Background Ideas for Studio Portraits

It is KILLING me that I have nothing new to share from the senior portrait world. Breaks my heart. BUT, I have something amazing planned for fun and I think that might ease the ache a bit!

I was looking at photos from some of my models from last year (as they all are graduating next month and ordering more wallets, etc.) and I decided to do a post about different backdrops I use. Not the traditional in any way. And, if it helps you with some new, fresh ideas, take ‘em and run with ‘em!

1. Upholstery Fabric. Support your local fabric stores! If you buy upholstery fabric, you can normally get it in wider widths and they make great drops for headshots or even like this shot of Lexie. When I told her I wanted her to bring something “yellow” with her, I was so happy because it really just works perfectly with this drop. It doesn’t have to be expensive either. Remember, pull your subject far enough away from the drop that you can get some separation. I see this all too often in images when photographers put their clients right on the drops. Give yourself a good four or five feet! You’ll LOVE the outcome! But don’t shoot too wide open or you’ll blur the details out completely.

2) Corrugated Roof Panel. I bought three sheets of this at my local Lowe’s. Had to rent a truck because it was 12 feet long! But, I didn’t even attach them to the wall. They are just propped right up and make a fun, funky background. I like the outcome using this out in my warehouse because the walls are neutral that reflect off it. If I shot in my air conditioned build-out area the green paint really did a number on the reflection. I would love to weather these things! I had originally seen these used at Zack Arias studio in Atlanta at his One Light Workshop. He had his framed out and going horizontal though.

3) Antique Doors. Go to a architectural salvage place, or your local antique stores. These are a plenty! The two shown here are old church doors from here in St. Louis. They are super heavy. Up and down they make a great backdrop. One side is white and the other a dark brown/gray. I haven’t done a thing to them, but leave them in their natural state (they currently are in my home office now though). You can lay them on their side to get a different look if you photograph newborns in tiny beds or bowls on your floors.

4) Screens. I spotted this screen at Ashley Home Furniture Store when we purchased a couch. Actually, I bought two chairs (the one and only time I bought chairs brand new). The image below isn’t cropped how we ordered it, but I wanted to show you how it just looks different in it’s full set up. Hung a little chandelier from Hobby Lobby from a boom light stand and voila! Simple, and different look!

5) Wallpaper. My warehouse is cement block (painted white, but still) and I wanted exposed brick sooo bad. I looked at a few alternatives, but wanted almost an entire wall covered so I could do larger groups on it. So, I bought brick wallpaper online. When you light your subjects correctly and pull them away from the background enough, you don’t get any weird reflections or casts. This was the first thing I bought for the warehouse when I moved into the studio. If only my warehouse was air conditioned!

So, there’s some ideas for you! Hope they inspire or help you too. Be sure to “LIKE” me on FB and sign up for my monthly creative newsletter on the homepage.