When photographing or filming in a studio, using a plain white background may not always give you the look or feel that you want for your images or video. That’s where the best studio backgrounds can make a whole world of difference. You might be looking for something neutral or vibrant, or something altogether different using a green screen! Luckily, there are a lot of options out there to suit your needs, and in this guide, we’re going to cover the different types there are and give a few suggestions for each category.
Paper backgrounds are the most common choice for studio photography (, less so for video work). They’re versatile and generally more affordable than other options. And, it's their simplicity that makes them the go-to. You simply unroll the length you need and cut off any damaged sections after use. They come in a range of sizes including widths from 1.35m to 5.35m, and lengths from 11m to 50m, meaning you can create a seamless backdrop from floor to wall that is ideal for portrait, group, still life and macro photography. What you will need though is a background support to put your paper background roll onto to store and easily manage when in use or packing away.
Here are a few different options but if these are the colours you’re looking for, click here and you’ll see all the colours we stock for paper backgrounds.
Calumet Arctic White 2.72m x 11m Seamless Background Paper
Half Priced when bought with any other Calumet 2.72x11m Rolls
Calumet's Arctic White 2.72m x 11m Seamless Background Paper provides the brightest white in the Calumet range of paper background rolls. The high-quality, low-cost and non-reflecting surface is ideal for high-key studio photography be it for portraiture or product photography. Safety during transit is from our warehouse and into your studio in pristine condition is imperative. These rolls are wound on a tough, rigid core and wrapped in a plastic sleeve which guards against moisture and dirt. It is neatly packed in a sturdy tube or carton to provide the highest levels of protection during shipment. While every effort is made to ensure accurate colour reproduction of the products shown here, some variances may occur depending on your screen.
£63.95
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Colorama 1.35x11m - Rose Pink
Colorama 1.35x11m Rose PinkColorama background papers offer the widest choice of colours and sizes available. As well as being used as a photographic backdrop, Colorama is also ideal for use to create theatrical sets, shop window displays and exhibition use. Requires the use of a support system.
£49.95
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Manfrotto Paper Roll 2.72x11m - Chromakey Green
The Manfrotto Paper Roll is crease free, comes on a convenient roll for easy distribution and ease of tidying, and is suitable for backdrops and for set dressing. The Manfrotto Paper Roll is a flexible background system, which is easy to use and if it gets dirty you can simply tear off the piece you do not want and unravel a new section of paper. The Manfrotto paper roll is available in a wide range of colours in 3 sizes which be cut to lengths of your choice and we also stock a range of compatible support systems (not included).
£70.95
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If you’re looking for something more durable than paper, then a vinyl background might be your next best choice. They’re more hardy being water and scratch-resistant, and have the added benefit of being cleanable. So if you’re using liquids or food in your shoot, or in a busy working studio, you’ll be able to clean anything that gets on the background. This, of course, is arguably more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Like most paper backgrounds, vinyl backgrounds are non-reflective making them suitable for many genres where you need to control light and shadows.
Again, depending on the background you opt for, you will need a background support system to use the vinyl background.
GlareOne PVC Background 60 x 130 cm - Coffee
Introducing GlareOne PVC Background, your trusty sidekick in the realm of product photography. This 60x130cm, 4mm thick coffee canvas reduces creases, reflections, and grime. Saddle up with this low-maintenance, flexible and non-reflective hero, and let your products bask in the limelight!
£12.00
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Colorama Colormatt 100 x 130 cm Coal
Colormatt is the perfect solution to table top photography requiring a smooth, matt surface to minimise reflections. Water and scratch resistant, the Colormatt is available in a generous range of rich colours.
£19.95
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Manfrotto Vinyl Background and Floor Sweep 2.75 x 6m - Chroma Key Green
The Manfrotto Vinyl Background and Floor Sweep 2.75 x 6m in Chroma Key Green serves as a full-length background or floor solution. The vinyl material offers a wipe-clean, crease-free, and reusable matte finish to prevent reflections and aid seamless keying. Ideal for various setups with the included aluminium core, it integrates with Manfrotto’s comprehensive range of green screen accessories.
£434.95
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Curtain backgrounds are another option that is usually the go-to for larger studio setups. Made from fabric, usually muslin, they’re hung from rails, stands, or other such background support systems. They’re available in a range of colours and textures but they’re used when the photographer or filmmaker wants a clean, matte finish behind the subject. Because of this, they’re often used for editorial or fashion photoshoots, as well as video interviews.
GlareOne Green Screen Backdrop 3 x 6m
Whether you're a vlogger, YouTuber, photographer, or video maker, the GlareOne Green Screen - Green Fabric Backdrop 3x6m is perfect for taking chroma key shots. With its smooth surface and excellent colour rendering, the fabric makes it possible to create the perfect backdrop for any situation.
The background fabric is made of 100% cotton with a weight of 140g/m2. The fabric is of high quality and ensures a very good cloth colouring. Thanks to the smooth and even structure of the fabric, there are no unwanted reflections of light.
The GlareOne Green Screen has an opening at the top that allows it to be easily attached to a crossbar. The edges of the background cloth are hemmed and provide extra strength. The fabric can be cleaned without any problems. It can be washed by hand or in the washing machine.
£49.00
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Calumet White 3 x 3.6m Muslin Background
These 100% muslin backgrounds are either hand-painted, hand-dyed or solid coloured to suit a variety of shooting applications. Although the solid-coloured and hand-dyed muslins are machine washable, please be sure to check the care and cleaning instructions prior to washing. Hand-painted muslins are not suitable for machine washing. All come supplied in their own carry case.
