Photography Backdrops You Can Find Anywhere
A good photographer can find a great backdrop, no matter where they are in real time. They look at their surroundings, the type of lighting that is available, and their subject. To ensure the best photographs possible, no matter the location, we’ve highlighted some backdrops that you can find anywhere.
The best part is that some of these backdrops won’t cost you anything! Now you can have some great results without breaking the bank.
Neutral Backdrops
Nothing says simplicity like a neutral backdrop — whether it’s stark white, grey, or black. Photographers who are just starting out may be able to work on a project like professional headshots, but may not have the backdrop and mounting equipment they need. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of your surroundings. A clean wall can be sufficient.
Neutral backdrops, like the one featured above, allow the audience to really focus on the subject. Let the subject and the details speak for itself in the photograph, don’t rely on a backdrop to add to it.
If you have the time to prepare before a shoot and you’re working on limited funds, here are some other neutral backgrounds that you can use:
- Painters’ drop clothes
- White paper rolls
- Brown packing paper
- Drawer lining paper
Textured Backdrops
Textured backdrops, like a brick wall, are a great alternative to neutral, plain backgrounds. Brick walls can be found just about anywhere you go, and are perfect for impromptu photo shoots. Red or whitewashed brick walls will add an artsy, weathered look to photos and serve as a textural counterpoint your photography subject.
If you are feeling adventurous, try out other textured backgrounds including:
- Garage doors
- Barn doors and walls
- Shiplap walls
- Metal or wood fences
- Corrugated metal walls
Graffiti
Graffiti is one of those things that you can find no matter where you are in the world. It might come as a surprise, but graffiti can make a great photography backdrop when it’s used correctly. Place your subject in front the graffiti, focus on the subject, and blur the graffiti in the background. Or you can blur your subject in the foreground to focus on the graffiti.
For more ideas on photographing graffiti, Widewalls’ “Top 10 Street Art Photographers” examines photographers who capture street artists and their graffiti artwork.
Nature
Nature is a beautiful backdrop for photography, especially when the sun is setting and the light is just right. Just like using graffiti as a backdrop, there is so much a photographer can do with nature. It doesn’t matter if you are an amateur or professional photographer — take a chance and experiment with your subject, the lightning, and different angles. Need some inspiration for nature shots? You can use the following as a backdrop for your photography:
- Fields
- Parks
- Mountains
- Beaches
- Lakes, rivers, or streams
- Forests
What are you waiting for? It’s time to hop in your car or on your bike to find a backdrop that will make your photographs really stand out.
Do you have any special backdrops for photography that you can find just about anywhere you go? We would love to know below! Learn more about photography at the New York Film Academy.
