Category Archives: How-to

A collection of articles that guide and instruct photographers, videographers and other creators on enriching their production and creating fantastic content.

How-to, Review

Black Seamless Paper vs. Black Vinyl

Posted on by StudioBackdrops.com

When I think of the color black, I think shadow, darkness and fear, which is similar to my mentality of shooting photography on a black background; I am absolutely terrified. When I started my photography journey, I thought shooting on black was just too cool. The shadows were dark, and the subject just seemed to sink into the background. I used a cheap black cloth background that seemed to attract more dog hair than my carpet, but I didn’t think anything of it. More recently, I’ve conditioned myself to shooting on canvas, Fashion Gray or Super White and my anxiety of shooting on black is at an all-time high. Over the past year, I learned to love subject separation and black never gave me the contrast I wanted in a photograph. After much debate, I decided to give black another shot and setup a test fashion shoot to compare black vinyl to black seamless paper as well as hopefully reduce the anxiety and revitalize that passion for shooting on a black background.

1. Material

-Vinyl

Upon initial inspection of the black vinyl, there was a nice dotted texture to the inside and a reflective slick surface to the backside. Obviously, I used the inside of the roll for shooting as the backside would offer far too much reflection. But, that’s not to say one could experiment with the reflective backside of the vinyl.

-Paper 

I’m used to shooting with paper, so when I opened up the roll of black seamless paper, it was no surprise. The inside is a flat matte black surface reminiscent of construction paper without the fabric texture. The outside of the roll furnishes the same type of surface.

Winner: Vinyl 

2. Light

-Vinyl 

Right out of the gate, I noticed that the vinyl seemed to absorb more light than the paper. Although, I liked the feeling and texture of the vinyl it really took a lot of light to bring out any form of gradient. No matter where I placed the background light it seemed to soak in the light like a sponge, no bounce, no reflection.

-Paper 

Compared to the light-sucking vinyl the matte paper seemed to appreciate my background light a lot more. It provided a bit more “room” to light and it didn’t require nearly the same power of light to become a dark gray. I liked how light spilled over the paper more, rather than the constricting feeling I got from the vinyl.

Winner: Paper 

3. Look

-Vinyl 

In camera, the vinyl appears jet black and is far more black than its challenger. Even with a light on the background the vinyl has the tendency to suck the subject into the shadows if you’re not careful. But, perhaps that is the type of photograph you’re after. If solid black with little to no flexibility with light is what you’re after, then vinyl is the answer.

-Paper

I like how versatile the paper was compared to the vinyl. It gave me the opportunity and ability to turn the background dark gray with light and at the same time jet black with no light. The look has a nice seamless look, with a slight texture that I really love. The fact the paper is also a lighter shade of black provides more value and usability when lighting.

Winner: Paper 

4. Endurance

-Vinyl 

I loved the fact that as soon as the model stepped off the vinyl I could take a rag and wipe off the dirt and clean the surface of the vinyl, something that I could never do with paper. Looking forward, I could see myself keeping vinyl around much longer than paper. It’s definitely a “green” option compared to paper.

-Paper 

If you’ve ever dealt with seamless paper, you know dirt will build up and at some point; you just have to cut off a top end of the paper for the next use. It seems like I’ve gone through enough paper to provide 10 notebooks per child at the local elementary school for years to come. I always feel wasteful cutting off 4’ x 10’ strips of paper, but it’s just something that has to be done, otherwise you could be spending hours in post-processing.

Winner: Vinyl

Obviously, there isn’t a clear winner here; the black vinyl has its advantages while the black paper has its clear advantages. At the end of the day, it really comes down to personal preference and the type of photograph you’re really after. Myself being a fan of gray and green, my final results showed a strong lean towards the black paper. I love the look of the paper, but the vinyl is a great lasting investment. Although the results turned out to be some of my favorite images I’ve captured this year, I was not surprised by what I was seeing on the back of my camera. I’m no longer terrified to shoot on black and that alone was worth the experiment.

Check out the BTS video of this shoot here!



Clay Cook began his creative career in the music industry, and after 10 years, his passion had leaned towards photography, cinematography and graphic design. Constantly collaborating with designers, national models, filmmakers and other photographers, Clay has built a reputable name as an award-winning internationally published photographer and filmmaker, specializing in fashion editorial and advertising photography. Clay’s work is featured frequently on world-wide photography blogs including Fstoppers, B&H Photo & Video, PetaPixel, SLRLounge, ISO1200 and BorrowLenses among others. Clay has been published in USA Today, First For Women, ProSales Magazine, Modern Salon, American Salon Magazine, Louisville Magazine, The Voice of Louisville, NFocus Magazine, STORY Magazine and Dark Beauty Magazine. Check out his website here.

How-to

Rechargeable Wireless Microphone: Things You Need to Know

Posted on by StudioBackdrops
  1. How to charge your wireless microphone properly?
  2. What if it doesn’t charge even after connecting the cable?
  3. What is the recording time after a full charge?

Charge your Wireless Microphone effectively

A rechargeable UHF wireless microphone system or a 2.4G one is simple to charge. But there are some things you can do to make your audio device last longer.

Turn off the wireless microphone before charging

Before you start charging your microphone, you should switch it off. It is important because the additional power supply can harm your microphone. And it can damage other musical instruments connected to the same power supply. Make sure you have pressed the power button and turned off the microphone before plugging the cable in and connecting to the power source.

Protect the Battery

Everyone wants their wireless microphone to last a long time. But it is only possible when you are careful with the usage. Before you go about plugging the microphone into any power source, find out what the suggested voltage and current are. Your battery will stay protected if you use the optimum voltage to charge your device.

The best way to charge your wireless microphone is to connect it to a charger on an active computer using a USB cable. If you are having trouble locating the USB port, refer to the manual. There is always a cover on the USB port to keep your device safe. The indicator on the microphone will light up to show you the charging status. If it’s red, it means it is charging.

Be sure to follow the power requirements in the manual to keep your battery safe.

Don’t Overcharge

Your wireless microphone is not meant to be charged continuously. Most lavalier wireless microphones take just a few hours to charge fully. So, keep an eye out. Once the indicator turns blue, green, or goes off completely, your device is fully charged. Disconnect the cable as soon as it’s done. Because overcharging will do more harm to the battery than you know.

