Best studio backgrounds for professional and home photography studio

For a photographer working in a photo studio, it is very important to choose the right equipment correctly. This includes not only the photographic equipment, but also the background itself. The correctness of the artistic perception of photography largely depends on the chosen background. The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared for you an overview of the best backgrounds for studio photography for 2020 - for both professionals and beginner photographers.

What are the different photography backgrounds?

A high-quality background is a necessary element for anyone who is engaged in staged photography and video shooting.

The backgrounds used in modern photography studios are divided into the following types:

1. Paper;
2. Fabric;
3. Non-woven;
4. Plastic;
5. Vinyl.

How to choose?

When deciding which backdrop is better to buy, you should pay attention to the main selection criteria:

• Material;
• The size;
• Colour;
• Features of shooting conditions.

Paper

Ranked first among the most popular backgrounds. They are used by both studio professionals and home amateurs. The paper backdrop is characterized by almost no texture. Thanks to this, he will not draw attention to himself, distracting from the main subject of photography. And its matte surface will provide an even, glare-free background that, due to its density, will smooth out all transitions from wall to floor. Also, the pluses include its low cost. Of the minuses - the paper backdrop gets dirty and quickly wears out. These models are more suitable for formal photo shoots and for shooting portraits.

At the moment, an American factory is engaged in the production of such products, whose products are known for their quality. Chinese manufacturers compete with the Americans. However, photography backdrops from China are based on thinner paper that is easily and quickly damaged. Also, Chinese products are limited in their color palette, and the quality of paint is noticeably worse.

The nicest colors are white, black, gray and its lighter shades. Each color is marked with a digital designation. Thanks to this, the old backdrop can be quickly replaced with the same one, only a new one, and the difference will not be visible.

The standard dimensions are 2.7 m wide, less often 1.5 m models are found. The length is from 10-11 meters and above.

The peculiarities of the choice of paper backgrounds are that they are sold in reels, which are suspended on lifting systems during operation. The weight of a standard reel is approximately 6 kg. And the longer the length, the heavier the reel, and therefore a strong system is needed so that the background does not sag.

Tissue

Fabric backgrounds are the second most popular. And they have completely opposite functionality to paper. First of all, a reusable fabric backdrop. If it gets dirty, it can be easily washed or dry cleaned. They can be used to cover anything from the floor to a soft sofa.

But at the same time, fabric backdrops are characterized by the presence of their own texture. Unlike paper, they do not have elasticity and smoothness.However, the fabric will not spoil the photo due to its natural appearance and the fact that the fabric is perceived by a person as something familiar, which is a part of everyday life. Also, with the help of such a background it is convenient to make beautiful folds, which makes it more suitable for informal photo sessions.

There are two types of fabric photography backdrops - on a folding frame (for a photo shoot on the road) and without a frame. A special pocket for the crossbar is sewn into the back of the non-framed product. Frame equipment can easily be leaned against a wall or suspended from something, but should not be placed under your feet. There are models in which a folding background is combined with a canopy. They have not become widespread, since the background begins to deform under the influence of frequent walking on the canopy.

The main production material is a variety of cotton fabrics (most often muslin) or synthetics.

The colors can be either monochromatic or multi-colored - depicting landscapes, abstract drawings, etc. The standard size is 3 m wide and 3-7 m long.

Non-woven

The nonwoven backing (or “nonwoven”) is synthetic and is sold in rolls wound on cardboard tubes. Non-woven fabrics, like fabric ones, are reusable items. To clean them from dirt, wipe them with a damp cloth or napkin.

The key feature of non-woven backdrops is the texture, which is found in two types: oilcloth and velvet. The first one looks fine-meshed, the second has a fine pile (velor). The velor backdrop has special properties - it smooths shadows and creates a feeling of softness, velvety. However, velor backgrounds are three times more expensive than usual.

The popularity of nonwovens has increased in recent years. And also due to the fact that they are much cheaper than paper ones with higher wear resistance. In this regard, non-woven fabric is ideal for beginners in the field of photography. To avoid mistakes when choosing, remember that non-woven backgrounds are not suitable for product photography. The exception is jewelry accessories, removed on velvet.

Non-woven models come in rolls in a variety of sizes - from 1.4 x 2 m (for portrait photoshoots) to 3 x 7 m (for full-length photos). Velor backdrops come in sizes 0.7x1.3m - enough to cover a standard table.

The color range of nonwoven fabrics depends on the manufacturer, but in general, it varies between 15-20 monochrome shades.

Plastic

Background cloths made of plastic are plates with a standard thickness of 0.3 to 0.8 mm. The most common sizes are 0.7x1 m (for a photo table) and 2x6 m.

