Ranking the best backdrops for a photo studio in 2022

The background in photo studios plays a huge role in creating not only professional and high-quality photos, but also beautiful ones. Therefore, the task of every photographer is to organize a decent background for filming. It is not easy to do this from a list of a variety of color palettes and textures. How to choose the right background and will be discussed.

Types of backgrounds for photo studios

The presence of a huge number of photo studios can be combined into several main groups. This distribution depends on the choice of background for shooting in them. A detailed description of each photophone will help novice photographers decide on the style of work, and those who want to get good photographs will find useful information.

Paper backgrounds

Paper backdrops are a good option not only for photo studios, but also for beginner photographers at home. It has received wide application and popularity due to its features:

• Lack of texture;
• matte paper;
• Dense and flexible material;
• Color palette;
• Do not need cleaning;
• The cheapest option.

The lack of texture allows you to focus only on the work object. Those. the lens is not distracting. The most common color for photographs is white. It makes it possible to shoot objects of any color (except white).

Matte paper contributes to a uniform distribution of light and does not allow light reflections.

The dense and flexible material gives an even base and smooth transitions at bends (for example, transition to the floor).

The color palette allows you to show your imagination and solve any task assigned to the photographer.

Due to the fact that the paper background quickly gets dirty and rubbed from shoes, it does not need to be cleaned. The damaged area is simply cut off. This feature can also be attributed to the disadvantages, as a quickly perishable material.

There is a subspecies of paper background - vinyl. It has the same characteristics as paper material, but surpasses it in strength.

Characteristics

Available in several sizes of paper for the backdrop of a photo studio. They go on sale in rolls, the characteristics of which are as follows:

1. Width - 2.7 m, length - 11 m;

It is used by studios not only for single shootings, but also for group shootings. These models are the most popular among the rest of the paper ones. The weight of such a coil reaches 6 kg.

2. Width - 2.7 m, length - 25 m or 46 m;

Such sizes, most often, are produced in a specific color scheme: white, black, all shades of gray. Setting such a background replaces the two standard ones.

3. Width - 3.6 m, length - 30 m;

The purpose of the background is group shooting or large-sized objects.

4. Width - 1.37 m, length - 11 m;

Such canvases are suitable for home photo shoots, and professionals use them for portrait work.

5. Width 0.67 m, length - 11 m;

The purpose of this background is subject photography.

Manufacturers

Companies that produce paper backgrounds for photo studios are scattered around the world. Some of the best manufacturers are companies:

• Firm Lastolite (Great Britain);
• Firm Colorama (Italy);
• Firm Superior (USA);
• Firm Savage (Russia);

Prices

On the example of one type of studio background made of paper, a comparative analysis of the companies listed above is given at the purchase price.

The background color is super white. Size - 2.7 by 11 m. The average cost of the goods is taken (the amount is indicated in Russian rubles):

• Firm Colorama: cost - about 5900 rubles;
• Firm Lastolite: cost - about 5440 rubles;
• Firm Superior cost - about 4350 rubles;
• Firm Savage cost - about 4190 ubr.

All rolls come on a cardboard tube and are packed in a box. The weight of the rolls is within 6 kg.

Installation

To install paper backgrounds, special mechanical structures and systems are used. Most often these are brackets with holders or a mechanism, like a gate.

Set paper backgrounds to three colors.

The background for the bracket is fixed in two places. Unwinding is done manually or automatically.

In the second case, the design resembles a gate arch: a crossbar on 2 posts. Deployed with remote control. Most often, this design is used for fabric backgrounds.

Fabric backgrounds

Fabric backgrounds are easy to use and, in terms of their characteristics, are not much different from the paper version. They take 2nd place behind them. However, they also have their own unique nuances:

• Reusable use;
• thrift;
• Rich palette;
• The presence of a drawing;
• elasticity property.

The service life of fabric backgrounds is much higher in comparison with paper canvases. In case of contamination, it is enough to wash them, which saves the budget. However, there is a downside to this process: color loss. Each cleaning of the fabric washes out the color, and the material loses its original brightness. As for the white background: the appearance of yellowness; It is not always possible to remove stains.