This is probably why your device is not charging

If your wireless microphone is low on battery and not charging even when plugged into a power source, these can be the possible reasons. You can follow the below points to quickly troubleshoot your microphone.

  • Sometimes, the answer is simple – it is just not connected right. Check the cable and make sure it is snugly plugged into the charging port. The microphone will not work with the power source if it is not aligned.
  • Your power supply could be damaged. If you have an AC adapter, check it separately to make sure it is in perfect working condition.
  • There could be an issue with your wireless microphone. If there is physical damage to your device, it will likely end up as the source of your charging problem.
  • The wireless microphone receiver might not be functional. If you are using a rechargeable wireless microphone system you need to make sure the receiver is fully charged and the signal is strong.
  • There is an issue with the charging port. It needs to be replaced if it has any damage to it.

What is the recording time with one charge?

Every Synco wireless microphone is made to give you optimum performance. A single charge can power your device for a recording time of 5 to 10 hours. And some of the audio devices in this range already have an inbuilt battery. So, according to the capacity, they can give you an even longer recording time. But every Synco audio device gives you a minimum usage time of 5 hours.

The range and clarity of the signal impact the battery life. If signals are transmitted over longer periods, the battery life will be shorter. The brand, size, and battery capacity of the rechargeable wireless microphone also matter when it comes to battery life.

We hope this guide helps you understand how to utilise your wireless microphone better. Good luck recording!

How-to, Photography, Tutorial

A Wide Range of Product Photography Backdrops

Posted on by StudioBackdrops

The photo of a product is what creates the appeal for the product and inspires the customer to purchase. And to get the perfect product photo, you need perfect product photography backdrops too. This is why product photography in itself, has taken the centre stage in marketing today. Every product needs that perfect picture that makes consumers fall in love with it. 

Product photography refers to a strategic photoshoot with the goal of increasing sales. It is way more than just clicking pretty pictures. Product photography requires proper planning to capture a photo, that not only increases the sales appeal but also reflects the image of the brand. It needs to show the product in a flawless light while highlighting its most attractive angles. 

When it comes to telling the story of a product or a brand, one thing is essential – product photography backdrops. You need the right backdrop to make sure the product is the centre of the image and yet, it should not be so boring that the viewer pays no attention.

What are product photography backdrops? 

Product photography backdrops are artistic backgrounds that enhance the quality and appeal of your product photo. They highlight your product by giving depth, texture, and finesse to the image. They make your product look more professional and your overall online profile more reliable. 

Product photography backdrops come in a wide variety of colours, patterns, and materials. These varieties of options allow you to experiment with different reflections that the same product can create on the buyer’s mind.

At Studiobackdrops.com, we offer you the widest range of product photography backdrops. From food photography to jewellery backdrops, to skincare products, you name it and we can provide a niche backdrop for your item. 

With these backdrops, you not just increase your online sales and popularity but also build a statement brand image for yourself. 

Browsing materials for product photography

Product photography backdrops can be of several types. While colours and patterns are essential features, experts consider the material of the backdrop as the first and foremost priority. 

There are different kinds of materials for product photography backdrops. Paper, Muslin, Vinyl, and Canvas are some of the popular options.

Paper backdrops 

Paper backdrops give you a smooth and even background that does not interrupt the product. They come in seamless paper rolls in a huge variety of colours. You can use the paper roll with a backdrop stand or just cut out as much as you need and paste it behind the product. However, if handled incorrectly, paper backdrops can also form wrinkles. It is also difficult to clean the paper backdrop once you step on them or something gets spilt on it. It is easier to cut away the paper you have used and unroll some more for your next setup.

Vinyl backdrops

Vinyl backdrops are very easy to clean and very long-lasting. These backdrops are waterproof which adds to their durability. Usually, vinyl backdrops don’t give you the matte finish you need but our range of vinyl is completely matte. Another point that makes them very convenient is that they are wrinkle-free. so when it comes to product photography backdrops they seem like the easiest choice. But they can be very expensive in comparison to other options. 

Canvas Backdrops

Canvas backdrops are the preferred option by most photographers when it comes to product photography. Our range of canvas backdrops have a rich texture, and unique colour composition, and are made of premium quality materials. The reason most product photographers opt for canvas is the kind of depth and texture they add to the images. This cannot be achieved by any other material. Moreover, our canvas backdrops are all handpainted with the most premium materials. They are very durable and super easy to set up and use. And the best part is – they are spillproof!

How to figure out the right material for your shoot?

In an increasingly competitive online market, good photos of your product are the first point of attraction for your customers. It is very important that your product photography is targeting the right audience. 

For this, choosing the right material for a photography backdrop is very important. The right material depends on two crucial factors:

  • The product for which you are shooting 
  • Your vision for the product and brand

The product for which you are shooting is what determines the material you should go for. Paper backdrops can work for e-commerce materials like jewellery, bags, cosmetics etc. But for food items, paper backdrops are the wrong choice. Moreover, the item can get spilt on the backdrop and ruin it. For this, water-proof backdrops such as canvas and vinyl are considered better options. 

Secondly, the material of the backdrop also depends on your vision of the product. The colour scheme of the backdrop can immensely help in setting the mood that you envision for your product. With its classy texture and variety of colour options, canvas backdrops are the right choice for most products. 

Why Canvas is the best for product photography? 

Our experts at Studiobackdrops.com, after carefully studying the demands of product photography, have come to the conclusion that canvas backdrops are the best for product photoshoots. 

Quality – These backdrops are made up of 300 gsm canvas which makes them very easy to set up and use. The quality of the material is premium, ensuring a highly professional and finished look. The nature of canvas is such that it blends in the background effortlessly while highlighting the main subject of the frame.

Durability– Canvas backdrops are very durable as they are made of 300gsm canvas and coated in fine-art paints. The layers of paint coating the backdrop gives them extra thickness. They can last you for years with just a little bit of tender, loving care.

Variety– Canvas offers an amazing range of rich colours and textures. Photographers love such vibrant options for product photoshoots. Apart from colours, canvas also offers a wide range of textures and patterns too. Every backdrop is handpainted, giving you the edge in terms of uniqueness.

