Tag Archives: muslin backdrops

Review

Are Photography Backdrops Important?

Posted on by StudioBackdrops

For photographers, photography backdrops are always a nagging question. Are they necessary for a photo shoot? Can they make any difference in the end results? Are they a good investment or unnecessary expenditure?

The truth is, they can easily make or break a photo. While clicking professional pictures, it is important to understand the significance of backdrops. They not only would give you the edge as a photographer but also save a lot of your time. Professional photographers care a great deal about the different backdrops they use. And there are multiple reasons for it. The biggest one is that they provide a clutter-free background that makes sure the subject is highlighted perfectly.

What are photography backdrops?

As the name suggests, photography backdrops are used in the background of photos and videos. They enhance the quality of the image by providing a unique surface for clicking pictures. They are also important when trying to convey the theme of the photos. Usually, most photographers prefer plain backdrops as they remove distractions and help the subject shine in the frame. Even in the digital era that we live in, photography backdrops are frequently used in studios, owing to their easy-to-use trait. Editing images through a computer usually takes a lot of time, and various photographers have admitted that the use of photography backdrops is their preferred choice in studio photography.

Different types of Photography Backdrops

There are several different kinds of backdrops that one can opt for while shooting. They have different uses and your choice should depend on various factors. But there are no hard and fast rules and you can always use whichever backdrop you prefer.

Paper Backdrops

Seamless paper backdrops are the most common type of backdrop you can find. Available in a variety of colours, they are usually 4.5ft to 9ft in width. These are smooth, non-reflective papers of minimum 125gsm thickness. They are used extensively in portrait photography, product photography, commercial photography and videography. White, black, and grey are the most popular colours in the seamless paper backdrops. The best part about paper backdrops is that they provide a smooth, even background. It makes them perfect for all kinds of photography and videography.

Muslin Backdrops

A cotton weave fabric, muslin easily holds dyes and paints. This quality is what makes muslin backdrops so popular as they have a huge variety of colours and designs. Our Muslin backdrops are made from a minimum 165gsm fabric. They are lightweight, portable, and have vibrant colours. Their different textures and patterns give various options to the photographers.

They are of two main varieties – Single Colour Muslin and Mottled Muslin. The Single Colour Muslin backdrops are one solid colour that gives you the same effect as paper backdrops. They are seamless and provide the same infinite background that paper does. Mottled Muslin backdrops are created by different dyeing techniques to make unique designs. We have several different kinds of Mottled Muslin backdrops – 3D Mottled, Crush Dyed Mottled, Washed Mottled, Handpainted Mottled, Solid Mottled and Reversible Mottled. Every category has a special dyeing technique that produces different end results.

These backdrops are great for shooting close-up portraits as they have a gorgeous texture. As a result, they are also great for fashion photography or maternity and baby photography as they are very easy to use. They provide vibrant backgrounds that are perfect for adding extra colours and textures to your images.

Canvas Backdrops

Canvas backdrops are made of a minimum 250gsm fabric. They 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. We offer two kinds of canvas backdrops – Solid and Handpainted. The handpainted category offers unique designs and patterns all created by a team of experienced artists. Abstract and airbrushed designs are especially preferred for highlighting the subject in depth. With Scenic and Patterned backdrops, we provide vibrant sceneries and elaborate designs that free you from the hassle of creating a set. 

We also have a range of Tabletop backdrops that are created from canvas. These backdrops are meant for food and product photography. Each backdrop is made with 300gsm canvas that is then hand-painted with premium paints. The coating of paint on these backdrops makes them not only long-lasting but also completely spill-proof!

Wrinkle Resistant Backdrops

There are several kinds of wrinkle-resistant backdrops present in the photography industry right now. A backdrop being wrinkle-resistant is quite an important requirement for a lot of photographers. While shooting, it is extremely difficult to fix a backdrop if it forms wrinkles. And it is hours of wasted time fixing the same thing in post-processing. That is why polyester backdrops have become a popular choice with all kinds of photographers. Even Vinyl backdrops are highly wrinkle resistant and provide a smooth surface to shoot.