For a photo shoot, not only plain material is used, but also with the presence of patterns or even paintings depicted on the fabric. At home, this material is the easiest to use. For example, curtains can serve as a background.

Fabric spotted background.

Fabrics have a rich palette, but not as diverse as paper.

Due to its elasticity property, the fabric background covers any surface. It is also possible to make intricate reliefs and patterns, which will make photography unforgettable.

Types of background fabrics

The type of fabric depends on the properties of the material, its density and the presence of a frame.

Background material: cotton, synthetics, coarse calico and veil. The most common among them is the cotton version.

Density is measured in kg per sq. meter.The denser the fabric, the longer its lifespan.

Cotton background with an abstract pattern is called "muslin". It has the following properties:

• very dense fabric;
• soft;
• Fairly light material.

The background is made from a single canvas. Muslin is used by photographers as drapery to create a more natural and casual-looking backdrop.

Fasten to the crossbar using a special stitched sleeve. It simply folds up for easy transport. Suitable for filming not only in the studio, but also for outdoor work.

The use of fabric backdrops in wedding ceremonies.

The frame fabric background is a material with a built-in metal base. They are sold in the form of geometric shapes: oval, rectangle. Due to its size, it is impossible to wash it, but existing stains can be removed with the help of special products and a brush.

Over time, this problem was solved, and fabric folding backgrounds began to be produced. Their feature is that they take up little space and are easily transported in a car.

There are separate frames that are stretched with a fabric sewn for it (they look like covers). The main style of working with such a background is portrait photography and shooting children. Good for outdoor photography.

An improved type of wireframe type is the background on the spring. It instantly unfolds and does not leave wrinkles, forming a perfectly flat surface.

A frameless fabric background is a seamless fabric that has a hem on one side. When it is fixed, the hem allows you to hang the canvas evenly, without sagging. It is used in any genre of shooting.

Characteristics

The cost of fabric studio backgrounds depends on their characteristics.

Fabric backgrounds.

Coarse calico background: width - 3 m, length - 6 m, weight -2.4 kg. Plain weave makes the fabric strong and durable. When washing is not deformed, retains color, does not shed. A single piece of fabric is lightweight and easily transported. It is intended for work in studios or location shooting. The average price is 5300 rubles.

High density background: width - 3 m, length - 6 m, weight - 4.3 kg, density - 0.25. The surface is matte.

Background cotton fabric: width - 2.7 m, length - 7 m, weight - 2 kg, neutral color. Durable and lightweight material, takes up little space. Suitable for any shoot. The average cost is 5600 rubles.

There is a more expensive version of such a background (bright colors) - 6800 rubles. Canvas size: width - 2.9 m, length - 7 m, weight -2.2 kg.

Cotton background with abstract pattern. Canvas size: width - 3 m, length - 6 m. The average cost is 4600 rubles.

Muslin (all colors): width - 3 m; length - 6 m; weight - 2.5 kg. The cost is about 5200 rubles.

Frame background with spring cover: set of 2 colors (grey-blue; black-orange). Width - 150 cm, length - 200 cm (300 cm black with orange). The average price is 6800 rubles.

Background on a flexible holder with a special impregnation. Designed for photo studios. The color is blue. Oval shape. The width of the canvas is 1.48 m, the length is 2 m. The cost is 5900 rubles.

Seamless fabric background. Parameters: width - 2.7 m, length - 5 m, density - 1.86 kg per sq. m.. The cost of the canvas is 6530 rubles. Designed for gate construction. Applies to photo studios only.

Polystyrene black and white studio background. Very durable. Dimensions: width - 1.5 m; length - 5 m; density 0.275 kg per sq. m.. Amount - 2640 rubles.

Polystyrene gray studio background.Dimensions: width - 1.5 m; length - 2.5 m; density 0.275 kg per sq. m.. Amount - 1430 rubles.

Manufacturers

The best manufacturers of fabric backgrounds:

• Falcon Eyes Company (Canada);
• FST Company;
• Lastolite Company;
• Superior Company.

Falcon Eyes is a leader among other manufacturers, as it has been on the market for over 20 years. It supplies not only high-quality backgrounds, but also studio equipment. It has a wide range of products in this network all over the world (EU countries and USA). Companies are located in 37 countries.

