Creating Custom Backdrops

Let me introduce you to custom made backdrops. Since I have my own studio (about 3 years now) I wanted something else then just regular plane white and black backdrops.  Not that there is something wrong with that but for me personally it gets really boring after a while.

How i think about creating custom backdrops

We decided to mix it up a bit so that we can work with different backdrops in the studio and give the client a bit more options to choose from.

In total we devided the studio into a total of 23 different backdrops/sets with different colors, different styles, and three different floors.

We also have paper backdrops (8 in total) but i prefer to have backdrops to which models can lean to, so that I can create some attachement to the wall/backdrop to have a nice shadowplay in my images.

One of my latest creations for the studio. Orange/Yellow/Red with some dark accents in it.

How can you create custom made backdrops well, just be creative. Go to the a DIY store and just look around, be creative.

The backdrop above is one side of a regular wooden board (unfortunately it's a bit heavier then a foamboard but i like it this way. It's more firm then a foamboard, models will not fall trough when leaning against them.

How was the above print/texture created?
Well pretty simple, just play around with brushes, create some splashes, mix up different colors of paint, just try some things out. Look online for some inspiration online, look in magazines etc.

The one above took me 2 hours to create so I'm pretty anxious to see what it will give on an image once we put a model in front of it.

The other side of the orange looking (rustic) backdrop! More for a fashion based shoot.

It took me a lot more time to create, like 3 hours, just to make some depth in the image and not just one flat backdrop.

The reason I will probably use the backdrop for more fashion minded images is very simple, it's neutral, and doesn't take away the attention of the model when she will be in front of it.

That's a very important point to keep in mind when making these backdrops, that it will not take away more attention then your subject in front of it.

Also if you play with your depth of field when shooting, it will blend all nicely together.

The wooden board is 1m20 x 2m20, for me that's enough to be used in regular shots. If you start doing duo shots then this might be a bit too small.

So if you still have any questions about the backdrops feel free to drop me a line and i'll be sure to reply to everyone!

Thanks again everyone for the support and don't forget to go check out our Youtube Channel with free Photoshop & Photography Tutorials on them. (In Dutch)