


As you can see, choosing the right background or backdrop for your subject can be just as important as choosing the right lens for the shot. Sometimes a background can add context to your image or it can lend emotion and feeling to a shot, as shown in the image above. Your background should not have a bunch of distractions and should help focus attention on your subject. Put your subject in front of a super busy scene and it takes the focus off of your subject – not to mention, it can sometimes create mergers. Why Your Background or Studio Backdrop is ImportantĪ background can make or break your image. If you have a dedicated space, anything goes, limited only by your budget and commitment. This limits your choices, but not by much. If these rooms have multiple purposes, you’ll need flexible setups that are easily dismantled and stored away when not in use (see Joe Farace’s Portraits without a Studio). If you’re just starting out, your studio may be a spare room, a basement, or even the garage. They also range from simple solid colors to subtle patterns. Photography backdrops come in a wide variety of sizes, textures, and materials. After all, what’s behind the subject is just as important as what’s in front of it. But what about the background? Each element of a photograph has the power to add to or detract from its overall appeal, which is why it’s important to pay close attention to every single detail that you include in the photo-even the studio backdrop. Ready to take the plunge and set up your own photography studio? You’ll need to find the perfect space, purchase some lighting equipment, and of course, find the best camera to capture your subjects with.
