The right photo background is an important part of preparing for product and studio shoots. It’s definitely more than just choosing a color; it’s a decision that can affect the perception by potential customers. Using the right colors and textures can evoke specific emotions and associations, which directly translates into purchasing behavior.
Various manufacturers of photo backgrounds are available on the market, including popular brands like Savage and Lastolite, which offer quality backgrounds in a variety of colors.
On the other hand, there are lesser-known brands that may offer cheaper solutions, although they may differ in quality and durability.
Custom photo backdrop is a gateway for those looking for uniqueness. You can use all sorts of materials, such as old boards, fabrics with interesting textures or stone. The important thing is that the photo background should convey the desired mood.
Paper Photo Background
White Photo Backdrop
White photographic backgrounds are a classic that never goes out of fashion. It is versatile, ideal for product photography, portrait photography and many others. Thanks to its neutrality, it allows you to focus on the subject being photographed.
Other background colors, such as gray, black or pastel shades, are also worth having. They allow for creative experimentation and can better reflect the character of the product or person being photographed.
Video Green Screen
Green Screen is a must-have for video creators who plan to use the chroma key technique. It allows you to easily cut out a character from the background and place it on any digital background, which is often used in movies and TV productions.
Change the Color Yourself
Too much background stock is not necessary, as post-production offers almost unlimited possibilities to change colors and creatively manipulate backgrounds. This is the place that gives you the opportunity to have a color palette without any limitations.
Price Range
Backgrounds from reputable manufacturers like Lastolite or Savage are characterized by higher quality workmanship and better color reproduction. When looking on Amazon we are faced with an extremely wide choice. Cheap photographic backgrounds can have an undesirable tint, especially noticeable in the case of white backgrounds. The difference in quality can be noticeable especially during professional photo shoots, where color accuracy is crucial. The decision to pay extra depends on individual needs and requirements for the quality of the final photo. Or maybe for a less commercial shoot, simply moving one slider in Photoshop is enough?
Use the Wall
Wall texture can play a key role in creating depth and an interesting background for photos. Subtle hues, natural nuances and even the smallest details of texture can add character and depth to a photo.
The wall can be easily repainted in different colors, opening the door to unlimited design possibilities. Light colors can brighten the space, while dark shades will create a mood of mystery and depth.
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Shadows falling on the texture of the wall look different than on a smooth background. They can create unique patterns and effects that bring a photo to life, adding dynamism.
The wall, combined with the natural light coming through the window and the interesting texture of the floor, can provide a ready-made plan for a photo shoot. The use of these elements can take an ordinary space to the status of a professional studio.
Ideas for Using the Wall
- An ombre wall, where the colors flow seamlessly from one to another, creating a picturesque background.
- The use of a wall with an expressive texture of bricks or raw concrete, which will add an urban feel to the session.
- A wall covered with a rust effect or other unusual texture, introducing a unique post-apocalyptic mood.
- Using a wall with plants or other elements of nature, introducing an organic and fresh touch to the photos.
PVC Photographic Backgrounds
PVC photo background is the perfect solution for photographers looking for a mirror effect with a subtle blur. Their smooth, reflective surface allows you to create extremely interesting visual effects, adding depth and unique character to your photos. They are ideal for product photography, where highlighting the details and shapes of the subject is key, as well as in portraits, creating a unique background for photos with a subtle reflection of the model.
- Product photography – perfectly exposes the product, highlighting its shape and details.
- Creative photo shoots – the opportunity to experiment with the reflection, creating unique compositions.
PVC also offers ease of cleaning and durability, an added benefit for frequent use. Available in a variety of colors and sizes, it opens up a wide range of possibilities for photographers who are creative with their projects.
Cyclorama
A cyclorama, also known as an “infinity wall,” is a key element in professional photography and film studios. It features a smooth, seamless surface that blurs the boundaries between the floor and the wall, creating the illusion of infinite space. It is ideal for creating stills and recordings where the photographic backgrounds should be unobtrusive, allowing full focus on the subject or scene being photographed.
The Use of Cyclorama
- Product and fashion photography – emphasizes the purity and detail of products or clothing without distracting background elements.
- Portraits and photo shoots – enables clean, minimalist compositions where the focus is on the model.
