subjects, or fashion with contrasting texture and colors, choose backdrops that will not complicate the photo more and make it unnecessarily busy. Make sure the backdrop chosen will not clash with the images.

How to Position Backdrops

Backdrops can be set up almost in any place. This fact largely depends on the material, weight, and size of the backdrops too. There are several recommendations on how to position photography backdrops in different locations. Every setting call for different and specific preparations and management.

1. Backdrops In a Photo Studio

It’s safe to assume that the setup for the shoot inside a studio will be semi-permanent. It will be ideal to create a long-standing set that is very stable since the backdrops will hang for a while there. This setup should include the backdrop positioning. A backdrop stand may help best in a studio setting. There are many variations and the price range may vary too from $200 per stand on average.

2. Backdrops On location

Shooting on location is probably the hardest among photography backdrop settings. The greatest factor to consider is how fast it can be set up and cleaned up after. It shouldn’t take much time to set up like extensive equipment. Some on-the-go photographers prefer using a collapsible disc or V-flat backdrops as they are foldable, lightweight, and available in various portable sizes. Depending on the quality, these active backdrops cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000.

3. Backdrops In a Home

A lot of photographers visit home to shoot various styles of photos, including portraits entailing the use of backdrops. Many photographers use collapsible studio systems as there is more time to set up and clean up afterward.

4. Backdrops on the Floor

Floor backdrops are used when shooting photos of pets, infants, or products. Floor drops should be allowed to settle as it would be unrealistic to have rolls and curves on the floor – and the image later. It is also crucial to plan when using flood drops and backdrops as they can clash and not coincide.