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As many photographers swear, a picture is worth a thousand words. Although this quote can seem overused and cliché, it communicates an aspect of photography that is undeniable — the most incredible experiences cannot always be conveyed through language. Often, valuable moments are best recorded through a picture, as this is the only way to see more fully the emotions on a face or the exact light patterns falling through trees. For this reason, photographers are often very careful when considering backdrops for photography. A backdrop may seem unimportant, but it can help the subject of the photograph “pop” by complementing the subjects with its patterns and/or colors. It sets the mood of the photo; a natural backdrop of trees or grass will create a very different feel than a bright, colorful display of balloons. Without choosing one of the best backdrops for photography, a picture will be less powerful and viewers may have less clarity when interpreting the image. Additionally, if you’re lacking in inspiration, backdrops for photography are often the perfect way to generate new ideas, as each one creates a distinct mood and atmosphere. Why Are Backdrops For Photography Important? Backdrops for photography are scenes or displays that are used for the background of a photo, often consisting of a man-made scene or a display of patterns and textures. They can range from a simple patterned wall to an entire setting made up of figures and shapes. Backdrops for photography are essential to the art, sometimes having even more of an impact than the actual subjects in the pictures. They are important because they highlight the subjects of the photograph and create the tone of the picture, evoking various reactions and sentiments. Lights, Camera & Other Supplies There are many ways to make sure that your pictures best display the subjects within them. Using up-to-date supplies is one method, as your images can only be as good as your camera. Also, a tripod is considered essential for any photographer, because it accommodates more flexibility for positions and heights of the camera. Using a quality camera, lenses, tripod and studio space will lend an extra touch of professionalism that will shine through in your photographs. Another important consideration when trying to create the best photos is your use of light. The lighting depicted in your photograph affects the mood of the shot just as much as whatever backdrops for photography you decided to use. Low levels of warm, golden light can be used to convey a mysterious or pensive mood. Bright lights or even an assortment of colors in the background are great ways to up the ante of your backdrop and convey a celebratory feel through your images. Light can be an effective, useful tool for guiding your viewer’s eyes by bringing attention to certain areas of the photograph. 10 STUNNING BACKDROPS Sometimes, all you need to elevate your photograph from an average image to a spectacular shot is the perfect background. Backdrops for photography are some of the most important aspects of any picture, as they create the scene and convey the mood for your viewers. Fortunately, you can create homemade backdrops for photography from a vast array of materials and objects, making photography an accessible hobby for those of us on a budget. These charming backdrop ideas range from silly and fun to chic and sophisticated, and they provide opportunities to practice your own creativity, adding a personal touch to your next photo shoot! BALLOONS Balloons are a popular option in backdrops for photography, since they naturally create a festive air for any time that is needed. Go all out with an assortment of colors and sizes, or produce a more stylish and low-key look by choosing two complementary colors. To communicate a sense of movement, tie your balloons to clear fishing string at various heights, creating the illusion that your balloons are perhaps flying away mid-shot. If you’d like your backdrop to remain organized and professional, secure the balloons to a backboard, allowing your backdrop to remain both textured and simple. RIBBONS AND LACE Ribbons and lace create a classy, sophisticated atmosphere for any photo shoot. When deciding between backdrops for photography, it is important to consider the event you are photographing and how you (or your clients) would like it portrayed. For celebratory events such as baby showers, weddings, and birthdays, ribbons and lace create a soft, upbeat air around their subjects. Use different lengths, colors, and patterns to get the most out of this creative idea for a beautiful backdrop. YARN BALLS Another fun choice among backdrops for photography involves the use of yarn. Keep it simple by gluing strings of yarn to a backboard in lines and swirls, or use balloons as molds to make your yarn into large yarn balls. To add the maximum amount of texture and interest, create these “yarn balls” in a variety of colors and sizes and hang them at various heights and depths in your scene. A simple shower curtain or table cloth is a great surface to attach yarn. NEWSPAPER Using newspaper is a crafty, yet minimalistic way to make any photo shoot into an artistic affair. Fold pieces of newspaper into origami animals and shapes to add texture and depth, or simply lay pieces flat. The newspaper goes well with vintage or antique themes, giving a photograph a slightly more serious and academic feel. It also is ideal if you are photographing particularly bright and colorful subjects, as the newsprint perfectly offsets the color with its understated tones. QUILTS Many photographers struggle to bring enough texture into their photo shoots without overwhelming the subjects or distracting them from the overall scene. Quilts are a great solution. They create a cozy atmosphere without overtaking the rest of the photograph. Quilts used as backdrops for photography also post great opportunities for adding in new patterns into your shoot. Choose quilts of colors and patterns that complement the rest of your scene, or use a monochromatic quilt to call maximum attention to your subjects. TWINKLE LIGHTS Twinkle lights are a staple of any well-decorated space, so why not introduce them into the realm of photography as well? String them across the background or loop them around poles to create a romantic and whimsical backdrop. Twinkle lights are perfect for brightening up a dark scene or producing an air of mystery. They also produce a lovely array of shadows on the wall when hung strategically. PAPER CHAIN LINKS Another fun and artsy choice when creating backdrops for photography are using paper chain links. Do you remember these from when you were a child? Backdrops don’t get any easier than this! All you need is paper, scissors, and tape. Simply cut the paper into small strips, about three inches in length and one inch wide. Then, fashion your strips into loops around each other, creating color patterns or letting the shades intermingle randomly. FLOWER WALL Fresh flower walls are a great way to incorporate natural beauty into your images. Artfully glue fresh flowers to a backdrop in vertical lines if you’re aiming for a minimalistic look, or randomly attach flowers all over the backdrop for a more festive feel. Roses are a classic choice when deciding which flowers to use, although bouquets of varied flower species are also very appealing to the eye with their assortment of shapes and colors. Using a single-color sheet or a white wall creates contrast and helps the flowers pop. CHALKBOARD PHOTO BOOTH Using a chalkboard for your photography backdrop is the perfect opportunity to display your own creativity and add a personal touch, as it provides the chance to make use of your favorite quotes or create your own series of pictures. This also is an ideal way to involve your guests if the photo shoot is part of an event. Why not let each guest sign the board or write a personal note? A chalkboard backdrop is a fun and simple way to make the photo shoot feel personal to you, and the black background creates a great contrast that will make the subjects of the photograph stand out. If you want to keep a festive atmosphere, consider buying rainbow chalk to bring a flash of color to the scene. MOSQUITO NETTING Another creative way to add your own touch to a photograph is to drape a mosquito net over a chair or bench. The white gauzy material generates an air of mystery and festivity. The only thing to keep in mind while creating this backdrop is that its setup requires a place to hang the mosquito net, for example, a tree limb or low beam. Once you have found a sturdy hanging place, add pillows and blankets to make the scene look cozy and you’ll have the perfect photography backdrop. Conclusion No picture is complete without a background to refine it. Although sometimes overlooked, backdrops for photography are essential in highlighting the objects and figures in the picture. They are also perfect for setting a tone for the viewer. From festive to mysterious, each backdrop brings a unique atmosphere to a picture. Using these creative, self-made backdrop ideas is an excellent way to bring your photos to a new level of professionalism and quality.