The background can ruin or elevate a photograph. That is why choosing a good photographic background is essential to obtain the best results in our portrait sessions.
We have talked a lot about outdoor backgrounds, about how to locate, which places can work for us or how to choose the one that can best suit our model, but we have not yet immersed ourselves in the world of portable photographic backgrounds.
Today I want to talk to you about the ones I've been trying to do a Christmas photo session.
These are microfiber funds that have many advantages. I'll tell you about them right now. But before…
WHAT ARE PHOTOGRAPHIC BACKGROUNDS USED FOR?
If the smooth wall of my house is worth it... right? This thought may be crossing your mind. I understand you because it happened to me, but it's just... it's not the same! With them you can turn any space into an impressive decoration in 5 minutes!
If you have a really flat wall, with space to comfortably photograph where the people you want to photograph move around, with good light or with the possibility of placing lighting elements and you don't mind changing the decoration (good if you have an artistic streak , well buying gadgets), great. Maybe this article is not for you.
Now, if you identify with any of the following points, you are interested in continuing reading because portable photographic backgrounds are your solution:
- Not always photographs in the same place.
- You do not have a space in which to photograph comfortably.
- You have a wide, neutral-colored wall, but with gotelé.
- You have tired of the wall of your office, because it does not give you space for your portraits.
- You like to experiment in your portrait sessions.
- Are you considering becoming a professional?
- You have a large space where you can place all your lighting kit, but it is a garage or similar, nothing attractive as a background.
- You want to offer your clients photos of different themes (Christmas, autumn, spring, Halloween, etc.).
- You do the sessions in clients' homes and you need funds that are easy to transport.
- You are attracted to Fine Art photography.
- The vinyl backgrounds you like are too expensive.
- You want your portraits to look more professional.
Have you identified with any of them? Ok, then let's move on.
Now let's see a comparison of a portrait without a background and with a background:
And here I leave you three very different scenarios that, thanks to portable photographic backgrounds, I have turned into a photographic studio in no time.
WHAT I LIKE THE MOST ABOUT THESE PORTABLE PHOTOGRAPHIC BACKGROUNDS
As I was saying, there are several aspects that I liked about these funds in particular. And I say specifically because I have tried them and because in terms of value for money I think it is the best I can recommend. By the way, they are from the Kate brand, they may already sound familiar to you.
- Portability. They can be folded like a sheet. This is super comfortable to take them from one place to another, they fit in a backpack or suitcase, and if you neglect them in the support bag. This also has another advantage, that if you have little storage space, they do not take up much.
- Material. They are made of fabric, more specifically microfiber. Soft to the touch, somewhat velvety, strong and quite resistant. In addition, they do not shine, they absorb light very well, a great advantage over vinyl.
- Weight. Its material makes them weigh very little, which helps transport. The 2.2×1.5m weighs about 500g.
- Washable. As easy to wash as putting them in the washing machine. They can even be tumble dried on medium heat.
- reusable. Since they are washable and can be stored in a drawer, airtight plastic bag, etc., they will last you a long time. You'll probably get tired of them before they break.
- Details. The motif is printed in one corner, if you have several funds saved, this detail helps to identify them easily, you just have to leave that corner visible when folding it.
- Easy to hang. It has a seam that allows a bar to be inserted, which makes it easy to hang and that it is better extended than only with clips. Although if this pocket does not interest you, you can order it without it.
- Stitched edges. All the edges are finished with a stitch, so they will not fray. You can see it in the photo above.
- Variety. They have a lot of different models and sizes to choose from depending on your needs. From abstract to very specific motifs such as Halloween, Easter or a decoration for cake smash sessions .
- Price. Not only because changing the background is much cheaper than changing the entire set, but because, as I said before, its value for money is excellent.
- customizable. This brand also offers the option to customize both the motif and the size.
- Realism. Despite being a flat, two-dimensional surface, the truth is that they are very well achieved because they have depth, the objects seem real and it gives the impression that they are on different planes.
