Question a Day | What about backdrops?
Q: Hi! I love your blog, and I can’t wait to see your updates! My question is: what color makes the best backdrop? Should it be textured? I would like to take a series of my son from ages one through five, and I’d like the photos to be consistent.
Thanks in advance,
Shelley
A: Hi Shelley! Thanks and thanks! Those updates are well in the works; I think you’ll like them.
This is a great question. Colours for backdrops can all work, in theory. Much like we look better in some colours, rather than others, the same could be said for backdrops so be mindful of skin tone, lighting and what just plain looks good.
That said, here are some specifics:
- I personally find neutrals to be the most flexible for backdrops. Think: white, beige, black, brown, grey, etc.
- That said, vibrant colours can really add punch to your photos, as can graphic prints. To avoid them overwhelming your subject (as well as shadows), be sure to place some distance between your subject and the background.
- You can use anything as a background: take a picture down for a few minutes to have use of a blank wall, drape a blanket over the backs of two chairs and have your subject sit on the floor, have your subject lie on the floor while you shoot (safely!) from a chair overlooking him…
The list can go on and on… You can use the brick of a wall, the tiles in the shower, the front door or even your favourite window in the house. To maintain consistency, just make sure you use something that is portable or can be recreated should you ever move.
Have fun!
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