Portability– Canvas is considered a good investment because you can use them anytime anywhere. They are extremely travel-friendly, so you can easily carry them to different shooting locations. These backdrops can be rolled and safely stored in their case and you are good to go! 

Hence, canvas backdrops are the key to creating a high-profile product photograph. They not only improve the quality of photography but also save a lot of time and resources that go into post-photography processing. 

And in the post-pandemic era, when a large number of customers have shifted to online shopping, you cannot compromise with product photography. Canvas backdrops ensure that your product photograph stands out in the competitive e-commerce biz. These backdrops can assist you in not only raising your sales but also in carving out a signature brand image on Amazon, eBay, etc.  

How-to, Photography, Review

Things you need to know about Twistflex Backdrops

Posted on by StudioBackdrops

Gone are the days when photographers had to break their backs carrying multiple bulky backdrops while traveling. Today, we have Twistflex Backdrops as a one-stop solution for lightweight, easy portability, and wide varieties. This backdrop pops up in a matter of seconds, letting you have a portable studio, virtually anywhere you go. No wonder photographers worldwide have Twistflex backdrops on top of their ‘must-have’ list.

What are Twistflex Backdrops?

Twistflex backdrops are the handiest option for photography. You can perfectly fold them into compact circles which in turn go into their complementary zipper case. The material used for Twistflex can be of many types. It can be canvas, muslin, or polyester. Our current range of Twistflex backdrops are made of 165gsm fabric. And have a premium light absorption quality which produces classic reflection-free portraits. However, the biggest attraction point of Twistflex backdrops is the myriad of designs available here. Given its double-sided nature, you can already double your options for creativity!

When can you use a Twistflex?

Twistflex Backdrops have revolutionized the world of photography. With these versatile and affordable backdrops, top-notch photoshoots are no more just confined to a few elite studios.

If you have a small studio space that may not have enough room for a full backdrop setup, Twistflex backdrops are the way to go. They come as collapsible discs, so setting them up is super easy. Also, their steel frame ensures that they remain steady even without a stand, further addressing the space crunch. However, you can always opt for a size-adjustable stand for extra stability and better angles. Twistflex can also be supremely useful for a Home Studio setup. Digital content developers, social media entrepreneurs, and even video game players can have these amazing backgrounds, well within their homes.

But, if you are someone who travels a lot for work then Twistflex Backdrops are the most essential arsenal you must possess. You might come across locations where the natural backdrop is not fitting or you might have to shoot in small pieces here and there. And the terrain can also be challenging for setting up a full-fledged backdrop. Then Twistflex backdrops are going to be your savior. You can very conveniently set them up without any extra gear. It is equally easy to wrap them up to move to the next shoot.

Twistflex Backdrops are mostly preferred for taking headshot portraits. But the wide varieties of dimensions provided by us, going up to 6 feet by 7 feet can give you 3/4th coverage as well. It is also ideal for standing video photography outdoors. Vloggers particularly use them as gateways to create exciting backgrounds.

How to use Twistflex Backdrops?

Twistflex backdrops can fold down to 1/3rd of their original size in a collapsible backdrop kit. Although this process of opening and folding the backdrop is no rocket science, a few points can improve the lifespan of your backdrops.

Your backdrop pops open the moment you take it out of the kit. This can be mounted vertically or horizontally from a stand, hook or can simply be fixed to furniture with clamps. If you are getting a stand for Twistflex backdrops, it is already equipped with a tight clip on the top.

Clearly, setting up the backdrop is an easy task. However, the folding part can get a little tricky. For this, you need to hold the backdrop in front of you with your hands on each side and fold it inwards, making a V shape. Further closing the V gap, make the two ends of the backdrop meet. Then, while holding the backdrop still,  allow the bottom to come in towards you. Finally, keeping your hands on the top of the backdrop, follow the collapsing action downward. You can then store it in its complementary bag. Try to fold the backdrop on different sides after each use for avoiding any permanent stretch on the frame.

Benefits of using Twistflex Backdrops:

Many times, photographers reach a creativity blockage and try to explore avenues to expand their photography skills and style. There can be no better tool to experiment with than Twistflex backdrops. There are multiple reasons behind this

Reversible Feature

Twistflex offers to choose from multiple combinations of double-sided backdrops. The multiple varieties offered due to this reversible nature give Twistflex backdrops a high advantage. In fact, these varieties in turn have many sub-varieties based on solid colors, printed backgrounds, and painted options. Therefore, most photographers carry multiple such discs with them for exploring a wide variety of options.

Storing and Transporting

As discussed earlier, the light-weight and collapsible feature of Twistflex Backdrops enhance portability and comfort multiple times. The complementary zipper case further increases safe storage and transportation. This makes it extremely travel-friendly.

Bonus Green Screen and Reflector

The best quality of the Twistflex backdrop is that it can also be used as a reflector. Particularly, the Black and White Twistflex offered by us is especially preferred for this. Similarly, the Chromakey Blue and Green Twistflex backdrop can be used as a green screen. Having such a screen in your gear can make post-production effects very simple and easy too.

Hence, if you wish to refine your photography skills and push the limits of your creativity Twistflex backdrops can surely be a very versatile, very trustworthy companion.

Ideal for Vlogging and Headshots

With these backdrops, it’s very convenient to creatively control the lighting, composition, and editing of headshot photography. Even if you are a gamer at a desk and wish to experiment with your background with exciting effects, Twistflex can be a very easy option.

Easy to Clean

Given collapsible backdrops fold up, they can get wrinkled easily. However, when they are open and stretched taut, these wrinkles are barely visible. You can easily get rid of these wrinkles with a steam iron.

How-to, Photography, Tutorial

Studio Lights – All you need to know

Posted on by StudioBackdrops

It is a well known fact that studio lights are a necessary part of photography. As an amateur photographer, you might start off learning photography by depending on natural light. But as professionals everywhere agree, moving on towards using studio lights for photography is a crucial step for every amateur.

The natural light from the sun and moon is free and you won’t need to spend a penny for it. However, it is not a source of light that can be controlled. The light from the sun in the morning and evening, is best suited for photography. But waiting for the golden hour to click images isn’t the best use of any photographer’s time. The light from the sun can also be too harsh for several camera applications. So, to be dependent on natural light for your photography means you are restricting yourself.

