A professional photographer can understand the importance of backdrops. Backdrops are as important as the subjects to the extent that they can make or break a photo. The entire look of a photo can be affected greatly by the backdrop on which it has been captured. And so, photographers keenly think on backdrops while non-photographers don’t when they capture photos. Here’s an overview of the importance of backdrops in photography and how you can make the most of your backdrop.
It’s a normal series of action for a photographer while capturing a photograph to first look at the subject and then look for a good backdrop and foreground. While background is what is behind the subject, foreground is what is in front. These two things are and should be considered essentially by photographers. But here we’ll discuss only about the background. It should also be remembered that sometimes a background can even become a foreground in a photo. To get the right backdrop for your photos, you can visit the Backdrop Store to choose from among a great variety.
First we’ll see why you should have a backdrop in the first place.
To Highlight the Subject
A backdrop does the important job of making your subject remarkable. You may notice it especially when the backdrop is plain black or white. Such a background will free the photo from any distraction. However, even a detailed backdrop can highlight your subject particularly if both fit each other well.
Creates a Story
Every image has a story to tell! This story can be created effectively through the right backdrop. You might have noticed at times that a change in the background can change the whole story of the image. Therefore you have to choose the backdrop very carefully.
Represents Location and Setting
In the story a photograph has to tell, location and setting are very important. A setting has the ability to express the timing and place of the photo. E.g. a picture of a man sitting on a chair in a verandah reading a book and sun’s rays falling on his face can tell about the timing and the location. Or a photo captured with a full moon on the background can reflect the nighttime effectively.
How to Make the Most of Your Backdrop
Make Sure the Colors in the Background and Foreground Match
Choose a background that has matching colors with the foreground you have chosen. Also take into consideration colors that will highlight the subject, without distracting viewers’ attention.
Make Sure There is a Significant Distance between Your Subject and the Backdrop
For most backdrops, especially if they are textured or speckled ones, it’s ideal to place your subject around 6 feet or more from the backdrop. This will diffuse the details of the background and allow it to stay only “in the background”. Some shadow and texture will still be seen but exact definitions will melt away. It’s also helpful in preventing funny shadows and/or reflections.
Store Seamless Paper Backdrop Upright
If you are using a seamless paper backdrop, storing it horizontally will make it sag in the middle and create large “wobbles” when you will stretch it out.
Create Lighting Carefully
Lighting the backdrop properly is almost as important as choosing a proper backdrop. Here are some rules to remember:
- Graduated lighting can be created with a curved background with a light placed at the top. It makes the backdrop look lighter at the top and darker below.
- Even lighting is created by dispersing light evenly on the backdrop and the subject. You should adjust it properly to make sure nothing goes into shade.
- Dropped Out/Shadowless lighting is created using pure white or solid color background which creates an illusion that the subject is floating. Place the light so as to make background look overexposed.
Use these tips and choose the right backdrop from the wide range available at Backdrop Store to create outstanding photos.
