Photo by Alexander Dummer on Unsplash
When it comes to shooting portraits, background is everything. If you’re shooting portraits at home or in a studio, you need backdrops! But what backdrop is best for photography?
The best backdrop for photography allows you to create an artistic scene in the background to shoot your subject in front of for the perfect photo. Backdrops should be easy to bring from set to set, they should be collapsible, and they should be able to fit in the trunk of your car.
By using the right backdrop for photography, you can turn any boring room into a magical scene your clients will love. Backgrounds come in lots of shapes and colors, as well as unique styles. The truth is that there are limitless backdrops, all designed for different occasions. Some backdrops work better in a studio and some work better outside.
But not all backdrops are the same. Some are freestanding and can be erected anywhere, some require a special stand, some come included with complicated kits that need to be set up, and some don’t come with anything, meaning you need to have your own stand ready.
Today we’re answering the question: What backdrop is best for photography? Let’s take a look at the best backdrops available right now.
Neewer Chromakey Black & White Collapsible Backdrop
The Neewer Chromakey Black & White Collapsible Backdrop is perfect for everything from photoshoots to video calls. The package comes included with a single collapsible backdrop that has white on one side and black on the other. It’s a 2-in-1 backdrop at a reasonable price that can be transported everywhere your photography takes you. The backdrop can be used vertically, horizontally, mounted to the wall, draped over a bar, hung on a hook, or any other way you need it. This makes it ideal for live streaming videos at home, for taking passport photos and headshots, and for creating your own YouTube content literally anywhere.
For professional photographers, there are minimal wrinkles and the collapsible backdrop can be folded quickly and easily and then set up at location. The backdrop even comes included with a carrying bag, very useful for storage. Additionally, the backdrop has a durable steel frame sewn directly into the fabric with a steel spring that pops the backdrop open when it’s time to shoot. The backdrop is so handy that you can even just lean it against a door and it still looks great.
Pros
- Compact & Easy to Set Up
- Black + White
- Steel Frame Sewn into Fabric
- Can Take it Everywhere
Cons
- Pretty Expensive
- Hard to Fold for Travel
Kate 5×7 Photo Studio Abstract Texture Background
The Kate Photo Studio Abstract Texture Background is of the absolute highest quality. If you’re looking for an artistic abstract background to take stunning portraits, this is the backdrop for you. It comes in sizes from between 3×5 and 10×20, with the largest being big enough for a whole football team. The material is microfiber, meaning it’s soft and easier to clean than the cheaper backdrops found online.
The material can be ironed and washed, it’s durable and can be reused for years, and it’s even great for close-up photography. When taking a picture of something directly against the backdrop, the color remains the same and it doesn’t look tacky. This really is a great backdrop with unbelievable texture. Even more, Kate offers many fantastic backdrops from vintage to abstract and everything in between. The best part is that all backdrops by Kate are of a fantastic quality and reasonably priced. They might be a bit more expensive than some of the other backdrops, but that’s because they’re made to last long and look gorgeous.
Pros
- Top Quality & Great Price
- Lightweight Fabric
- Safe For Washer & Dryer
- Elegant & Dramatic
Cons
- Mounting Loops Kind of Small
- Color Becomes Stretched at 10×20
Neewer 6×9 Photo Studio Collapsible Backdrop 
The Neewer 6×9 Photo Studio Collapsible Backdrop is a standard white backdrop for photography and video. It can be draped or hung, it’s finished along all its edges to prevent any damage by tearing, and it’s crafted from pure polyester. This means it’s durable and long-lasting. The backdrop folds nicely for transport, there are minimal wrinkles, and it’s the most professional white backdrop available at such a low price. Plus, Neewer really is a reliable company that makes all kinds of great photography equipment.
The backdrop can be washed by hand or by machine, it’s great for fashion photography, the fabric is thick, and all your photos will turn out great. The soft fabric creates the perfect flat lay for photos on the floor. It’s even non-reflective, so you can use flash all you want.
Pros
- Comes Neatly Packaged
- Can Go in Washer & Dryer
- Excellent Backdrop for YouTube Videos
- Strong Material
Cons
- Expect Some Wrinkles
Funnytree Vinyl Wood Photography Background 
For under $10, you really can’t get better than the Funnytree Vinyl Wood Photography Background. It comes in sizes of up to 8×8, you can get it in beige or grey, and it’s made from professional photography cloth. The color is vibrant, it works awesome for kids parties and birthdays, and it folds up neatly for storage.
The only downside is that it does need to be ironed to get the creases out of it when it arrives. But this takes no more than a few minutes and you have a wildly impressive and very affordable backdrop for school photos, themed family photography, and much more. If you’re looking for the perfect backdrop with a rustic feel to it, this is the best. It’s even great for dog photos!
Pros
- Comes in Beige of Gray
- Professional Photography Cloth
- Vibrant Colors
- Under $10
Cons
- Must Iron Out Creases
- Can’t Be Washed or Get Wet
LYWYGG 7×5 Green Leaves Photography Backdrop 
If you’re looking for an awesome backdrop for a special occasion, the green leaves photography backdrop is fantastic. It goes with almost anything. It’s perfect for birthdays, kids parties, Easter, Christmas, and fun family photoshoots with the kids. It works great alone or as the foundation for a more complicated backdrop with balloons and other decorations.
Even though the material isn’t of the highest quality, it hardly costs more than $10. That is a huge value. And to a skilled photographer, it really does look just like leaves. The backdrop can be cleaned easily with a cloth, it offers a realistic background for your most important celebrations, and it comes in a wide variety of sizes from between 5×3 and 10×8. The backdrop is vibrant, extremely clear, and made of thin vinyl.
Pros
- Bright Color for High-Res Pictures
- Great for a Variety of Occasions
- Goes Well with Balloons & Decorations
- Excellent Value
Cons
- Cheaper Material
ISSUNTEX 10×12 Muslin Backdrop 
The ISSUNTEX Muslin Backdrop is perfect for any kind of photography. The fabric is soft, high quality, and resistant to wrinkles. It’s made of microfiber, it’s non-reflective, and it’s easy to install. The backdrop can be draped or hung. It’s machine washable but can normally be cleaned off by simply dusting the surface.
There are many sizes to choose from, between 5×6.5 and 10×24, and there are over 10 different colors. From black to red, you can have a collection of all the colors you would ever need for your home studio. And the best news is that they are all wildly affordable. The backdrop is opaque, it blocks out all light from behind, and thanks to the pre-stitched rod pocket inserts, it’s easy to slip through the bar of a stand. Another great thing is that the backdrop folds up extremely nicely to fit inside of a backpack.
Pros
- Extremely Soft Fabric
- Easy to Install, Draped or Hung
- Massive Variety of Color
- Dark Fabric Prevents Show-Through
Cons
- Could Be Thicker
- Tough to Remove Wrinkles
Final Thoughts
There is a lot that goes in to choosing the best backdrop for photography. There are collapsible disc backdrops that are extremely affordable and great for amateurs working out of a home studio; they also come in a huge variety of textures and colors. Then there are green screen backdrops if you’re looking to do a bit of editing after the photograph. There are solid canvas backgrounds, polyester, vinyl, and even velour.
Basically, there are tons of backdrops to choose from. If you’re just starting out, we suggest some simple collapsible backdrops. As you continue to build your studio, you’ll continue to collect more and more backdrops to satisfy an ever-growing list of clients!
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