What are studio lights?

Studio lights are essential tools for photographers to illuminate their images and videos. Lighting is a very important tool when it comes to controlling the image. And using studio lights in an effective way is an art in itself. It improves the quality of your photos and can offer some creative assistance that can set your final product apart from others. They are a common sight in studios, and the variety of lights tell every one of them has a specific use for different kinds of photography.

How important are studio lights for photography?

Lighting forms an important component in professional photography. Playing with lights isn’t simply about highlighting the subject or creating darkness, but also about the mood, the vibrancy and the tone of the photography. A professional photographer would know how light would impact the picture based on its placement.

Their knowledge of contrast helps them use the studio lights in an effective manner. Without the proper usage of lights, the photograph can be blurry or grainy. The understanding of one’s camera limitations and thus using the studio lights according to those restrictions can also yield outstanding results.

The different kinds of studio lights

Continuous Lights

Continuous lights are those that stay on constantly, giving you a stable source of light. They give you a preview of how the final image will look, as with these lights you can see what will be captured in the camera. There are two kinds of continuous lights

Hot Lights

Traditionally, hot lights are what have been used to create images and videos. They produce a lot of heat while they are on, and they provide a warm source of light.

Tungsten Lights: The best example of hot lights is Tungsten Lights. They are the most commonly used light source in professional fixtures as they are small, bright, and affordable. They produce a light with the colour temperature of 3200K and it is best to adjust the white balance in your camera while using them. The light emitted from tungsten lights covers the entirety of the visible light spectrum and beyond, which means they produce rich, vibrant and accurate colour. They can burn for hours but they require a lot of power and heavy duty fixtures. They are a great investment if you need something powerful and affordable.

Options available in India : Digitek DPL003, Metro Cine Light Multy

Cool Lights

Fluorescent light: These lights are often used for product photography. They are energy-efficient, and they don’t overheat. They come in multiple hues, like yellow, red and green. These lights consume less electricity and offer a diffused bright light which gives a lower contrast. Using a fluorescent white balance setting is recommended while using fluorescent lights.

Options Available: Sonia Trilite

LED light: LED lights are perfect for adjusting colour temperature. The lights can be modified or adjusted according to your need, as they are dimmable. Through LED lights, colours can be captured with more intensity than they are in real life, thus saving you a lot of time in post-processing your image. Because they are cool in nature, they provide a comfortable atmosphere for the photographers and the subjects.

Options Available: DIGITEK D-200ML, Godox SL60

Strobe Lights

Strobe lights give out a multiple bright burst of light. They have a power output between 100 to 1000 watts. The higher the power, the longer the distance you can use strobe lights from. They are also known as moonlights. Because of their immense power, these lights can be placed farther from the subject. One of their unique qualities is that while shooting outdoors, these lights can overpower sunlight and give you the desired effect without any external interference. They recharge quickly and you can take multiple shots in a shorter span of time. They are often confused and interchangeably used with flash lights that perform the same purpose, but are smaller units that are usually used on-camera. There are three types of strobe lights.

Battery-powered:

Battery-powered strobe lights come in handy in case of a mobile setup. These lights come with a variety of settings that can help you make the best use of light. The battery-powered strobe light systems also include a hotkey that can turn any camera into a wireless.

Shoe Mount:

The shoe mount is a bracket placed on the top of a camera. It has an adjustable head which can be used around to make the light bounce off surfaces. Shoe mounts provide extra light in case of darkness, as the addition of flash gives a boost to light and makes the subject visible enough to be clicked.

Monoblocks:

Monoblocks are usually powered by AC power sources. It has a light head and a power source, both in one compact housing. One of its important functions is to allow the photographers to preview the flash before clicking the picture, and thus adjust the settings beforehand. This becomes possible through the modeling light.

For all types of lights, be it continuous, strobe or flash, a monolight lighting kit is a great tool which provides you with an opportunity to arrange a complex lighting setup. Monolight lighting kits have different accessories in them. Some may contain softboxes, others may have boom arms, some may have snoot, and so on. These lights come with flash heads, which can be of varying numbers. These provide a great deal of compactness and offer various lighting techniques, given they use multiple heads.

Choosing the right studio lights

As professional photographers, it is obvious that you’d like to take your time before choosing the right camera and lenses. Yet, in the quest for that perfect camera which enhances your photography and produces incredible results, often the importance of lights is snubbed. Studio lights are an essential element of professional photography. Their usage sets the theme and tone of the photograph and boosts its quality. This is why it’s important to understand how to choose the right kind of studio lights. There are different lights used for different purposes in studio photography.

Key Light

Key light is the most crucial element for an artificial light source. As the name suggests, it is always going to be the primary source of light despite you setting up a multi-light source. It makes or breaks your images.

Fill Light

Fill light brightens the shadows caused by the key light. It is an extra light to make sure the distribution of light is even and the subject is well lit.

Hair Light

Hair light is supposed to light up only a small portion of the subject. In this, the light beam is narrow, so as to not fall on the large part of your subject. If you want to highlight a larger area, you have to move the light further from the subject.

Background Light

Background lights prevent your background from getting dark due to different lights thrown at the subject. They also help in removing the shadows cast on the background. It is usually dimmer than the key light, but can also be equal to it in power.

Camera Mounted Flash

The advantage of camera mounted flashes is that they are portable and are easier to move around than the light stands. Outdoors, they serve as fill lights, filling up the shadows perfectly if set in low light. The camera mounted flash is mostly used in receptions and other ceremonies, due to their portability.

Depending on the type of photography you like, the lights vary. It is also about whether you want to shoot outdoors or indoors. It comes down to your budget as well. Studio lights can make or break your image. With varying qualities, they offer a wide range of options to help your photography shine and produce a smile on your client’s face. With an insight to the kind of lights there are, you can be a master of photography skills, and grow considerably as a professional photographer.

How-to, Photography

Baby Photography – Guide to choosing the correct Backdrops

Posted on by StudioBackdrops

Baby photography is definitely a joyous exercise, but it’s equally challenging too. When the reaction of your portrait’s subject is unpredictable (in this case a little infant), the right selection of backdrops becomes pivotal in setting the expected mood.