Non-woven backgrounds

The material of synthetic origin belongs to a separate category - non-woven backgrounds. They are very similar to paper models. The non-woven fabric is stored in tubes on a cardboard core. However, the visual difference is immediately visible. They last longer than the paper type. Can be cleaned (dirt is removed with a wet rag).

A fabric is a material made up of threads (fibers) interconnected by thermal or chemical means.

Nonwoven fabric.

Types of non-woven fabric: oilcloth and velor (velvet). Oilcloth cleans well, dries quickly. Velvet backgrounds smooth out shadows. Most often, this type of canvas is used when photographing jewelry.

The cost of a non-woven background is, on average, 30% cheaper than a paper web. Suitable for beginner photographers or amateurs.

The advantages of non-woven backgrounds and the main advantage among other types are photography using any liquids (for example, water) and products. Backgrounds dry quickly and do not deform from moisture.

The background is not intended for shooting small objects, since the manifestation of the texture of a non-woven fabric, with side lighting, is clearly manifested.

One of the drawbacks is the discrepancy between the color range of the canvas on the monitor and its actual color.

Characteristics

Non-woven fabrics are available in the entire color palette and its shades. These are inexpensive models, the cost of which, in most cases, does not depend on the choice of color.

Non-woven fabric with color coating under velvet - there is a velor background that does not create glare during shooting.

Suppliers

Suppliers of large and well-known companies most often have a wide range of products in their arsenal. Therefore, it is not surprising that one company can be the leader in two or more positions. Suppliers of non-woven backdrops for photo studios are companies:

• Lumifor;
• superior;
• FST.

The best manufacturer is Lumifor.

Studio background "chroma key"

The color scheme of the chroma key background is made up of two colors: green and blue. The most commonly used is green.

Fabric background "Chromakey".

The essence of shooting the considered option is to replace it with a different color background. Those. the captured image on the background of chromakey, with the help of a computer program, is transferred to any other. This cuts out the background itself, not the image. Simply put, chroma key is a technique for combining multiple images.

Chroma key backdrops are available in either thick paper or fabric and come in a wide range of sizes.

Types of chroma key backgrounds:

• Rolls;
• on a spring;
• Frameless.

Roll type refers to the paper base.

Fabric canvases on a spring resemble the shape of an oval or circle. Folds quickly and takes up little space.

Characteristics

Chroma key paper background: width - 2.72 m; length - 11 m; weight - 6 kg, color green. The average cost is 4900 rubles. Purpose: for photo studios or home shootings.

Green chroma key transformer background: width - 1.6 m; weight - 6 kg; backdrop length - 2.4 m; the length of the lower part is 2 m. The average price is 14,800 rubles.

Fabric background chroma key-transformer green: width - 1.8 m; weight - 6 kg; backdrop length -4 m; The average price is 9640 rubles.

The fabric is stretched on an aluminum frame. It is possible to control the angle of the slope. Easy to assemble. Convenient background for transfer to the street or other premises.

Chromakey background with a folding frame in green: size 4 m. It can be disassembled into three aluminum panels. Suitable for filming large groups. Easily folds up and fits in the car. The cost is 4000 rubles.

Double-sided green chroma key on one side and blue on the other: 3 m by 7 m, price — 6400 rubles. It is considered a universal option.

Double-sided background "Chroma key" on the frame.

Green chroma key (fabric). Width - 2.4 m; length - 5 m. The frame for installation is purchased separately. Price - 5280 rubles.

Double-sided chromakey background. Size 240 by 240 cm, diameter - 92 cm (folded). The cost is 6840 rubles. The presence of a spring frame allows you to decompose it in a matter of seconds. You can not use additional equipment by attaching the background to the wall.There is a special case for storage.

Blue chromakey background cotton fabric: width - 3 m; length - 7 m. Cost 6490 rubles. The background is painted with paint that is resistant to abrasion. Easy to clean, does not shine.

Fabric double-sided chroma key blue and green. Suitable for video filming and photography. Size: length - 7 m; width - 2.4 m. average cost - 6740 rubles.

Paper blue chroma key: width - 2.72 m; length - 11 m; price - 5940 rubles. Suitable for both photo studios and hobbyists. The width is easily adjustable (extra centimeters are cut off).

