Digital backdrops are files of high resolution images which are combined with the subject with the help of photo editing software. Digital backdrops are inexpensive as compared to traditional backdrops and can be bought in a bulk quantity on CDs and DVDs. If you have an additional skill of computer operation along with photography, digital backdrops can offer you an extensive variety of backgrounds for your photos and so, your customers will get a wide choice of background options.
Digital backdrops offer the following benefits:
- A studio using only digital backdrops requires only 1 background.
- Because of digital backdrops, a portrait studio operation can be simplified because any background changes are not required.
- An inventory is not required by a professional studio of muslin backgrounds. Also a multi-background support system is not required.
Types of Digital Backdrops
Basically there are two types of digital backdrops:
- Backdrops that replicate muslin backgrounds
- Picturesque backdrops of famous locations and landscapes. These backdrops can be obtained from “Stock Photography” libraries too, but stock agencies sometimes charge quite big fees and also you need to complete the work restricted by usage rights.
Choosing a Digital Backdrop
This is rather confusing, as there are so many beautiful choices that you may easily get daunted as to which one to use.
Issues with Scenic Backdrops
Scenic backdrops can be lovely and exotic but they can make the portrait look fake. The key to use scenic backdrops successfully is lighting. You need to consider that:
Nearly all scenic backdrops are illuminated by the sun and so, have an illumination angle resulting in shadows to fall in a particular direction
The subject you are going to superimpose on the backdrop should be illuminated to replicate the angle of illumination in the backdrop
If the illumination angles of the subject and backdrop are not matched, the viewer’s brain understands that something is wrong and the image becomes disagreeable when viewed
It is good to choose a scenic backdrop prior to photographing the subject. That allows you to duplicate the angle of illumination of the picture and create a more realistic portrait.
Issues of Focus with Scenic Backdrops
To make a portrait having a scenic backdrop look real, the backdrop must be out of focus creating an illusion of being taken with a short focused lens. To make some pictures look real to human eyes can be extremely difficult, because the more remote objects in the picture have to be more out of focus than those that are closer. Mostly picturesque images are shot with infinity focus and it is almost impossible to change them accurately to alter the focal point.
Create Your Own Scenic Backdrops
Some portrait photographers create their own digital scenic backdrops by travelling in their own area and capturing scenes that are original to the region. This DIY approach is extremely advantageous. Its major advantage is you can be sure of correct focus and lighting of the scenes and your clients may love to have a familiar scene on the backdrop.