DIY Photography

Hacking Photography - one Picture at a time

  • News
  • Inspiration
  • Reviews
  • Tutorials
  • DIY
  • Gear
Search

Submit A Story

What are Canvas backdrops and why you should own one

Dec 30, 2018 by Tom Saimon 2 Comments

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Flipboard
  • WhatsApp

A canvas backdrop is a backdrop made, well, from a canvas. Canvas is a type of fabric that absorbs paint well, so it is often colored with textures, and this is what we are going to talk about today. We used canvases from Artery Backdrops, but what we say probably applies to all canvas backdrops.

I’ve heard canvases described in many ways, from cliche to regal and that really depends on how you use it. Annie Leibovitz has a canvas backdrop signature look, but so does those horrible portraits from the ’80s, so should you get one? Let me try and help.

The big thing about canvas backdrops is that they are textured. That texture creates a unique look, but it also changes the way light interacts with the backdrop.  It is often less reflective than seamless paper backdrops and has a distinct matte feel to it. They are wonderful to work with. Sadly, they are not cheap (the ones from Artery are 250 Euro for the medium size, and up to 550 euro for the XXL size). I would put this at about 6X from a $49 seamless paper backdrop. Then again, they are gorgeous.

When you order, note that there are several sizes. Food/tabletop  photographers will likely be satisfied with the portrait (50″ X 70.8″) or small (66.9″X110.2″) sized backdrop, and if you are shooting full body, larger objects you would want to get the XL (106.2″ X 122″) or XXL (106.2″ X 165.3″) variety.

It’s a commitment

But with a great price, comes great responsibility (I am sure that this is how this one goes, no?). The backdrops that I got from Artery (three of them) came in a decent sized unbelievably huge PVC tube, and they were each mounted on a cardboard roll. Only they were not mounted to that roll. Two options here: either you roll them out on the floor and attach them to the bug tube, or, do what I did and realize that they are not attached to the roll and drop those precious pieces of cloth while you try hanging them. (That’s a Godox 600bm + 120cm octabox on the image above)

That brings us to the second issue, creases and folds. Whatever you do, don’t let the fabric crease. It’s not an endless piece of a seamless backdrop. You can’t cut and throw the creased parts. You’ll have to learn to live with it. Some of the creases on my backdrops are there forever, I could not make them go away n matter what I tried.

Lastly, overusing your backdrops is exactly how you move from Regal to Cliche, so make sure you use them only when they fit well.

Mounting

There are two ways to mount those backdrops. The canvases came rolled on a bit cardboard roll (just like the one you get with a seamless backdrop), so you can mount them just like you mount a seamless, only remember to secure the fabric to the roll.

The other way is using clamps to stretch them. I am not a big fan of this method as it increases the chances of wrinkles and creases.

Other options

If you have the kind of clientele that appreciate the look, its worth the investment. They are also a great investment if you are in a production that is willing to cover the cost of art. If you just want to test the water, there are digital alternatives which you can apply on paper seamless backdrops. Sell those portraits until you make enough money to buy a real canvas backdrop

P.S. because we know you love that beard …

FIND THIS INTERESTING? SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Flipboard
  • WhatsApp

Related posts:

A cheap and simple way to paint your own DIY canvas backdrop How to make your own DIY mottled backdrops for a fraction of the cost of buying them How and why to use paper backdrops when shooting in a small space Why do Pros never own the latest and greatest gear (and why their gear is in such bad shape)?

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: backdrops, canvas backdrops, Tom Saimon

About Tom Saimon

Tom Saimon is a boutique wedding and fashion photographer based in Haifa, Israel. Tom founded one of most sought-after wedding photography boutiques in Israel and shoots over 100 weddings a year, making him not only an established photogrpher, but also an authority in the industry. Tom is regularly featured in fashion and wedding magazines as a style benchmark

« Face projections – The Lighting Series 07
52 Week photography challenge for 2019 »

Submit A Story

Get our FREE Lighting Book

DIYP lighting book cover

* download requires newsletter signup
DIYPhotography

Recent Comments

Free Resources

Advanced lighting book

Recent Posts

  • Insta360’s new teaser says they’re entering the gimbal market
  • Users report blurry photos from Samsung Galaxy S23/S23+ cameras
  • Whale with severe scoliosis captured by drone video
  • Photographer builds 11-foot electronic waste skull to show Bitcoin’s impact on climate change
  • Fuji’x April X Summit reported to be cancelled

Alex Baker is a portrait and lifestyle driven photographer based in Valencia, Spain. She works on a range of projects from commercial to fine art and has had work featured in publications such as The Daily Mail, Conde Nast Traveller and El Mundo, and has exhibited work across Europe

Dave Williams is an accomplished travel photographer, writer, and best-selling author from the UK. He is also a photography educator and published Aurora expert. Dave has traveled extensively in recent years, capturing stunning images from around the world in a modified van. His work has been featured in various publications and he has worked with notable brands such as Skoda, EE, Boeing, Huawei, Microsoft, BMW, Conde Nast, Electronic Arts, Discovery, BBC, The Guardian, ESPN, NBC, and many others.

John Aldred is a photographer with over 20 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter - and occasional beta tester - of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.

Dunja Djudjic is a multi-talented artist based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With 15 years of experience as a photographer, she specializes in capturing the beauty of nature, travel, and fine art. In addition to her photography, Dunja also expresses her creativity through writing, embroidery, and jewelry making.

Copyright © DIYPhotography 2006 - 2023 | About | Contact | Advertise | Write for DIYP | Full Disclosure | Privacy Policy