- Music videos and film productions – ideal for scenes where the background can later be modified as desired or supplemented with special effects.
The cyclorama offers not only aesthetic but also practical benefits, allowing easy illumination of a scene without shadows or reflections, which is invaluable in professional visual production.
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Despite its many advantages, using a cyclorama comes with some challenges. The cyclorama requires regular maintenance, as even minor dirt can be visible in photos. It requires frequent painting to maintain a perfect, uniform surface. In addition, heavy use can lead to damage, which is more difficult to repair on such a smooth surface. These aspects affect the need for greater attention and more frequent maintenance of the cyclorama, which can increase the cost and time needed to prepare the studio for a shoot.
An innovative approach to the design of cycloramas is the use of reflective paints that can give photos and videos unique effects. Such paints change the way light reflects off surfaces, creating unprecedented visual effects. For example, they can mimic the appearance of a mirror, water, or even create the illusion of three-dimensionality. This opens up new possibilities for photographers and filmmakers for creative expression and allows them to achieve effects that would otherwise require complex post-production or specialized equipment.
DIY Photo Background
Creating your own photo backdrop is a great way to add a personal touch to your photos while saving costs. Whether you are a professional photographer or an amateur, handmade backgrounds can significantly enhance your portfolio.
Materials you can use
- Fabrics – a variety of colors and textures allow you to experiment with the depth and mood of your photos.
- Paper – from plain colored paper, to wrapping paper, to special decorative papers, giving you unlimited creative possibilities.
- Natural elements – leaves, branches, flowers can add an organic feel to your photos.
- Paints and sprays – allow you to create backgrounds with unique patterns, gradients and textures.
Creation techniques
- Painting and spraying – with paints and sprays you can create abstract patterns or imitate different textures, such as marble or wood.
- Collage – combining a variety of materials, such as fabric, paper, or natural elements, allows you to create detail-rich backgrounds.
- Use of light – illuminating the background in different ways can change the look and feel of your photos. Experiment with different light sources and their directions.
Examples of inspiration
- Background with bokeh effect – use a black background and small, scattered lights to create a bokeh effect.
- Vintage style background – age the paper or fabric using tea or coffee to give it a vintage look.
- Ombre backgrounds – combine paints in smooth color transitions to create an ombre effect.
Creating your own photo backgrounds is not only a way to save money, but more importantly to show your creativity. Experiment with different materials and techniques to find what best suits your photographic style.
Photo Background in Product Photography
Due to the popularity of packshots not only on marketplaces, but also in independent brands’ online stores, the most common background color used is white. Another popular one, also found in packshots, is elegant black. This one is often juxtaposed with luxury products, such as watches or electronics. Right after black and white in line for popularity is neutral gray, which goes well with products in vivid colors. However, product photography has many shades, and our heads are full of ideas. That’s why you’ll find a whole palette of colors in the photos taken at marszalstudio.
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Background vs. Color Psychology
Did you know that the presence of specific colors in a photo can influence customers’ purchasing decisions? Among other functions, they fulfill:
- Informational – they draw the audience’s attention to specific product features;
- Emotional – they evoke specific emotions in customers;
- Aesthetic – they catch the eye of consumers, and ensure the consistency of the marketing message.
Let’s focus on evoking emotions, because they are one of the factors in decision-making. So what emotions can colors evoke?
Blue is said to be the color of trust and professionalism, as well as poise. Brands like to use this color in their visual identities. It also works well in product photography, especially for photos of household appliances, emphasizing the reliability and excellent quality of the product. However, experts advise against using this color in culinary photography, as it reduces appetite, so the photographed dish may not look as tasty as it should.
Opposite on the color wheel, orange encourages action. It can also bring to mind a citrus fruit and thus be associated with health and vitality. This can be used in photography of cosmetics, especially those for skin care.
Another stimulating (and shopping!) color is red. This one is often associated with love, passion and femininity. Therefore, it will fit perfectly with pictures of makeup cosmetics, emphasize the love for the art of makeup and beautiful appearance.
On the color wheel, the opponent of red is green. This one, on the other hand, is the color of peace and gentleness. It is associated with safety, relaxation and nature, so a background in green hues will go well with diets full of vegetables, organic products or those that facilitate relaxation, such as fragrance oils.