Both these materials are very easy to handle and are long-lasting. When compared to tried and tested paper, muslin, or canvas – polyester and vinyl are not on the same level of trust. Polyester promises you a smooth surface every time but not every polyester backdrop on the market is of good quality. Our polyester backdrops have been created after months of research and have gone through vigorous testing to make sure they uphold their quality.

The Versatility of Photography Backdrops

Photography backdrops form a core component of photography. It doesn’t matter what kind of photography is your line of work. Food photography, fashion photography, maternity photography, or if you’re into making videos for YouTube, or even if you are into movies, you will always use photography backdrops to get the best outcomes for your pictures.

Any professional photographer or videographer would tell you the significance of the photography backdrops. They are an essential part of studio photography. They provide context to an image and prevent the possibility of cluttered backgrounds that are distracting, to say the least.

The materials used to create backdrops are the main reason they provide specific use for specific photography. Paper backdrops are used for fashion photography and high-key projects like e-commerce shoots. They direct the focus on the subject and prevent any disruption in the background. Its smooth surface gives it an edge over other backdrops when it comes to professional fashion photography. Even for special effects, a smooth-surfaced green screen is easier to handle.

Likewise, if you decide to add texture to the background, cloth backdrops come into use. You can also find painted backdrops which help a great deal in setting up a suitable background with respect to the subject. The scenic canvas backdrops provide unique and vibrant sets, removing the hassle of going to a location or building a set. Green cotton muslins are great for adding special effects. But because of their fabric, they tend to crease up, which then requires steaming them before reusing.

Finding the best backdrop according to your need

As much as the photography backdrops are important, you can’t simply choose any backdrop and hope to create the desired effect for your pictures. Context comes into play here, and so do the environment and the theme of the photography. This is why various kinds of backdrops exist that suit different types of photography and video projects.

Learning which photography backdrop to choose is an art in itself. You don’t have to spend a lot of time choosing the right backdrop. It is always easy when as a photographer your instinct tells you the kind of texture that would go well with the subject. On one hand, it’s the client’s desire that you have to adhere to, on the other hand, it’s a test of your photography skills.

Think about the end results while choosing your backdrop

If you’re going to click photos of a model or a product, you would not want the background to mingle with the subject – the product – in the front. Using a smooth background will keep the subject shining in the photo, and enhance it. And when creating videos with special effects, smooth-surfaced backdrops make it easy to create an error-free video later.

Choosing a backdrop that can clearly separate the subject from itself, has effective portability, and doesn’t hinder the focus of the subject, is important. Because a good photographer is one who has the knowledge of a wide range of photography backdrops. And knows how to switch between them in a manner that not only yields amazing results but also saves a lot of time.

Photography backdrops are essential to photography. They give you a variety of options and thus increase the chances of a final product that is enriching and delightful. Apart from providing massive support in the frame, the presence of backgrounds of different textures and patterns also expresses the amount of dedication and consideration you have invested into your photography.

Tutorial

How to choose the right photography backdrop?

Posted on by StudioBackdrops

Regardless of whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer, a photography backdrop is something that you need. There is such a wide variety available that you might question which one suits you best. 

The main purpose of a backdrop is to give you a dynamic background that allows for constant high-quality output. It works in tandem with the lighting to provide the optimum results, whatever your setting may be. A photoshoot can entirely depend on the quality of material used in the making of a backdrop. 

Paper is good for the seamless look

When it comes to shooting in a studio setup, paper backdrops are a no-brainer as they are very easy to use, and can be set up very quickly if you have an established setup. They are usually thick, ranging anywhere between 125 GSM to 145 GSM, making them resistant to wear and tear. 

Paper blends seamlessly without overshadowing the product. They come in various sizes so that selection can be made according to the needs of the photographer. The paper backdrops are to be used with a stand or a backdrop system that is mounted on the wall or ceiling. 

You can also use a backdrop without a stand by simply cutting out the portion you need for your set. The best thing about paper backdrops is that when they get dirty, you can simply cut off that part and unroll a fresh side.