Of course, there is nothing perfect in this world and this product was not going to be less. Its drawback is wrinkles. Here above you can see some that I did not realize to eliminate because with the ambient light they were not visible.
It's not like high-quality vinyl that goes very smooth, but this particular fabric can be steam-pressed vertically, so problem solved. Once you have it placed on the support, you apply the steam to the wrinkles and you will see them disappear by magic.
Here a test, on the left wrinkles that came from the packaging and on the right after a little steam from the back ( background available here).
TIPS FOR USING THESE FUNDS
The truth is that these funds give the hit. Despite being a photograph stamped on a cloth, when you see the photos you are surprised by the result.
Now, these simple tips will help you achieve a much more credible result.
- Make sure it is well ironed. Don't just trust your eyes, take a test shot in the lighting you're going to use and zoom in on the camera screen or on your computer if you can to make sure there are no wrinkles.
- Tense it well, help yourself with tweezers if necessary so that it is well taut.
- Use a medium or low aperture to blur the background a bit, especially if you have not been able to iron it.
- Put a floor according to the background. It will make everything more integrated and harmonious. It can be a specific floor, a carpet, a vinyl, etc.
- If you have space, move your subjects away from the background.
- Choose the size according to your needs. I'll tell you right away how.
- Place real objects in front of the background to provide three-dimensionality and so that the union of the background with the ground is not noticed. In my case with ChristmasI have placed real lights, a candle, stuffing imitating artificial snow, a cushion and some other Christmas detail. You can also place a small chair or rocking chair for them to sit on.
- If they are children, check the decoration from time to time because they may inadvertently move it with your foot, sink a little inward and lose credibility .
- Although it does not have to do with the realism of the results directly, if you have space in your studio to store it rolled up, you will save the iron every time you use it. If it is sporadic, it does not matter, but if you change the background daily, the iron may tire a little or you may run out of time.
WHAT SIZE BACKGROUND DO I NEED?
This is very important. Before ordering a background you must make sure that the size is adequate. First you have to know what you are going to use it for, if it is to photograph babies, children, adults or families.
On their website you have this graph that can serve as a guide to get an idea of the approximate size you need according to the models.
The two that I have tried are approximately 1.5 x 2.2m the abstract one, which is vertical; and 2.2 x 1.5 m the Christmas tree, horizontal.
WHERE TO BUY THESE FUNDS?
To purchase these portable or portable photographic backgrounds you can go to the Kate Backdrop websitewhere, as I mentioned before, they offer a wide variety of products.
You will find countless different designs in terms of backgrounds. You can search for them by: themes, by the top ones (such as Christmasor Halloween), by seasons, by specific dates, by types of design (abstract, flowers, wood, brick), etc.
Here are some examples of the variety you can find.
ThisIt is the Christmas background that I have used. and thisthe abstract.
They also have funds that consist of two walls and a floor . These types of funds allow you to simulate an entire stay. They are ideal for turning your studio into a completely different place and photographing entire families comfortably and with a gesture as simple as folding and storing.
There are those that represent both exteriors and interiors.
In addition to these acrylic fabric backgrounds, you can find products such as double-sided waterproof paper or paper backgrounds (ideal for product photography), folding, rubber to simulate floors, supports for backgrounds, newborn photography accessories and other photographic accessories. for the studio or outside of it.
Another very interesting product that deserves a special mention are the hand-painted backgrounds .in thick canvas. They are personalized, so if you want unique backgrounds this is a great option. Of course, on the page there is a notice that since they are personalized they do not allow returns.
OPINION ON KATE FUNDS
To be honest, I had never considered buying photographic backgrounds because I am not a professional portrait photographer and having those pieces of rolls of backgrounds lying around the house did not seem like the best idea to me. Also, quality vinyl in full size is out of my budget as a fan.
But the result with these that I can keep in a drawer, and that have a more than reasonable price, has convinced me.
They are very real, the value for money is remarkable, they make a fix for you in any room and they have so many designs that you have the style you have, you will surely find a variety to your liking.
Finally, I have to say that the families with whom I have carried out the tests tell me that they look like real decorations and they are super happy with the photos ?