Double-sided fabric chromakey blue and green: Dimensions in centimeters: width - 180; length - 210; weight - 4 kg; diameter (when folded) - 72. The background on the spring is easily unfolded without forming wrinkles. The presence of a cover allows you to conveniently transport it and protect it from pollution.

Double-sided fabric background "Chroma key" in blue and green colors.

Suppliers

A large number of different companies are involved in the creation of chroma key backgrounds. The background in question is common among photographers due to its unique features. The popularity of these models is not only trustworthy in photography, but also an ideal option for video filming.

List of companies producing chroma key studio backgrounds:

• Lastolite;
• GreenBean (China);
• Movie Yeah (Russia);
• Westcott;
• Savage.

Leading companies in this business are: GreenBean and Movie Yeah. The Russian company has been on the market for almost 8 years. Movie Yeah is a reliable supplier. Has proven itself from the best side. The company is rich in its products, not only in the choice of studio backgrounds, but also in equipment for them. Delivery of products is carried out worldwide.

The Chinese company is known in the market not only for the supply of high-quality equipment and backgrounds for studios, but also, if necessary, for additional spare parts. GreenBean is one of those who provide their information about the product through Internet resources (for example, for a buyer via Skype).

Plastic backgrounds

Plastic backgrounds are plates made of polymer compounds (plastic). The basis of the style of working with such backgrounds is subject art photography. Because of this feature, plastic backgrounds have received the status of a monopoly (lack of competition) in the studio background market.

Plastic backgrounds.

The absence of texture as such allows you to shoot objects close-up.

Plastic backgrounds are divided into two types: matte and glossy. The functionality of glossy plastic materials is the legend of the object taken against their background, the special effect of reflection.

Advantages of plastic backgrounds:

• scattering of light;
• Not amenable to abrasion;
• Water resistant;
• Economical;
• Easy to clean;
• Long service life.

In order to emphasize the object on a plastic background, they are highlighted from below. Due to this, a spot of light is formed, which emphasizes the working element.

Since the background is resistant to water, it is used for water photo shoots or video filming.

The main problem is the appearance of scratches. And when shooting close-ups, these damages are very noticeable. Therefore, you need to be careful with the background.

Plastic background is used in small studios. Examples of such are studios "photo on documents".

Characteristics

Manufacturers

• Superior - the most popular company: the presence of a rich palette, a wide selection of sizes;
• Colorama is the quality standard in the world market;
• Superior - the quality of products is equivalent to the manufacturer Colorama (the same company, different brands), but in the middle price segment it surpasses its creator;
• FST (China);
• Foba is the most expensive manufacturer;
• Fotokvant (Russia).

Backdrop installation systems for photo studios

It is worth describing the settings for various backgrounds in more detail and explaining their purpose.

Automatic lift

Ceiling-mounted automatic lift for multiple backgrounds.

The system mount is suitable for both ceiling and wall. Allows mounting of 3.55m x 3m paper backgrounds. Also allows mounting two 2.27m vinyl backgrounds or one 3.55m x 12m backdrop.

A detachable handle is used to raise and lower the background. The system itself fixes the installed background at the desired height.

The design is sold in assembled kits or in separate parts, which allows you to create your own systems.

System weight 2 kg. Producer - Colorama Rolleasy (Great Britain). This design is the only one on the market that supports paper backgrounds.

Gate system

An example of a "gate" studio equipment system.

This system is regularly improved. There are various new products from different manufacturers. The most popular was the Manfrotto system (Italy). She is universal. Suitable for setting any background.

The set consists of a telescopic rod for three sections, 2 racks, 2 spring clips and a bag for transportation.

System characteristics: weight 4.2 kg; minimum height 2.37 m; folded along the length of the rack 86 cm; black color.

"Three backgrounds" system

An example of a suspension system for three backgrounds.

The development belongs to FST (China). This system allows you to attach 3 sheets, up to 3.86 m wide.

The structure includes 2 racks, three crossbars, a carrying bag.

The maximum lifting height is 4.1 m, the packed length is 97 cm. The cost is 10,800 rubles.

"Bracket" system

Hanging system for paper backgrounds.

