Best Backdrops to Consider in 2021
Photo by Ross Sneddon on Unsplash
Photo Backdrops
When taking a portrait, the focus of attention should be on the portrait subject. But the background is nevertheless an important component of the shot.
Backgrounds can add depth, color and texture. They can help the subject stand out in the frame. They can also set the mood for the shot.
The question is, what are the best backdrops for portraits?
We’ve put together a quick list of some of the best photography backdrops money can buy to assist you in finding the ideal setup for your needs.
Best Ever Backdrops
I started using Best Ever Backdrops earlier this year, and I have to say, so far, I've been nothing but impressed.
What's unique about the backdrops I have is that they are double-sided - one design on one side and a different design on the other. This two-for-one design is complemented by the fact that they are perfectly flat and just 24 x 36". This means there's no concern about storage space or having backdrops rolled up and leaned in every corner of the room.
Instead, I can slide these backdrops in the corner of a closet or even under my bed and easily retrieve them when I need them. Since I mostly do food and product photography, these backdrops are the perfect size for those pursuits.
As you would expect, Best Ever Backdrops makes backdrops that are waterproof and stain-resistant - features that are incredibly important when you're photographing food.
And since they have a matte finish, there's no glare from my studio lights, leaving me with clean, crisp images of whatever it is I'm photographing.
Don't think that because these are thin, lightweight backdrops that they're delicate, either...
Far from it, these backdrops are virtually indestructible. You can get them dirty, hose them down, dry them off, and they'll be ready to roll for your next shoot!
I like the price of these backdrops, too. When you order two Mix and Match backdrops they're just $124.50 each (for a total of four backdrops). Since they're so budget-friendly, they are an ideal option for getting into product or food photography without spending a ton of money.
These backdrops are made in the USA, and Best Ever Backdrops throws in free shipping as well!
Learn more about Best Ever Backdrops
Fox Backdrop
When you invest in a backdrop, you want it to have certain features that make your life easier. Fox Backdrop certainly delivers on that front with 100-percent wrinkle-free vinyl backdrops.
Not only are these backdrops wrinkle-free, but the thick vinyl is also incredibly durable. Just roll it up when not in use to keep it out of the way, and when you need it, unroll it and it’s ready to go!
And since the thick vinyl is waterproof, you can quickly wipe it down with a cloth - no long, drawn-out cleaning sessions! Additionally, Fox Backdrops are glare-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about glare from your studio lights causing a distraction in the background of your shots.
These backdrops are so durable, in fact, that they can be used as floorgrounds for portraits as well. You can walk on them, place stools on them, get them wet...you name it!
Fox Backdrop also has an enormous collection of backdrops that span from abstracts to flowers, wood to brick, seasons of the year to special occasions like Easter and weddings.
With a purchase of over $150, you get free shipping, too!
On top of all that, Fox Backdrop has frequent sales so you can save even more money on their already excellent prices.
If you’re ready to step it up and start creating better portraits, a backdrop from Fox Backdrop is a great place to start!
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Kate Backdrops
Although Kate Backdrop is a relative newcomer in the best photography backdrops scene, it is a noteworthy company because they feature hand-painted backdrops.
These hand-painted backdrops add a surrealism to your portraits, but they also provide your clients a once-in-a-lifetime photograph because they will literally never see that backdrop again.
Kate Backdrop also creates backdrops that extend to the floor, which allows you to take large group photos, or photos of children without worrying about accidentally snapping a picture that includes your ugly studio flooring.
Nobody likes Photoshopping when it isn’t necessary!
Another perk of using Kate Backdrop is that they create more grown-up backdrops (even some sexy, boudoir themed backdrops). If you’ve ever been on the search for a Valentine’s Day themed backdrop, this is the company you should be looking at.
Kate Backdrop was founded by a man named David, and was named after David’s wife, Kate. Although David has been working on the company since 2007, he didn’t find the perfect fabric and printing techniques until 2017 when the brand exploded.
Kate Backdrop uses a microfiber fabric, and a heat transfer printing process, on all of their products.
Kate Backdrop offers a 30-day return period on all their products.
Thanks to international sourcing, Kate Backdrop also offers some of the cheapest backdrops of any companies on this list. They start at around $25.
Photo Pie Backdrops
Photo Pie Backdrops gives you as many options as your heart could want.
You get to choose the size of your backdrop, the fabric of your backdrop, whether the backdrop is single or double sided, and how fast it arrives (they have multiple rush shipping options).
While Photo Pie doesn’t necessarily produce budget photography backdrops, their price is well worth it thanks to the huge selection.
Each of these top photography backdrops can be purchased in prisma, jersey, or inspira. Prisma is an oxford lightweight fabric that needs to be steamed, while jersey is a flannel-like midweight fabric that is wrinkle free. Inspira is satiny and heavyweight and will need to be steamed occasionally.
Each backdrop also comes in an incredibly wide array of sizes, ranging from 4 x 4 to 10 x 20 and almost everything in between.
If you live in the U.S. or Canada, then your shipping is free unless you need it expedited.
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Best Photography Backdrops
Best Ever Backdrops is one of the best websites for budget photography backdrops because while they create photography backdrops that you can customize, they all come with free shipping in the U.S.
Each Best Ever backdrop comes with two different textures that you can choose, so you get the exact look you are hoping for.
Plus, Best Ever touts photography backdrops made in the USA.
Additionally, Best Ever only prints on both sides of their backdrops and every backdrop weighs under a pound.
They’re also all 100% waterproof, since many of their backdrops are marketed to food photographers, making them the best backdrops ever.
Best Ever Backdrops start at $100, unless you’re willing to splurge for a package of 4 pre-selected backdrops which start at $200.
Owen’s Originals
Owen’s Originals doesn’t just sell photography backdrops, but their photography backdrops are so good we had to include them in our list.
Firstly, Owen’s sells photography backdrops that are hand-painted, paper, vinyl, canvas or muslin, so you can look for the exact backdrop material you want.
You can also search all of the photography backdrops on their website by price, and they have a wide array of options at under $50.
Almost all of their photography backdrops also ship in 24 hours because they are a larger corporation, which helps for photographers on a strict timeline.
Owen’s Originals photography backdrops start at $35. Owen’s also accepts returns for an 80% refund up to two weeks from the date of purchase.
So, there you have it! A selection of five different companies that create beautiful portrait backdrops.
There are options galore in terms of sizing and styles, as well as various price points, so you should be able to find exactly what you need at the price you want. All that’s left to do is peruse their selections, make your choices, and get your new backdrops!
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