Paper Backgrounds

Paper Backgrounds

Background paper is usually sold in rolls, which can be mounted to background supports (you’ll need to purchase these separately). Once the roll is in place, you can simply pull the paper down as needed to create an instant photography background. If the paper gets scuffed, dirtied or torn during a shoot, you can simply cut off the affected area, then pull down more background as needed. Clean, simple and efficient.

One of the key advantages of paper backdrops for photography is that they are very crease resistant. Cloth and muslin backdrops have their advantages, but they are much more susceptible to creases and lines than paper. For those who want a completely smooth and seamless backdrop, paper is the better choice.

Good paper backgrounds for photography should fulfil a number of other criteria. They need to be non-reflective, so that they don’t interfere with your lighting. They should be thick and durable enough that they don’t tear too easily, and the colour throughout needs to be completely consistent.

Paper backdrops come in a range of different widths. If you are photographing smaller subjects like food and beverages or other products, then you may be able to save yourself some money and studio space by opting for a narrower backdrop. However, if you are a portrait photographer who frequently shoots family and group images, it’s a good idea to get the widest background you can in order to ensure you don’t have to cram your subjects together.

While paper backgrounds are generally designed for studio use, there’s no reason you can’t take them out on location if you bring along a set of stands too. If you are careful when transporting the rolls not to mark or crease the paper in any way, you can use your paper backdrop in natural light just as easily as you can in the studio.

For the working photographer, a good set of paper backdrops provides unparalleled ease and efficiency. It speeds up work in the studio, allowing you to pull down a fresh, clean and seamless background at a moment’s notice, which in turn means a quicker editing process as there’s little to no need to remove background blemishes or other distractions.

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