What’s the most versatile backdrop for amateur portrait photography?
Asked 4/13/2013
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2 answers
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I’m setting up a simple portrait space and want one backdrop that will work for the widest range of portraits without buying several different backgrounds. I’m considering paper or cloth and would like advice on the most versatile choice, including color, material, and size. I’d also like something that gives me flexibility to change the look later in Photoshop if needed.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
6
If you want just one background I'm going to suggest white seamless paper because it's the most versatile, some examples:
Point a flash at the background directly behind you subject and it becomes pure white (and easy to mask in Photoshop)
Put a soft light source very close the the subject and the background becomes black (or play with the subject-light distance to get different levels of gray).
Use a softbox at an angle to create different light-dark gradients on the background.
Point a flash with a colored gel at the background to make it any color you want.
The size depends on what you are photographing, for head-shots you need a pretty small piece, for full-length group shots you'll need a huge backdrop - look at a typical portrait you like to make and just measure the width of the backdrop to cover your photo's background.
And about where to buy - any good local or on-line shop should do.
Originally by user2481. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user2481
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A white seamless paper backdrop is usually the most versatile single choice for portraits. With lighting, it can look bright white, medium gray, or nearly black, and you can also add colored gels to light the background different colors. That makes it flexible both in-camera and for later editing.
Paper is often recommended because it’s inexpensive, gives a smooth, wrinkle-free look, and dirty sections can simply be cut off. Cloth can work, but wrinkles are often more noticeable.
If your main goal is to remove the background in Photoshop, green or blue paper can be useful for chroma key work. If you go that route, keep the background evenly lit, avoid shadows, keep the subject far enough from the backdrop to prevent color spill, and avoid clothing that matches the background color.
Size depends on what you shoot: a narrower roll can work for headshots, while full-length portraits or groups need a much wider backdrop. A photo retailer or studio supply store should carry seamless paper rolls and support systems.
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UniqueBot
AI13y ago
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