The installation consists of holders and brackets. It is intended for fastening the 1st background (paper), which is wound on a rigid pipe.

Pipe diameter from 40 to 60 mm.

This system is suitable for photo shoots on location.

The manufacturer of the unit is Lumifor.

The cost is about 1860 rubles.

suspension system

Plastic background suspension system.

The design is intended for installation of plastic backgrounds.

The system is designed for small photo studios, field work, home conditions.

The mobile holder has a design that allows you to save the maximum amount of free space in the room.

The system manufacturer is FST.

The cost of the goods is 2280 rubles.

"T" holder

"T-shaped" plastic background holder.

This system is intended for paper, plastic or fabric backgrounds on the frame.

The cost of the rack is 2600 rubles.

Design characteristic: max height of the telescopic stand 2 m; the presence of a clamp measuring 1 m; there is a central fastening for mounting a clip with a background on a stand (1 pc).

"Expan" system

An example of a twist principle system.

This setting is for paper backgrounds.

Its accessories: bracket for 4 holders (2 pcs.), i.e.possibility to hang 4 backgrounds; the rest of the components are included (4 pieces each) - holders; plastic chains and weights for them. The internal diameter of the carrier pipe is from 46 to 78 mm.

The operation of the structure is based on a twisting system (expan).

The cost of the goods is 5280 rubles.

Conclusion

The above mounting systems are a small part of those available for sale. Only the main ones are listed. Which system is better to buy unequivocally you will not say. This is influenced by various factors: background type, installation location, etc.

Selection of studio backgrounds and systems for them

The criteria for choosing studio backgrounds and equipment for them are subject to general laws:

• Price;
• Quality;
• Lifetime;
• Product dimensions;
• Manufacturer's choice.

The cost of studio backgrounds can vary widely. The most budgetary models are non-woven fabric. Further, in ascending order, there are paper backgrounds, fabric, chroma key. Backgrounds for object shooting (for example, velor) are not taken into consideration. However, there are options whose price range is intertwined with other types of backdrops for filming.

High quality materials are most often accompanied by high cost. However, there are cases when the quality of products is the same, but the cost is different. A striking example of this is the products of Colorama and Superior (a new brand from Colorama).

According to the line of operation, the most durable are chroma key, plastic and fabric backgrounds. The second step is occupied by non-woven backgrounds, followed by paper ones. Disadvantages of paper backgrounds: they have the lowest quality mark, they are not moisture resistant.

Product dimensions play an important role for photo studios. If the room is small, then the equipment and backgrounds should match it, and so in the case of huge studios.If shooting for a trip, then all the nuances should be taken into account: the size of the equipment, the area occupied, and the convenience of transportation.

The choice of the manufacturer of the goods. There is always a problem, what company background and equipment is better to take? Having decided on the studio background, it is best to buy equipment for it from the same manufacturer.

Purchase of studio backgrounds and systems for them

Photo studio example.

To date, it is not difficult to buy a studio backdrop and equipment for it. Even if there are no stores with the right product in the region where the studio is located, you can turn to the Internet.

How much does a store item cost? The cost of backgrounds varies in different ways:

• Paper: from 4000-6200 rubles;
• Fabric: from 4600-6850 rubles, and small sizes from 1400 rubles to 2800 rubles;
• Non-woven fabrics: from 930 to 3700 rubles;
• Chroma key backgrounds: 5000-15000 rubles;
• Plastic: from 620 to 3000 rubles.

If you order through online stores, then the amount for the goods will be lower, but you will have to pay for shipping, and this may exceed the cost of the background. There are free shipping and promotions on the product. You can purchase backgrounds in installments (you will have to overpay).

In real stores for goods, not everywhere, a guarantee is given, which cannot be said about the Internet resource. If you buy products in bulk, then it is cheaper, but there is not always the amount of money you need for it.

Where is it profitable to buy equipment for the day of studio backgrounds? It is best to buy all systems in real stores so that you can check all the elements for defects.

The most common models are suspension racks. They are suitable for any type of studio background, easy to assemble, take up little space, light and easy to transport, which allows you to work in studios and on the road.

The rating, among manufacturers, of high-quality systems is replenished annually, however, Manfrotto and FST leave their leading positions.