However, due to their heavy nature, paper backdrops are not ideal for on-location shooting. It requires higher maintenance as it needs to be put away carefully after every usage. You also need to be very careful while stepping on the paper or around it as it can get dirty or ruined. If you are shooting by yourself and setting it up alone it will be difficult to handle the paper. 

Since they don’t interfere with the product, they are a popular choice while shooting products. Another reason why paper backdrops are preferred in commercial photography is the smooth appearance it provides, ensuring quick and hassle-free shooting.

Picture Credits : Rohan Sachdeva

Muslin’s portability makes it the popular choice of Photography Backdrops

Muslin backdrops have been used by professional photographers for decades now for multiple reasons. A Muslin backdrop works flawlessly in every indoor and outdoor location. All of our muslin backdrops are made out of 100% high-quality, non-reflective cotton, making them an excellent choice for both video production, regular portrait and commercial photography. 

Muslin backdrops are available in thickness of 165gsm and are suitable for heavy as well as regular use. They are more affordable when compared to other categories of photography backdrops, making them popular with amateur photographers.  

Muslin is a breathable fabric that is extremely forgiving in terms of handling and mobility. Another advantage of muslin backdrops is there are endless options when it comes to designs and colours. You can use these backdrops any way you want – you can spread it down on the floor, hang them using the rod pocket, and walk on them without fear. You can easily remove any wrinkles that appear on the backdrop with an iron or a fabric steamer.

Picture Credits : Manish Malhotra

Canvas is the classic photography backdrop

If you are on the lookout for textures in backdrops, canvas backdrops are the way to go. Since canvas is good at absorbing paints, it is the perfect material for creating different textures. Canvas is a textured fabric on its own and the material we use ranges from 250gsm to 300gsm. 

We offer you the largest range of handpainted canvas backdrops. Every backdrop is meticulously crafted by professional artisans who have decades of industry experience. They are created using industry-standard paints to give you the perfect matte finish that never cracks. 

When you invest in a canvas backdrop, you are investing in a backdrop that will last you for years to come. A canvas backdrop will elevate your images regardless of the setting. It gives you extra texture and depth in your images. We recommend that you store them with care and spot clean with a mild detergent if it happens to get dirty.

Picture Credits : Kalyani Ambike

Polyester is the New and Popular Photography Backdrop

Our range of Polyester backdrops is a fairly new player in the world of backdrops. Cheap polyester backdrops have been present in the market for a very long but they are not of the greatest quality. Any photographer who has used them understands why they are not the first choice for photoshoots. 

Our range of polyester backdrops has been created after months of research. This new polyester fabric that we offer has been tested several times to ensure that it is highly wrinkle resistant. The fabric is also completely stain-proof and can be washed as many times as you need. 

Our wrinkle-resistant range of polyester is extremely breathable and resistant to wear and tear. They come in solid single colours and are suitable for catalogue and portfolio shoots. Since the polyester is washable and extremely lightweight, the backdrop becomes portable to a fault, and a hassle-free choice for outdoor settings. 

The opaque texture and excellent light absorption by the fabric make it perfect for photo and video creation. They can also be used as a perfect green screen setup.

We know that Paper blends in to give you a smooth finish, polyester is highly wrinkle-resistant, and lightweight, and Muslin is available in the largest variety ever. Canvas, with handpainted options, open new doors to creativity. Each material serves a different purpose and we hope this blog has helped you understand their usage better.

 

News

Studiobackdrops.com Launches New Muslin Backdrops On Holi

Posted on by StudioBackdrops

We are celebrating this Holi with a big splash and launching a whole new range of Muslin Backdrops. The festival of colours is always special to us and this time we wanted to make it bigger than ever by adding a whole range of new colours and designs to our extensive catalogue of muslin backdrops.

What’s different than before? A lot! We have gone through your most loved designs, taken inspiration from our bestsellers, and played with all the popular colours to create this range.

