Photography backdrops can make a huge difference in the creativity and professional appearance of your photos.  However, different photography backgrounds add different elements to a photo, so choosing the right backdrop can be as critical as choosing the correct camera or lens. With so many different types of studio backdrops available though, sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming to figure out which background is right for your shoot.

Seamless backdrop paper is one of the most common types of photography backdrops. It’s inexpensive price tag and consumable nature makes it perfect for a variety of uses, including: portraits, commercial photography, product photography, video photography and more. Seamless paper backdrops can also be used for non-photography related needs as well, such as: decoration, theater productions, banners, and posters. Although this material is beneficial for its economical price, paper backgrounds should never be regarded as “cheap” or “disposable”. With proper maintenance, your background will give you years of service.

Choosing a photo background for a shoot is serious business. While seamless paper comes in solid colors, the color you choose will affect your finished product either positively or negatively. Choose too conservatively and your subject looks boring. Throw too much caution to the wind, and you’ll come off as garish.

Photography backgrounds are an essential component of a complete studio setup. The photo backdrops are made from a variety of materials. Seamless paper is a disposable paper backdrop, muslin is a woven cotton fabric, and digital backgrounds are actually placed in the photograph during post-production with a special computer program.

Each type of photo backdrop has its advantages and disadvantages. It’s a good idea to learn the different features, benefits and limitations of each type before buying or utilizing one. As you do, you can determine which backdrop is best for your style, needs and preferences.

A good portrait really emphasizes the subject or subjects in the frame, so that their face, clothing and body stands out above everything else. In other words, nothing should distract from the subject of the portrait, making the photo backdrops chosen for the portrait more important than a novice photographer may think. Different colors of seamless paper or muslin will convey a different tone and mood to the portrait itself and also change based on the subject’s skin tone, hair color, clothing and eyes. With a keen understanding of how different photography backdrops affect a portrait, a photographer will have more options when it comes to changing the mood of each portrait they shoot. Below is a breakdown of all the different colors that can be used as seamless backdrops for portraits and what is conveyed through each one.

A lot goes into taking a great picture. Knowing your camera and how to use its various features, picking the perfect subject, and finding the right backdrop are all important components of a great photo. Many people tend to underestimate the impact the backdrop of a photo can make, and how important it is to choose a backdrop wisely in order to enhance, and not overshadow, your photo.