These backdrops can set diverse varieties of ambiance as per your client’s demand. They can create premium finesse to your final photographs, breathing life into these photos. But most importantly, these backdrops are a must for highlighting those adorable expressions that a little baby tosses at you.

So, here’s a complete guide for choosing the right backdrops for baby photography. This guide will give you all the required skills to understand the very demand of a baby photoshoot and the importance of backdrops in answering that demand.

What is Baby Photography?

Whether it’s their baby’s smile or walk or sleep – parents wish to treasure every little memory of their baby. No wonder, the demand for baby photoshoots is skyrocketing worldwide.

Baby photography or newborn photography is an extremely patient exercise of capturing memorable photos of a baby. These kids belong to a delicate age group of one month to five years. Therefore the comfort of the child is considered as the core of baby photography. In fact, maternity photography can also be seen as a form of baby photography. This equally requires care, caution, and kindness.

Baby photography is one unique genre where your expert assistants are actually the child’s parents. They can help the photographers to make the baby giggle, laugh, crawl or sleep. Accordingly, you can steal your best shots from these natural reactions of the baby.

However, what completes a baby photoshoot is the right ambiance. And this is where the right choice of backdrop becomes important.

Are Backdrops Important for Baby Photography?

Today, many parents simply use home-based props and sheets to create a setting for baby photography. However, a proper backdrop has the ability to freeze time like no other alternative.

These backdrops have almost become a necessity now as they are the standard practice to create timeless photos.

Defining the mood

Backdrops determine the vibe of a photo shoot. Vintage-styled, fairy-themed, or vibrant candids – the correct choice of backdrop will give you the exact mood you wish to set.

This is particularly important in baby photography because unlike adults, documenting babies is fairly unpredictable. The child might not respond in the way you wish them to be photographed. So, the backdrops become essential in setting the mood where portraits come out wonderfully, irrespective of the subject’s expressions.

Framing emotions

Another major role of backdrop in baby photoshoots is to create splendid close-ups for capturing baby’s emotions. Backdrops can create an effective depth and highlight the child’s expressions. No doubt, these backdrops are basic ingredients for a timeless portrait.

The comfort of the child

Photographers specializing in the genre of baby photoshoots are not just experts in the photography domain. They also excel in understanding how crucial the comfort of the baby is.

They understand that outdoor photoshoots can become taxing for little babies. Weather can occasionally get harsh and create unease. However, with backdrops, you can ensure the comfort of an indoor setting while maintaining the required background.

For instance, printed backdrops with a sky theme can produce pictures that are even better than photographs taken in an actual outdoor setting.

Image by Chitra Vora

Telling a story

Backdrops have a unique way of storytelling. This is precisely what parents expect. They wish to see a story of their child spoken through the pictures when the baby herself or himself cannot speak. Your backdrop sets a context to your images giving base to the story you wish to show through the pictures.

Choosing between Paper and Fabric: Pros and Cons

Different kinds of backdrops create different effects on your photographs. Therefore, it is important to closely understand these effects and choose the most suitable one for yourself.

Image by Anup Srinivas Reddy

Paper Backdrops

Paper backdrops come in seamless paper rolls. They can simply take your portraits from plain amateur to pure professional grade. They offer multiple advantages as discussed below. The diverse varieties of colors available in paper backdrops and their non-reflective nature have made paper backdrops, a must-have tool for photographers. The rolled nature of the paper and a decent thickness make the setting-up part very convenient. More importantly, the smooth texture of the paper is very comfortable for the baby as well. However, paper backdrops can be relatively fragile. Walking on the set can be harmful to the sheet. Especially during baby photography when you are supposed to keep the comfort of the baby as a priority, some wear and tear become unavoidable.

Fabric Backdrops

As the name suggests, fabric backdrops are cloth-based, available in different kinds such as canvas, muslin, and polyester. Advantages offered by fabric backdrops have made them reliable support for photographers worldwide.

The storage and portability convenience of fabric backdrops, especially muslin is unmatched. The depth and texture given by canvas can make you fall in love with the portraiture. The wide varieties available in fabric backdrops have made them useful in both product and portrait photography. When it comes to baby photography, fabric backdrops help you get those classy professional shots you desire and their long-lasting nature makes them a wise investment too.

However, one must remember that the fabric should not be uncomfortable for the baby. Moreover, Canvas backdrops might be a little expensive. The easily wrinkled textures on muslin can be a trouble to handle as well.
Despite this, professional photographers understand how precious these pictures are for the parents. Therefore, they always highlight the importance of the right backdrops in baby photography for delivering what these parents deserve.

The perfect backdrop for baby photography

While paper and fabric backdrops both have their pros and cons, Vinyl backdrops are the one that easily win. They are made of a top quality 13 mil substrate vinyl and give you a smooth, seamless surface to shoot with. Vinyl backdrops have a matte finish and give you the same non-reflective surface like paper and fabric.

But unlike paper and fabric backdrops, they are very easy to clean. You can even wash the backdrop and it will remain perfectly fine. The material is made to endure and once you purchase it, you can keep using it regularly for years. It can even handle rough usage and you can hang the backdrop and forget about it.

So when it comes to baby photography, vinyl is easily one of the top choices. Its easy to clean nature makes it helpful for any shoot with babies. And its durability ensures that it is a very sound investment for every photographer.

We hope this extensive blog helps you make the right choice of backdrop while getting ready for baby photography.

How-to, Tutorial

Do you need backdrops as a Fashion Influencer?

Posted on by StudioBackdrops

Fashion photography no longer remains the domain of highly influential and experienced photographers. In fact, new players have entered the game in the form of digital creators who create stunning visuals in their homes with much more affordable equipment. It is one of the most popular kinds of content on Instagram. And if you are a fashion influencer, or aspire to be one, then this blog will guide you through the process of how important photography backdrops are to the content you create.

Make Your Content Professional as a Fashion Influencer

While you can easily create images and videos with your phone and no fancy light setup, it is not going to be the same as professional creators on the platform. You can choose a great setting but it will not be the same as the content shot in a studio space. You might think making your visuals look like they are shot in a studio space is not important. But let us tell you that it is. People love images and videos that have a high production value and that look much better than anything they can create. It is all about making things look aspirational. If you decide to post normal, everyday clothes as a fashion blogger, then would your audience still be interested in your work?