Backdrops4ever Marigold shot by Manish Linga

Five New Reversible Muslin Backdrops!

One of our specialty products, Reversible Backdrops have been a favourite of our users ever since we introduced them on our website. Every reversible backdrop has two distinct designs on each side, giving you two backdrops in one. We ensure that each side is dyed separately and each side is opaque, and it gives you the perfect separation between two backdrops.

As reversible backdrops give you more bang for your buck, they are one of our most popular muslin backdrops. And this time, we have incorporated some of your favourite Mottled muslin designs into our new Reversible Backdrops. Walnut Reversible is a combination of Walnut Alcove and Hearth Brown, two of our most loved Crush dyed backdrops. Raven Reversible is a combination of Outer Space Crush dyed and Carbonite Washed muslin backdrops. Other new additions are Gunmetal, Flame Orange, and Black Orchid.

StudioFolks Flame Orange (L), StudioFolks Walnut (R)

Crush Dyed Muslin Backdrops Are Everybody’s Favourite

Crush dyed muslin backdrops are not only the most popular backdrops on our website, they are backdrops most frequently used by photographers and content creators. In this launch, we have adapted some of the most popular colours of paper backdrops and turned them into beautiful crush dyed backdrops. Tan crush dyed is a brand new addition that is a twist on Savage Beige, and Superior Wheat. Charcoal is a warm grey crush dyed muslin backdrop as an addition to our extensive collection of grey backdrops. After all, grey will always be popular with photographers.

More new additions to the backdrops are Red Clay, Khaki, and Oakwood – three variations of brown crush dyed muslin backdrops. They give you more options to play around with. And the most unique addition of all is Cactus – a design that is colourful and playful, a perfect embodiment of the spirit of Holi.

StudioFolks Cactus (L), StudioFolks Tan (R)

An Explosion of Colours in Washed Mottled Backdrops

Washed Mottled backdrops give you the perfect amount of texture with a beautiful rendition of colour. Inspired by Carbonite washed mottled, we have introduced an even darker version of this backdrop as Carbon Black. If you’re looking for a black backdrop and want some texture, this is the backdrop for you.

Also part of the launch are some gorgeous colours never seen before. Sakura is inspired by Savage Coral and Superior Carnation Pink, and it is a beautiful pink shade with a gorgeous texture. Orchid is a play on the Superior Scarlet and is a perfect play on the bright and bold colour.

We also have Dahlia, Limelight, and Seaweed – three beautiful colours that give you endless opportunities to create awesome content with!

ColourBLasters Limelight (L), ColourBlasters Orchid (R)

More Designs in the Solid Mottled and Handpainted Mottled Category

This time, we have done a lot of research about what’s popular, what are the colours and designs that people favour the most, what backdrops work best for all kinds of photography as we have created this new range.

Chrome, Magma and Ash Grey are the new additions to the Handpainted Mottled Collection. These are bold and vibrant colours with designs that are meant to add a beautiful depth to your images.

Pearl, Marigold, and Tulip are new additions to the Solid Mottled Collection. These are bright, beautiful colours that make them perfect for all kinds of content creators. From fashion videos to portrait photography, these colours will fit with everything you are planning!

Backdrops4ever Magma (L), Backdrops4ever Tulip (R)

We know you have been waiting for these – Airbrushed Backdrops

When it comes to premium fabric backdrops, there is no one who does it better than us. So we had to introduce more designs of our most popular Airbrushed backdrop – the BackdropsBazaar Copper Airbrushed Photography Backdrop!

Backdrops4ever Mauve (L), Backdrops4ever Mars (R)

The Mars Airbrushed backdrop and Mauve Airbrushed backdrop that we are launching in this series are beautiful adaptations of our most popular airbrushed backdrop. They have the most vibrant colours that will make everything you shoot pop instantly.

And that’s all for our new designs of Muslin backdrops. We hope you love these gorgeous colours and play with them this Holi.

Happy Holi from Team Studiobackdrops.

Tutorial

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.

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

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

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. 

Review

What Backdrops to choose? Paper or Muslin?