£90.00
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Manfrotto Panoramic Background Cover 4m - Granite
When used with a 3-panel collapsible lightweight aluminium framework, this background is completely self-supporting so there is no need for additional stands and crossbars. It is assembled in a matter of minutes and, once assembled, is simply clipped onto the framework. The stretchable cover fabric ensures a flat, crease-free surface at all times.
£457.95
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Collapsible backgrounds are the saviour of location photographers and filmmakers. They come in different shapes, sizes, colours and textures, and many are reversible for added versatility. While some require background support, most do not; having a flexible metal frame around the edge, allowing them to be folded down into a compact size. So, if you’re working in a cramped space or simply need to reduce your travel load, collapsible backgrounds provide a quick and effective way to create a professional-looking environment. It’s this adaptability that makes them a favourite among professionals.
Interfit 5 x 6.5ft Pop-Up Reversible Background - Weathered Brick / Grey Muslin
Interfit's 5 x 6.5ft double-sided pop-up background with designed to be easy to use, setup and pack down. The vibrant colours produce a clean and professional look in your photography. The background can be used either vertically or horizontally depending on your shot and features Velcro fasteners so you can attach the background to a stand.
£89.99
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Manfrotto Vintage Collapsible Reversible Background 1.5 x 2.1m - Aubergine / Crimson
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The Manfrotto Vintage Collapsible Reversible Background 1.5 x 2.1m in Aubergine / Crimson is a double-sided, hand-painted textured background ideal for portrait, product, or still life photography. The aubergine side features a rich textured design. Its' bold colours are similar to imperial royalty in addition to amethyst tones. The stunning backdrop is finished with a dramatic vignette. The crimson side offers a strongly textured surface with warm, red tones and blacks.
£184.95
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Manfrotto HiLite Background 4.5 x 3.5ft
This 4'6" x 3'6" version of the Manfrotto HiLite background is the smallest in the range and ideal for small product and still-life photography. As with the rest of this range, this HiLite background enables you to undertake High Key photography on location and in restricted spaces. The background itself is white and can be rear-lit, thus negating the need to use a background light behind the subject. As the background is illuminated, the subject can stand in front of it without casting a shadow. The Manfrotto HiLite backgrounds also work as large rear softboxes, illuminating the subject and meaning you can use just one other flash head to light the subject from the front.
£220.95
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Finally, we have light tents and tables. While they can be used for various genres, these are specifically designed with product photography in mind. A light tent has translucent sides that diffuse external lighting, creating a soft and evenly lit look. This is ideal for products like jewellery, electronics or other small products where a creative flare isn’t necessarily needed or wanted. They’re also collapsible, making them easy to store or transport.
Light tables are similar in that they are commonly used for product or still-life photography, but they differ in structure. Tables like these feature a continuous surface from the base to the background, which can be illuminated from beneath or behind. This allows for more creative control of lighting. You can experiment with other lights without having a uniform diffusion over the subject.
GlareOne Light Table 100 x 200 cm
The GlareOne Light Table offers ample room with its 100x200cm semi-permeable white acrylic surface, perfect for precise, detailed, and shadow-free photography. With a sturdy aluminium build and adjustable back surface, it provides unmatched flexibility for professionals and beginners alike and a long-lasting solution for shadowless photography.
£149.00
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Calumet Cocoon Light Tent - 80s
This collapsible lightweight, compact cube is ideal for photographing medium and larger-sized products - especially those with reflective surfaces. The structure is covered with a translucent fabric and can be lit from any angle, even from beneath. One side is secured with a zip and features a 20cm slit to insert a camera lens. A matching fabric insert is included to provide a seamless infinity-curve, the entire cube folds down to 35 x 5cm and slides in to a handy storage pouch.
£59.00
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GlareOne Light Tent 150 cm
Unleash your product photography potential with the GlareOne Light Tent 150 cm. Offering uniform light dispersion and an array of backgrounds, it renders your product in its optimal light. Compact, handy and cost-efficient, it's the definitive answer for impeccable product imagery.
£54.00
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What types of studio backgrounds are there?
Studio backgrounds come in various types, including seamless paper, fabric, vinyl, and muslin. Each type offers benefits; for example, seamless paper is great for a smooth finish, while fabric backgrounds can be more versatile and portable.
How do I choose the right background for my studio?
Choosing the right background depends on your photography style and the mood you want to convey. Think about the colours and patterns that will complement your subject and enhance the overall look. Products are often photographed on white but this might not be as visually exciting for portrait photography.
What size studio background should I use?
You want to look at backgrounds that will fit your photography or filming space. For full-body shots, backgrounds that are at least 2.7 metres wide are ideal, but larger options provide more flexibility. Equally, a 2.7-metre paper roll would be too big for small product photography.
How do I set up a studio background properly?
Generally, you want to ensure your background is wrinkle/crease-free and well-lit. To do this, use background support systems and photography clamps. However, this can change depending on your style and what feel you want to convey.
Can I use studio backgrounds for video as well as photography?
Yes! Studio backgrounds can and are used for both photography and videography.
How do we decide?
Our in-house photography experts, store staff and partners all work collaboratively to pour over these guides. The cameras and equipment recommended in our guides are based on their personal opinion, empirical experience and of course, feedback from our customers. We way up price, features, quality and the all-important 'je ne sais quoi' to make sure we recommend products that will delight and inspire.
If you would like more advice on any purchase our contact centre staff are here to help. Alternatively, you can reach us via email or social media. And don't forget. If you were to purchase anything based on our recommendations you'll be covered by our full returns policy
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