Backdrops are a standard in most kinds of photography, but especially in fashion. Most studios stock an entire range of photography backdrops. They are a necessity when it comes to creating fashion content because they provide the quality background needed to display the clothing. They give you a clutter-free space that instantly looks professional.

Backdrops Bring Focus To Your Content

Backdrops are the easiest way to get rid of all the noise in the background and minimize all distractions. They ensure that the focus is completely centred on the subject of the shoot. Whether it is an outfit, makeup, jewellery, shoes, or just the person in the image, the focus remains solidly on the subject when a backdrop is in play.

There are three broad categories of backdrops used all over the world – Paper backdrops, Muslin backdrops, and Canvas backdrops. Paper backdrops come in one single colour and are often without any texture, made to give you a seamless effect. While Muslin and Canvas come in single colours and in painted variations too. All these backdrops have one thing in common – they are all non-reflective surfaces that absorb light. Any shine or reflection you would get from other surfaces is eliminated with the use of a backdrop.

The biggest benefit of a backdrop is that it gives you a complete set in itself. All you need is a backdrop stand to set it up properly and it removes everything unwanted from your shot. Whether you are using a paper backdrop or a cloth backdrop, it helps you reduce noise from your environment.

What Backdrops can you use as a Fashion Influencer?

There are benefits to both Muslin and Paper backdrops and we’ll tell you about both.
Paper is the first choice of industry professionals and it is everywhere in studio setups. They come in the form of a roll, so you can easily put them up on a backdrop stand and unrolled for usage. Seamless paper backdrops or single colour paper backdrops are the most popular ones. There are printed versions and paper backdrops with patterns but Content Creators often use single colour paper backdrops.

All you need to know about paper backdrops.

Paper backdrops are completely seamless and give you a smooth and even texture. It is the seamless quality of the paper that makes it more popular among Fashion Influencers everywhere. They provide the perfect plain background that helps in highlighting different coloured outfits and unique prints, patterns, and designs.

However, they are a little bulky and you can’t handle the paper roll alone because of its weight. If you are not careful with the storage of your paper backdrop, it might end up forming waves or creases through the paper. The paper roll has to be rolled up tightly and secured with tape to keep it fixed in place. And since they come in the form of a roll, they need large spaces to work with.

All you need to know about muslin backdrops

Muslin backdrops also give you the same seamless background that is smooth and even. They are less reflective than paper backdrops and will be easier to light. There are two broad categories of muslin backdrops, the Solid Muslin and the Mottled Muslin backdrops. They have more texture to them and they also come with various designs. Muslin backdrops are great for close up portraits and they will give you more dynamic and dramatic images.

The best thing about muslin backdrops is that they are very lightweight and you can carry them anywhere you want. You can easily create a setup in a small space with muslin backdrops. They are also very easy to store and if you take care of them, they can last you for several years. And, they are much more affordable too.

As Muslin is a 100% cotton fabric, it is a material that can get natural wrinkles. And it’s not possible to keep it free of all kinds of creases and folds. But you can easily get rid of them with a handy steam iron.

What Colour Backdrops to Choose as a Fashion Influencer?

If you want to play it safe, then white is the best option for a fashion content creator. It is perfect works with the entire spectrum of colours and it will always highlight your outfit when you click a picture against it. You can also experiment with different lighting setups and add different coloured highlights to your white backdrop. White, Super White, Bright White, Bone, Cream are different shades of white you can go for. However, at the end of the day, white can also make your content look like e-commerce photos and videos.

Another popular colour is grey, ranging from Slate grey, Thunder Gray, Dove Grey, Lunar Grey, Platinum Grey, every possible shade. Grey is also popular for its neutrality just like white. It highlights the entire spectrum of colours and stays in the background, providing you with a solid platform to shoot with.

Beige is a colour that has risen in popularity very quickly. Lately, more and more Fashion Influencers are opting for Beige, Wheat, Tan backdrops as it has become quite trendy. Unlike white and grey, it has a more noticeable presence in the background. But just like the previous two colours, it also does a great job of highlighting different colours. It is a colour that compliments Indian skin tones and works perfectly with all types of Indian complexions. When the backdrop matches your skin tone, the makeup and apparel pop even more.

Go big and bold with colours and textures

Blue, pink, orange green, yellow, black, there are so many colour options you can go for. But the question is, do you want to stand out from the crowd and make that statement? There are many fashion influencers who have opted for bright and bold colours and their content is even more compelling. Mottled muslin is also a great option if you want to play with varieties of colours and textures. They are created with different colours and dyes, and there is a texture that appears in your visuals.

Now that you know everything there is to know about backdrops, use them to create content and become the Fashion Influencer you aspire to be.

How-to, Photography

Cloth Backdrops – Everything To Know About Them

Posted on by StudioBackdrops

Freeing background from unnecessary clutter is like second nature to any photographer. And Cloth Backdrops are the most essential tools in this exercise. The increasing importance of digital advertising and social media-based entrepreneurship has increased the demand for cloth backdrops. So, an understanding of these backdrops is vital to make your photography stand out. It is what separates professionals from amateurs.

If you want to target the precise mood of the photoshoot. And address the ever-rising demand of clients for ‘uniqueness. And take your portrait from basic level to inspirational – then cloth backdrops are the way to go! After all, what’s behind the subject is as important as what’s in front of it. 

What are Cloth Backdrops?

Simply put, cloth backdrops are the fabric-based screen or background that separates your main subject from the overall image. Their main purpose is to add a depth effect to the subject. Photographers prefer them in areas of portrait photography, fashion photography, and baby photography. They play a role in controlling the light conditions and adding a surrounding effect. And that makes them useful for product photography and shooting videos too. The diverse varieties of colours, styles, and textures that they offer, make them very versatile. They can build an extra appeal to the photo’s subject, aiding better communication with the viewers. This instantly makes them professionals’ favourites!

Types of Backdrops 

When it comes to varieties of cloth backdrops, the sky is the limit! Hence, sorting through the choices and finding the best-suited cloth backdrop for your shoot can give you an edge. The three most popular variants of fabric to choose from are Canvas, Muslin, and Polyester.