Posted on by StudioBackdrops.com
Great Backdrops Make your Images Shine

Photographers always tend to see beyond the model when studying images that they like. One thing that always catches their interest is the background of the image. A good backdrop choice must always compliment both the model and the garments. However, the intent of the photographer is always to pick backdrops that don’t stand out to a layman noticing the image.

Depending on the type of photography, whether it is a portrait session, product shoot, or a reel video, different types of backdrops are suited to each. There are two main types of backdrops normally used by photographers, Muslin Backdrops and Seamless Paper Backdrops. Both these types of backdrops have existed for decades and are immensely popular.

Muslin vs. Seamless Paper Backdrops

We stock 3 different brands of Seamless Paper Backdrops, Superior Seamless, Savage, and Trulite. All 3 of them are Made in the USA and are made to be really easy to use and give you consistently good results.

Both Superior Seamless and Savage Seamless Paper Backdrops have a thickness of 145 gsm and are available in 3 different sizes:- 4.5ft x 36ft, 7ft x 36ft, and 9ft x 36.

Trulite Seamless Paper Backdrops have a thickness of 125 gsm but most people can’t even tell the difference between 145gsm and 125gsm. Trulite Seamless Paper Backdrops are available in 4 different sizes:- 4.5ft x 18ft, 7ft x 18ft, 9ft x 18ft & 9ft x 32ft.

We stock over 120 different colors in Seamless Paper Rolls so that you can choose the color that you like and best fits your images. Seamless Paper Rolls are a product all studio photographers swear by, 4.5ft rolls are perfect for on-location portraits, and 7ft rolls are perfect car-sized backdrops.

Muslin Backdrops are made from premium 100% cotton and are dyed to make single color backdrops or textured muslin backdrops. Single Color Muslin backdrops are available in 3 different thicknesses of cotton and 1 wrinkle-resistant variety made from a cotton-poly blend. The 3 thicknesses are 165gsm(Solid), 190gsm(Deluxe), and 210gsm(Canvas). The Textured Muslin Backdrops are created by dyeing and processing them by different techniques. The main types of textured muslin backdrops are Handpainted Mottled, Crush Dyed Mottled, 3D Mottled, Washed Mottled, Solid Mottled, and Reversible Mottled.

Advantages of Muslin Backdrops

Both types of backdrops have a variety of advantages over each other. The primary advantage with muslin backdrops is that they are extremely portable and are hence perfect for on-location shoots and carrying around for those spur-of-the-moment portrait ideas. Muslin backdrops are also very rugged and take a whole lot of abuse before becoming unfit for use. While we don’t recommend washing these backdrops, you can easily spot clean dirt with a sponge and neutral non-abrasive detergent.

Due to the nature of the cotton fabric, it develops natural wrinkles. While a lot of photographers prefer shooting muslin backdrops with these wrinkles as it adds depth to the image, you can easily get rid of them with a steam iron. Alternatively, you can hang them overnight and spray some water on the wrinkles and gravity does the rest. All of our backdrops are made to strict international quality standards and with some tender love and care, they can almost last a lifetime.

Advantages of Paper Backdrops

Seamless paper isn’t as portable as muslin backdrops due to the size of the rolls and the need for a stand, but seamless is the backdrop most photographers use when shooting high-key lighting. The clean, smooth look that seamless paper provides makes it easy to white out a background for that immaculate appearance that is currently all the rage in advertising imagery.

Some clients want a crisp photo background in their commercial portraiture; for this look, seamless paper is the way to go. There’s no need to iron wrinkles as with muslin. When seamless paper gets dirty or creased, you simply tear off the soiled portion and unroll more for a perfectly clean background. If a particular color is needed beyond the basics, Savage’s Widetone paper comes in dozens of shades from Tulip pink to Sky Blue, making seamless a great choice for achieving an exact color. It really just depends on what you’re shooting. Both muslin and seamless paper have their strengths and weaknesses, but either will give great results when used properly. I enjoy using both in order to have the utmost versatility.