According to buyers, a plastic backdrop is best used for product photography. They lack a noticeable texture, so close-ups can be taken. They also have the ability to diffuse light, which makes it possible to create a pleasant light halo around the subject of photography using the backlight from below.

Plastic backdrops come in matte and glossy - the latter make it possible to shoot with reflections on the surface. Most of the plastic products available on the market are monochrome. A small part is bilateral. Supplied rolled up.

Vinyl

In terms of their characteristics, vinyl models are similar to banner fabric. The difference is that vinyl has a matte surface. Glare-free when shooting on vinyl, these backgrounds are considered the most durable on the market. They are easily cleaned of dirt - just wipe it with a damp cloth. An exception is shoe stains on white material.

Vinyl backdrops are known for their density and heavy weight - they are the heaviest of all. In this case, they are established according to the same principle as paper ones. And they are produced wrapped in cardboard tubes.

The color palette of vinyl products does not differ in variety - most often there are white, black, gray, beige colors.

Chromakey

A chroma key photophone, which is a green or blue canvas, should be distinguished into a separate category. Such a plan is most often used for video filming with further processing in special editors. The green backdrop is cut out, and the necessary picture is substituted in its place. However, if we are talking exclusively about photography, then a simple white background is the best option for a studio. Using photographic equipment, it can be illuminated so much that even a model dressed in all white will stand out.

To shoot the video, a toxic green background is used, because this color is extremely rare in human clothing.

Chromakey differs from the usual materials used as a backdrop - it is a synthetic canvas with a pile. Chromakey is elastic, which makes it easy to stretch on walls, floors and various objects without the formation of waves or folds. And the pile hides the corners and allows you to hide the flaws that arise due to uneven illumination.

Chromakey photography backdrops are fabric-based and paper-based. Sold in rolls, spring-loaded and frameless.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of paper backgrounds:

Disadvantages:

Advantages of fabric models:

Minuses:

Advantages of non-woven models:

Disadvantages:

Advantages of plastic models:

Disadvantages:

Advantages of vinyl canvases:

Disadvantages:

Main technical characteristics

room	Recommendations	Specifications
1	Material	Backgrounds for photography can be paper, fabric, non-woven, plastic, vinyl.
2	Manufacturer	Popular paper-type models are produced under the brands BD, Lastolite, Colorama, Superior, Savage. The best manufacturers of nonwoven fabrics are Photoquant and Lumifor. Fabric models are made by Falcon Eyes, FST, Lastolite, Superior. Chroma key blades are marketed by Lastolite, GreenBean, Movie Yeah, Westcott, Savage. When deciding which company is better to buy a vinyl backdrop, you should pay attention to companies such as BD, Lastolite and Raylab.
3	type of instalation	There are the following installation systems: • automatic lift; • "gate" system; • "three backgrounds" system; • bracket; • suspension system; • T-shaped holder; • Expan.
4	Colour	The most popular and versatile colors are black and white. But there is a fairly wide range of shades on the market. The choice should be based on the subject of filming.
5	Service life	The most durable are plastic, vinyl and fabric (including chromakey) models.
6	How much is	In price, backdrops differ depending on the material, manufacturer and size of the canvas. The most inexpensive models are non-woven (900 - 3500 rubles) and plastic (500-3000 rubles). More expensive - paper (3000-7000 rubles) and fabric (1500-7000 rubles). Chromakey costs from 5,000 to 15,000 rubles. Budget models are usually quite modest in size. For a large background for full-length filming and group photo shoots, you will have to pay from 5 to 10 thousand rubles, depending on the material.

Rating of quality models for 2020

Fotokvant BP-0113 Black mat / gloss

Manufacturer: Fotokvant (China).

Average price - 900 rubles.

A plastic backdrop for a photography studio, the main feature of which is that one side of the canvas is matte and the other is glossy. Glossy can be used for product photography when a polished background is required. And matte, thanks to a pleasant texture, for macro photography. The size is 1x1.3 m.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Lumifor LBGN-1520 Red

Manufacturer: Lumifor (China).

Average price - 1000 rubles.

Red non-woven studio background in roll on tube. Size - 150x200 cm. Ideal for use in product photography. Made of dense material resistant to mechanical damage. The web is sold rolled up on a tube, which simplifies the shipping process.

Advantages:

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Fotokvant BV-1420 Black

Manufacturer: Fotokvant (China).

Average price - 1600 rubles.

Velvet studio photophone of black color on PVC basis. Size - 1.46x2 meters. The canvas is made of a special non-woven material, and its surface is transformed into velvet using the color spraying technology.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Colorama LL CO9700

Manufacturer: Colorama (Great Britain).

Average price - 2,000 rubles.

