The selection of a good photography backdrop is one of the most vital elements of compelling portrait photography. The right portrait backdrop can make the photographer’s subject look great, giving the photographer some room to experiment with details such as tone and mood. Choosing the right photography backdrop also allows the photographer to exercise his/her peculiar style. Perhaps you need to refresh your current portfolio with photo and film studio nyc that creates jaw-dropping images demonstrating your versatility and personality.
What Are Common Portrait Photography Backdrops?
The possibilities are limitless when it comes to choosing portrait photography backdrops. Following are common, simple backdrops used in portrait photography:
- Blurred Natural Photography Backdrops
When photographing a subject’s face or body up close for a boudoir photoshoot, portrait photographers like from allimurphyphotography.com usually look for blurred, soft photography backdrops. When shooting an outdoor portrait assignment, a blurred tree line or a foothill scene will contrast greatly with the subject’s sharply defined facial features and expressions in the foreground. A blurred background effect can be achieved by adjusting the camera settings (allowed in most DSLRs) thus using a shallow field depth.
- Detailed Natural Photography Backdrops
Another way around, a detailed natural background perhaps of a landscape or skyline can serve as the perfect complement to more creative portrait photography.
- White Seamless Photography Backdrops
A white background is a classic. It is a simple yet versatile option for a lot of photoshoots including taking headshot photos, simple portrait photos, stock, and product photos. When using white photography backdrops though, particular attention must be given to lighting lest white backdrops may appear with a shadowy or muddy tone.
- Black Photography Backdrops
Black photography backdrops are also good portrait options. Using black backdrops deliver cool and professional portraits. Low-key lighting can also be used on black backdrops to evoke classy portrait photos in black and white.
- Solid Colour Photography Backdrops
Photography backdrops with solid colours are great options when trying to create a typical, classy look for family portraits. Neutral solid colours like tan or grey are simple, flexible and not to mention colour correction is easy to manipulate post-process.
- Textured Photography Backdrops
Photography backgrounds with some element of texture add a dynamic feel to usual, average photoshoots. Shooting with fabric backdrops like muslin and cotton for example warrants an intriguing quality to portrait photos without being overly distracting to the eyes of viewers.
- Green Screen Photography Backdrops
Some portrait photographers have difficulty choosing between photo backdrops. What they do is shoot in front of a green screen allowing them to use the chroma key features during the post-processing to experiment on different types of backdrops that may suit the style or mood they want to portray.
Five Do-it-yourself Photography Backdrop Ideas
Professional studio photography backdrops, lucrative outdoor spaces, or collapsible backdrops are not accessible to everyone. Fortunately, there are simple do-it-yourself backdrops that can turn any available space into a decent photo studio. Here are some DIY ideas for creating simple yet effective studio-like photography backdrops:
- Curtains: Under natural light, curtains especially lace curtains work well as a pretty, versatile photo backdrop.
- Bedsheets: Bedsheets that are wrinkle-free/resistant can replicate the smooth, solid quality of a white seamless photography backdrop. Equally, a wrinkled bed sheet in front of the lens can add an interesting twist in the texture and depth of photos.
- Lights: Vibrant as they are, string lights can also be utilized as a part of photography backdrops. They may also account for an aesthetically beautiful bokeh effect.
- Paper: Simple background paper and wood floors can also create compelling, easily assembled portrait photography backdrops.
- Sequins: Hanging sequins or streamers as your backdrop background is a fun and active way to liven up your portraits and create a makeshift photo booth background.
Heavy-duty PVC pipes may be utilized if backdrop stands and crossbars are not available to hang backgrounds from.
Seven Tips in Choosing Portrait Photography Backdrops
To finally decide the best background for portrait sessions, try using the following tips to get the most out of your chosen photography backdrop:
- Hyperfocus on colours. Make sure that the colour/s of your photography backdrops serve as compliments to your subject’s skin tone, clothing, and accessories, and not distracting to the eyes when considering background ideas. For instance, a classic white background would complement black outfits nicely, while a dark gray background may wash out the tone of the clothes completely.
- Lighting considerations. Poor location lighting ruins the best of photos as insufficient background lighting draws attention away from your portrait photo composition. High-key lighting may wash your subject into the photography backdrop. A blurry backdrop will not be as appealing without applying proper lighting settings and will cause a reduced bokeh effect. Underexposure and overexposure can also be prevented by selecting well-lit locations when on outdoor shoots. Utilizing natural window light when shooting indoors to soften backgrounds.
- Distracting images must go. When tempted to try out ideas for ambitious portrait shots bring to mind the purpose of portrait photography and that is bringing out the best in the subject. Of too many elements are competing in the background chances are that the focus won’t be the subject anymore. A background that is too “busy” or cluttered should be avoided at all costs.
- Backdrop tests with self-portraits. Photographers that are unsure of which backdrop will work best for their subjects may opt to try out photographing backdrops on themselves. Doing self-portrait photo sessions allow photographers to see how available photography backdrops look with different angles and avail them of the opportunity to experiment with things like shutter speeds, focal lengths, wide-angle lenses, and double exposures as well.
- Keep proportions in mind. Remember that props when used in photos must be proportional to the scene depicted on your photography backdrop. For example, if a photo backdrop displays the Statue of Liberty in the far distance, it will look rather small. Props in the said photo should be directly proportional to the Statue of Liberty to make the image realistic.
- Exercise backdrop relevance. Subjects can be taken by photography backdrops anywhere. Be sure to use backdrops that fit the theme or idea of your photography session. For example, a seashore with glistening white sand begs for people in beach attires carrying sandcastle making props or inflatable, pineapple-shaped life preservers.
- Post-processing works wonders. Photography backdrops don’t have to look impossibly perfect. Professional photographers trust software like Photoshop to smoothen out imperfections and blemished in their shots. Mistakes in the studio can very well be subtly retouched during post-processing.
