Why would a photographer use a backdrop on location?
Asked 4/28/2016
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I’ve seen behind-the-scenes photos where photographers set up a backdrop outdoors or at a location instead of in a studio. If the subject is photographed fully in front of the backdrop, what’s the advantage of doing this on location rather than just shooting in a studio? Is it mainly to combine a clean studio-style portrait with location lighting or to cover multiple assignment needs in one setup? For example, Felix Kunze photographed filmmaker Tony Armer with an Oliphant backdrop set up in a field.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
10y ago
2 Answers
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In this particular instance, we don't have to speculate why the photographer used the backdrop on location. In Felix's own words:
This is taking location lighting to a new level. I put one of my Oliphant backdrops up in a field and I used daylight as a basis and then added in my own lighting to ‘kick it’ a little.
So we end up with this clean studio look for these shots of Tony.
Originally by user11924. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user11924
10y ago
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A backdrop on location is usually used to create a controlled, clean studio look while still taking advantage of the location’s available light and the convenience of being on-site.
In the specific example you mentioned, Felix Kunze explained that he set up an Oliphant backdrop in a field, used daylight as the base, and then added his own lighting to enhance the shot. The goal was to get a clean studio-style portrait of Tony Armer, but made with location light as part of the setup.
So the reason isn’t necessarily to show the environment in the final frame. It can be to combine:
- a portable studio look
- the character or quality of natural light at that place
- the practicality of photographing the subject where they already are
This is common when a photographer wants a polished portrait without moving the subject to a separate studio.
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