The backdrop is made of black plastic, which is capable of boasting a perfectly smooth surface. The canvas can be used for subject and portrait photography, as well as when creating still lifes and photographing animals. Thanks to its characteristics, the backdrop minimizes reflections and glare. Available in various shades - both classic and non-standard. Supplied in cardboard tubes that protect the canvas from damage during transportation. Dimensions: 100x130 cm.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Raylab RF-12

Manufacturer: Raylab (Russia).

Average price - 3,000 rubles.

Spring fabric photophone, painted in the most popular and versatile colors - white and black. The white side is reflective and good for flash use, while the black side is light-absorbing and anti-glare. This canvas in a spring frame will be an excellent option for both a studio equipped at home and for outdoor shooting. The popularity of models of this type is quite large and is due to the compact size when folded. Such a backdrop is quick and easy to prepare for work due to the fact that the flexible frame provides high-quality web tension and prevents the appearance of folds. It can be used to shoot both portraits and full-length photographs.

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Falcon Eyes BackDrop

Manufacturer: Falcon Eyes (Canada).

Average price - 3500 rubles.

A paper background of black flowers 2.72 m high, 10 meters wide. Suitable for professional studio shooting, as well as for photo shoots at home. The backdrop does not have a bright texture, and therefore will provide an even distribution of light. The web is made of durable fine-grained material and is supplied in specialized cardboard tubes. Thanks to this, it does not sag when installed on the fastening system.

Advantages:

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FST BP-025

Manufacturer: FST (China).

Average price - 4,000 rubles.

Foldable fabric chroma key background. One side is blue, the other is green. Made from high quality fabric, it is ideal for use in small studios and on location. Takes up a minimum of space, easily folds and unfolds. Size - 1.5x2 meters.

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Disadvantages:

FST 1.60m * 3.40m

Manufacturer: FST (China).

Average price - 4500 rubles.

A double-sided vinyl backdrop with hangers for a wide variety of creative uses, with one side painted white and the other black. The canvas is delivered packed in a tube, which is convenient for transportation. The design of the model includes eyelets and a pocket for fastening with a mounting system.

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Colorama CO182 Polar White

Producers: Colorama (Great Britain).

Average price - 4500 rubles.

A paper studio photophone from one of the best manufacturers in the industry that is suitable for professional photographers and aspiring amateurs. Canvas color - white (Polar White), length - 11 meters, width - 2.72 m. The weight of the reel is 4.7 kg. The paper is of high quality and has a fine-grained surface that eliminates the possibility of glare.

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Lastolite LC5781

Manufacturer: Lastolite (Italy).

The average price is 15,000 rubles.

A 3x3.5 meter chroma key fabric photophone, which will be an ideal option for taking photos and recording videos, implying subsequent editing. The web weighs 1.7 kg and is therefore easy to transport. Color - green (Chromakey Green).

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Disadvantages:

Operating tips

Most often, paper is used for photography - it is cheap and easy to buy. However, due to the fact that paper is a fragile and short-lived material, such a backdrop has to be changed often. Professional photographers when using paper models adhere to the following rules:

• if the model is shot in full growth, then it is necessary to use about 5-6 meters of canvas. Of these, 2.5-3 m should be put on the wall, and the remaining 2-3 m should be laid under your feet. The standard paper roll is 11 meters, and therefore, when the foot part is completely worn out, you just need to cut off this half and use the rest;
• if the plot of the photo shoot does not imply full-length shooting, then you simply do not need to lay the backdrop under your feet;
• it is important to keep the shoes clean. This will help not only save the canvas from holes after sharp heels, but also reduce the degree of contamination of the material. Some people put fabric-backed duct tape on the sole;
• in combination with a paper background for the floor, you can use plastic if the colors are identical;
• paper elements should not be taken to outdoor photo sessions, since they cannot be folded, and the dimensions of a rolled roll do not always allow it to be packed in a bag or even placed in the trunk;
• since the paper web has the properties of ordinary paper, it can be colored if required by the plot of the photo shoot.

Where can I buy?

You can buy a backdrop for a studio in a specialized store of photographic goods and photographic equipment, where an assortment for professional photographers is presented. There, you can touch the canvas, check the quality and make sure that there is no marriage.

Also, if desired, the product is available for ordering in the online store. In some cases, ordering online will be cheaper than buying from a regular store. Search for studio backgrounds in the categories "Electronics" and "Special equipment for photography and video". Also, the required background can be ordered from AliExpress, where a very wide selection of models is presented. However, in order to avoid mistakes and not to order a low-quality product, you should carefully study the description and customer reviews before buying.

If you have experience in using backgrounds for a photo studio described in the rating, or a more interesting model, tell us about it in the comments.