Canvas Backdrops

Canvas backdrops are a classy variety that offers a wide range of subtle and dramatic patterns. They provide an interesting background to a portrait without competing with the main subject for attention. The canvas backdrops that we offer are all minimum 250gsm (gram per square meter) fabric, offering a firm background to the image. Within this material, we offer two kinds of backdrops – Solid and Handpainted. The handpainted category offers unique designs and patterns all created by a team of experienced artists. Brushwork and Airbrushed designs provided by us are especially preferred for highlighting the subject in depth, as you can see here. With Scenic and Textured backdrops, we provide vibrant sceneries and elaborate designs that frees you from the hassle of creating a set. In fact, these backdrops have an exceptional appeal to viewers’ emotions, making them want to stop and look at your creation! 

Muslin Backdrops

Muslin backdrops are much lighter and thinner, as they are constructed from cotton. Our muslin backdrop thickness starts from 165gsm. We provide two main types here – Mottled Muslin and Single Colour Muslin. The Mottled variety in turn offers splendid versatility such as 3D, Crush Dyed, Handpainted, Solid, Washed, and Reversible. They offer a solid-looking background when hung flat and can also be draped over different surfaces to transform the look of a picture.

By manipulating how it hangs these backdrops can be used to utilize the studio space in the most effective way! With the Single Color variant, you can experiment and explore the different background lighting techniques to give the portrait a neutral or dramatic touch. These backdrops are particularly in demand for their price reasonability. They are also conveniently portable and do not wrinkle very easily- earning them a dominant position in the market.

Polyester Backdrops

Another type of fabric backdrop that is gaining prominence is Polyester, particularly because they are free from shrinkage and wrinkles. They are washable, very convenient to store, and offer high resistance to wear and tears, hence very long-lasting as well. Another unique advantage of using polyester fabric is the fact that they absorb light rather than reflect it, aiding in glare-free shots.

The film industry prefers cloth backdrops because they are very convenient in shooting a scene inside the studio. You can easily artificially edit them (like the green screen editing) and replace with the required natural environment like a beach, forest, etc. 

The pros of using cloth backdrops

The market for photography backdrops has expanded exponentially in the last few years. A wide variety of materials are available today. And yet cloth backdrop is a preferred choice for professionals worldwide for several reasons.

  • Durability: Cloth backdrops are called ‘legacy’ purchases for their durability factor. Canvas backdrops are a long-term investment. Muslin and Polyester are easily reusable. They also withstand normal wear and tear.
  • Storage and Transportation: Backdrops often become damaged or unusable if not stored properly. But with muslin backdrops, you can just stuff them in the bag when done. Canvas backdrops require some caution and are stored in shipping tubes for ease.
  • Appearance: Canvas provides a formal look with very refined and finished results loved by the best photographers worldwide.  The visual advantage of Muslin is that it holds dye better than any other fabric so the colours on backdrops appear very vivid and saturated. 
  • Non-Reflective Surface: The flash of a camera or shine of the spotlight when it gets reflected by the backdrop, creates a distraction from the main subject. To avoid this, we offer high-quality absorbent fabric that absorbs light instead of reflecting it. 
  • Price reasonability: For backdrops, some people go for cheaper alternatives but a higher cost is inflicted due to the time spent on trying to fix it. The wise can well assess that time is money! 

Hence, from the age of hand-painted scenery hung at the back of a stage theatre to the era of digitally designed backdrops, the relevance of cloth backdrops has remained consistent and evolving. No wonder, some of the world’s most famous artistic photographers attribute their stunning portraiture to their selection of cloth backdrops. They are truly the very keystone for bringing the subject of a photo to life-which indeed is the ultimate purpose of photography!

How-to, Tutorial

Muslin Backdrops – The Dos and Don’ts

Posted on by StudioBackdrops

A versatile and long-lasting product, muslin backdrops are used in theatre production, studio photography, video production, and more. Muslin backdrops have a very long and rich history and both professionals and novices use them.  And we are sure you must have come across several versions of these cloth backdrops in your photography career. The heavy-duty curtains they use in school and college theatres? They are all made of muslin.

Here is a comprehensive guide to muslin backdrops. It has everything you need to know before buying the photography backdrop and how to do proper maintenance afterwards.

What are Muslin Backdrops?

Muslin backdrops are made of 100% cotton fabric and coloured with dyes. The solid material is lightweight, easy to set up and use, and remains the same colour even after years of usage.

Our muslin backdrops are made with a cotton fabric that is resistant to wear and tear. We work with the best textile manufacturers in India to stay up to date with industry standards and give you better quality time after time. The fabric we use is 100% Indian cotton and ranges from 165gsm to 350gsm.

We offer you several different kinds of Muslin Backdrops – Mottled Muslin, Single Colour Muslin, and Portable Backdrops. The difference between the three categories is the painting and dyeing techniques used to create the patterns and designs as well as their utilities.

Mottled Muslin backdrops are one seamless piece of cotton fabric. We create them with creative dyeing techniques, some of which are our in-house speciality. And the best feature is that they help you get better lighting as the backdrop removes any extra reflection from the image. 

Single Colour Muslin backdrops are also made with one piece of seamless cotton. As the name suggests, they are coloured in one solid colour and give you the option of selecting garments and models to create a unique shoot. 

The Portable Backdrops come with their own collapsible steel frames. It gives you a very smooth surface that ensures you don’t get inconsistent lighting. And you can prop it against a wall or a pole without any extra help, making it very easy to set up in any given location. 

Can Muslin Backdrops improve your content?

A good backdrop shifts the focus of the audience to the subject of photography. Muslin backdrops help you achieve this in various ways. The natural folds and creases add extra depth and texture.

If you love a certain location and want to design a set around it, then our muslin backdrops are pretty useful. As they are extremely portable and lightweight, you can carry them around easily. You can drape them across a stable surface, lay them out on the floor, or hang them on a wire or rod. If you get one of our X-Frame backdrops, you will get a ready-made frame that you can prop up without any help. 

Image Credits: Kalyani Ambike(Left) & Ashwin Fernandes (Right)

Creating full-length fashion photographs, videos, and reels becomes a hassle-free process with a backdrop that is hanging in one place. You can walk around on it or dance on it without worrying that the backdrop might tear, as the sturdy cotton fabric is very durable. And you can use it for topdown shots or videos.

