An Ultimate Guide to Photography Backdrops

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An Ultimate Guide to Photography Backdrops
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• Anything, that can be used to enhance the look of
  your photograph along with filling the background
  space, can be referred to as photography
  backdrops.
• The standard backdrops range from the solid
  colored muslin backdrops in green, black, red,
  white, and many other colors to the artistic ones
  featuring building, landscape, etc.
• Usually, they are the physical pieces that can be
  used in a studio or carried along for outdoor
  shoot.
• However, these days, photographers prefer to use
  digital backdrops.

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Types of Backdrops

• Here are some of the most common varieties that
  are used across the globe
• Muslin backdrops in various colors
• Paper backdrops also known as backdrop paper
  rolls

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• Painted canvas backdrop these are only used for
  studios, as they are very heavy to carry
• Textural backdrops having a mottled background
• Painted wall can also be used as a backdrop
• Creative backdrops featuring various scenes in
  the background such as a forest or any other
  imaginative place
• Digital backdrops are used for background
  replacement

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What can a backdrop do for you?

• Carefully chosen backdrops can reflect the
  personality and mood of the subject.
• A person standing in front of a backdrop of
  garden will depict a pleasant mood, whereas a
  lady standing in front of a black backdrop with
  shadows on face will reflect an anger or
  stressful mood.

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• Out-of-the-box ones such as the dyed backdrops
  improve the presentation of the picture as well
  as make your subject look beautiful.
• With proper lighting, they can highlight the
  desired things such as the facial expression,
  skin color, hair color, the sketch of the
  subject, etc.

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How to choose the right backdrop?

• Color coordination between the foreground and the
  background is very important. Make sure that you
  choose the right background color that will
  highlight the subject without actually affecting
  their look.
• Never choose a background that will cause a lot
  of distractions and take the attention away from
  the subject. The idea is not to highlight the
  background but to drag a lot of attention towards
  the subject.

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• If your subject is standing too close to the
  backdrop or if the background has lines or
  blemishes, the viewer will be less attracted
  towards the subject.
• If you are using artistic ones, be careful of the
  objects in the background that seem to protrude
  from the subjects head such as a tree or a pole.
  These elements cause a lot of distractions and
  also make your picture look humorous.
• Never choose a backdrop that is cluttered or else
  your picture will also look messy.

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The best way to get the most out of the backdrop
is to evaluate it before taking the pictures.
Most photographers tend to ignore them and later,
regret on the bad results.