Photography Backgrounds: Solid, Gradient, Printed and Themed Backdrops with Support Stands
The background sets the mood of a photograph and can make the subject stand out or blend in. Photography backdrops are used for portraits, product photos, newborn sessions, holiday shoots, social media content and video. This category covers solid and gradient colours, themed printed backdrops and support stands.
Types of backgrounds
- Solid colour backdrops: white, black, grey and colours for portraits, products and video. White suits e-commerce, black suits dramatic portraits and green suits chroma key video.
- Gradient backdrops: smooth colour transitions that add depth to portraits.
- Light spot and bokeh backdrops: create the impression of out-of-focus lights.
- Themed backdrops: Christmas, Valentine's Day, birthday parties and cartoon designs for seasonal and children's shoots.
- Texture backdrops: wood floors and brick walls for flat-lay photography and lifestyle portraits.
Materials
Paper backdrops are seamless and clean but can tear and must be replaced when dirty. Fabric backdrops, such as muslin and polyester, are durable, washable and portable, but can crease. Vinyl backdrops are wipeable and suit food and children's photography. Printed polyester backdrops are lightweight and easy to fold.
Support stands
Background support stands hold backdrops securely. Adjustable stands allow different widths and heights. Choose a stand that suits your backdrop size and has a sturdy base, and use clamps to keep the backdrop tight.
Avoiding creases
Fabric backdrops crease when folded. Steam or iron them before use, or hang them in storage. Use a wider aperture to blur the background slightly, which hides minor creases and textures.
Lighting the background
Light the background separately to control its brightness. Lighting a white background brighter than the subject creates a pure white look, while letting it fall into shadow makes it grey.
Practical tips
- Keep the subject a few metres from the background to avoid shadows.
- Use small flat-lay backdrops for food and products.
- Store backdrops rolled or hung to reduce creases.
- Choose themed backdrops in advance for seasonal sessions.
Related categories: Camera Accessories, Micro Film, Photo Studio, Photographic Lightings