Creative Backdrops: Tips for making your own studio

Image by luiscardan.

A relatively small change, like setting up a backdrop, can have a substantial impact on your photo. While backdrops are often associated with studio photography, for a more polished presentation, you can use a backdrop within any environment to create a variety of looks.

Get tips on setting the stage for your next photo shoot, and find inspiring examples from the community.

Image by vandoorne

— Set up a studio space outside.

Traditionally a photo studio is thought of as an indoor space equipped with proper lighting equipment and seamless backdrops. You can work around a limited budget or lack of room by setting up a studio space outside and creating with natural lighting. Make use of easily accessible materials, like a sheet or blanket for your backdrop, and if you don’t have stands, find existing structures like fences or branches to hang your backdrop.

Images by rachelgee-.

— Allow for aesthetic imperfections.

Rather than going for a flawless block of color behind your subject, bring character to your shoot by showing added detail — like creases in your backdrop or glimpses into the surrounding environment.

Images by minthibiscus.

— Think of a backdrop as a prop.

A backdrop can function as more than a static wall behind your subject; it can be a moving, interactive item. Rather than using a backdrop to completely mask the setting, try incorporating the backdrop into a larger scene and encourage the model to play with the backdrop as if it were a prop.

Images by adeib.

— Craft your own backdrop.

Using paper or cloth as a backdrop is quick to setup and hassle free. However, you can make your own, one-of-a-kind backdrop with a little creativity. Try choosing a subject like flowers or paper shapes and repeat that theme across a surface to create a large-scale background.

Images by minthibiscus.

Inspiration from the Community.

Image by katyshayne.

Styled in an unexpected manner, the backdrop and the subject are merged together.

Image by christophermichaelvisual.

The green cloth frames the subject, adding visual interest to an otherwise neutral setting.

Image by wulfbradley.

With the subject placed behind, instead of in front of the backdrop, a mysterious silhouette is achieved.

Image by pippahollidayphotography.

This image features two backdrops — the cityscape and the cloth covering the rooftop.

Image by brandtbrown.

The sheet only partially covers the background, giving this image a behind-the-scenes, natural feel.

Image by kurisuexelcio.

By incorporating the red backdrop alongside the natural greenery, the subject is set off between these two complementary colors.

For the chance to be featured, share what you create with #VSCO.