The versatility of muslin also extends to product photography and food photography. They are easy to style and you can mould them around the product you want to highlight. There is no limit to how creative you can get with a backdrop like this.

How to take care of Muslin Backdrops?

Muslin backdrops are very lightweight and you can easily pack them up and take them to any location. To ensure that you get maximum use out of one backdrop you can follow some simple tips and tricks.  

The cotton fabric gets natural wrinkles the more you use it or if you store it for a long time. Get rid of these wrinkles easily by using a steam iron, flat clothes iron or a water spray. If you are using an iron to remove the crease, then make sure it is on low heat. It will keep the dye from reacting and/or changing colours and looking odd on camera. But a steam iron is the safer option because it preserves the colours and is also easy to use. A water spray is the safest way to preserve the colours and the fabric. Spray the backdrop and let it hang freely so the wrinkle disappears on its own. 

And if you don’t have the time to get the creases out, there is a simple way to make sure they don’t appear in your photos. You will have to shoot with a larger aperture and get your subject to pose at a distance from the backdrop. This gets rid of all obvious wrinkles. 

After your shoot is over, fold up the backdrop and store it in the packet. Ideally, store it in the same packet we deliver it in. Keep it in a wardrobe, cupboard, or even a utility closet. The main thing to remember is that it is safe from both direct sunlight and humidity. Add silica gel packets to remove moisture around it.

We do not recommend washing the backdrops in a washing machine as it removes the vibrant dyes of the backdrop and adds extra creases. If the backdrop has dirt then use a sponge and non-abrasive detergent to remove it from the spot.

We hope this guide helps you make a more guided decision with muslin backdrops. 

How-to

Paper Backdrops And Everything You Need to Know About Them

Posted on by StudioBackdrops

If you have shot on a budget, you have tried several versions of paper backdrops to get a unique and smooth background in your images. We’ve all tried to use affordable chart papers or printed papers for tabletop photography. They might seem cool while you’re setting up, but they never seem to work out the way you want. The result on camera is always pretty disappointing. 

When it comes to a professional set-up with the right studio lights, paper backdrops are what hold up the quality of your images or videos. They are used in fashion photography, commercial portraits, catalogues, product photography and so much more. 

If you want to improve your content and know all the tips and tricks that industry professionals use, then you’re in the right place. Our experience of over two decades with handling seamless paper backdrops has taught us more than a few industry secrets. 

What are Paper Backdrops?

Paper backdrops are large, non-reflective rolls of paper that have a thickness of 120gsm to 150gsm. This thickness doesn’t affect what shows up on your camera but it defines how easy it is to handle the backdrop and how resistant it is to wear and tear. The bright and consistent colours are what make them very popular with different photography professionals. They are available in a variety of colours (often a single colour) but you can also get printed backdrops with unique designs. 

Professional photographers all over the world use seamless paper backdrops for studio and indoor photography. For decades, it has been used to create flawless images because the seamless paper is very easy to use. They give you a plain, crease-free, non-reflective surface that keeps all the focus on your subject. The smoothness of paper backdrops also helps you edit your images faster and make them perfect in no time. 

Some Tips and Tricks for Paper Backdrops

Their biggest benefit is that they are rolled up and ready to use when you receive them. You can create a set very easily by just unrolling the coloured paper against a smooth surface. If you don’t have a stand to hang the roll of paper, you can also cut the paper and tape it to any surface to make a quick and easy set. 

Since paper backdrops can be damaged or torn very easily, we recommend using only a flat, hard surface to roll out your backdrop. It can also roll back or curl up by itself, which is a hassle to keep fixing and makes it difficult to walk on the set. Use masking tape around the edges to keep it flat and smooth. And don’t forget to clamp the roll in place once you have unrolled the required length. 

If you are shooting full-length photos or videos and your model has to step on the backdrop, then make sure to clean the shoes. Dirty footprints can easily appear on your paper backdrops, so keep a rag or doormat next to your set. 

Some professionals also use transparent acrylic sheets on the floor. It keeps the backdrop clean as your model stands or walks around on it. And it also gives you the added benefit of a reflection in the image/video, giving it more flair. 

How to Store Paper Backdrops 

Storing paper backdrops for long term usage and keeping them in perfect condition is a question we are often asked. They can tear or rip easily and once they get dirty; you will have to cut off the dirty part before you can use the backdrop for a new shoot. When you are cutting away a part that has been destroyed, use a clean paper cutter instead of scissors. It gives you a clean cut and also helps you cut it in a straight line. 

Savage Seamless Paper, Superior Seamless Paper, and Trulite are made with 100% recyclable paper, so you don’t have to worry about making a huge impact on the environment either. However, we know that minimizing extra costs is always the better option, whether you are a professional or a beginner. 

After every shoot, you should roll up the backdrop tightly and store it in the box that we provide. It can develop creases and wrinkles if left hanging, so take it off the stand once your shoot is over. Store the paper backdrops in a dry space where there is no humidity and use silica gel packets to absorb any excess moisture. The best way to keep them in perfect condition for a long time is to keep them upright. This prevents the backdrop from getting damaged as the cardboard roll can bow and ruin the shape or create waves in the backdrop. 

Making Videos with Paper Backdrops


Video content is the way of the future and creating memorable Reels, Tiktoks and YouTube videos is what will set you apart from the rest of your peers. Use paper backdrops to create your video content and make your life easier. 

The hassle of creating a set? All gone. Just unroll your backdrop, set up your camera and lights, and hit record. Paper backdrops give you the benefit of colour consistency, so you get the freedom to experiment with colours. Choose a unique colour backdrop and make your video stand out from the crowd. Then you can create a single colour correction profile that works on all your videos. 

When it comes to size, a 4ft backdrop is perfect for a closeup of a single person talking. If you need a full-length video that has a lot of movement, go for a 9ft backdrop. Group shots are also best shot on the 9ft backdrop. And for anything and everything in between, the 7ft backdrop is perfect!

Some of the biggest photographers in the world have used seamless paper backdrops for their photography. Nick Knight, Annie Leibovitz, Jingna Zhang, Juergen Teller, Steven Klein – are just some of the few.

If you’ve read through this blog, you know all about shooting with paper backdrops. Go forth and make a masterpiece!