When photographing products for ecommerce or marketing purposes, having an appropriate backdrop is crucial for making the products stand out and look appealing. The backdrop creates context and visual interest around the product. As an ecommerce business owner or product photographer, choosing suitable backdrops for showcasing your products requires some thought and planning. In this article, we will explore different options for backdrops that can be used for photographing a variety of products.
Simple Solid Colored Backgrounds
A simple solid colored backdrop is one of the most common and versatile options for product photography. Solid color backgrounds include seamless paper backdrops, painted walls, adhesive vinyl backdrops, or fabric. Some popular choices include white, black, gray and light blue.
Here are some benefits of using solid colored backdrops:
– Allows the product to stand out. With no distracting patterns or textures, the focus remains entirely on the product.
– Provides a clean and classic look. Solid colors give a timeless, elegant look.
– Easy to achieve consistent results. The solid color will look virtually the same across multiple product shots.
– Can be tailored to product type. White and light backgrounds work well for shiny products. Darker colors suit colorful products or clothing better.
– Affordable and reusable. Paper or vinyl backdrops can be reused many times over.
Natural Wood Backgrounds
Natural wood surfaces make excellent backdrops that convey a sense of quality and natural beauty. Different wood finishes and textures can be used as backgrounds:
– Natural wood boards, planks, tabletops
– Wood tables, shelves, cabinets
– Aged, weathered wood
– Light or dark stained wood
Benefits of using wood backdrops include:
– Provides an organic, rustic feel
– Looks great with natural products like food, flowers, decor items
– Conveys a sense of high quality and craftsmanship
– Visually interesting wood grains add texture
– Distressed wood adds visual interest
Wood backgrounds pair well with ceramics, serveware, baked goods, jewelry, accessories, and other artisanal products. The color of the wood can be selected to complement warm or cool toned products.
Marble, Granite, Concrete Backgrounds
Just like natural wood, stone surfaces like marble, granite, and concrete also make stunning backdrops for product photography. The veining, speckles, and texture provide visual interest:
– Polished marble in whites, greys, blacks
– Honed granite slabs
– Exposed aggregate concrete
– Large stone tiles or cobbles
Benefits of stone product backgrounds:
– Adds luxurious, high-end look
– Cool tones suit modern, minimalist aesthetics
– Provides ideal neutral backdrop that won’t compete with product
– Durable, reusable backdrop material
– Distinctive veins and patterns add visual texture
Stone surfaces pair well with jewelry, decor items, cosmetics, baked goods, and kitchenware. The colors can be chosen to coordinate with cool or warm toned products.
Fabric Backdrops
Using fabric as a backdrop adds color, texture, and interest to product photos. Some types of fabric that can be used include:
– Solid colored seamless paper or muslin
– Patterned cotton, silk, burlap
– Faux fur, suede, velvet
Benefits of fabric backdrops:
– Wider variety of colors and patterns available
– Adds softness and texture
– Inexpensive and easy to source many options
– Wrinkles and folds can add visual interest
– Lightweight and easy to hang and transport
When selecting fabric, consider colors and patterns that will complement without overwhelming the product. Solid colors or subtle patterns work best for most products.
Outdoor Natural Backdrops
An outdoor setting with natural elements makes a beautiful backdrop with lots of visual interest. Natural outdoor options include:
– Wooden deck or porch
– Courtyard, garden or plants
– Lawns, fields or trees
– Sandy beach, oceanfront
– Stone pathways or patios
– Rustic wood picnic tables
Benefits of outdoor backdrops:
– Provides a natural aesthetic
– Greens, blues, and earth tones provide appealing color palette
– Interesting textures from stone, wood, foliage
– Conveys a lifestyle image
– Abundant natural light
– Distinct seasons can provide different looks
The natural setting should align with the product style and market. Outdoor photos work for casual clothing, gardening items, outdoor recreation products, vehicles, and more.
Urban Backdrops
For a modern, sleek look, photographing products against urban backdrops can work beautifully. Urban options include:
– Exposed brick walls or alleys
– Concrete buildings and structures
– Metal and glass architecture
– Chic cafes or restaurants
– Industrial pipes and vents
– Urban street settings and sidewalks
Benefits of urban backdrops:
– Provides modern, edgy look
– Gritty textures from brick, metal, concrete
– Cool light and interesting shadows
– Trendy “city chic” vibe
– Complements lifestyle branding
Fashion items, electronics, sports gear, and accessories suit the urban setting. The backdrop can be tailored to the product’s brand image.
Rustic Backdrops
For a cozy, farmhouse style, rustic backdrops using worn and weathered materials make great product photography backgrounds. Rustic options include:
– Aged wood barn doors and fences
– Galvanized metal buckets or tubs
– Old brick or stone walls
– Weathered wooden crates or pallets
– Burlap sacks or curtains
– Farm tools like rakes and shovels
Benefits of rustic backdrops:
– Provides a cozy, homespun look
– Distressed and imperfect textures add charm
– Warm neutral colors complement many products
– Perfect for “farm to table” or artisanal brands
– Vintage vibe connects with boho or Americana aesthetics
Rustic backdrops pair well with food products, serveware, apparel, decor, florals, and antiques. The country charm vibe resonates with many consumers drawn to authenticity and handmade appeal.
Minimalist Backdrops
For contemporary products with clean, minimalist styling, simple backdrops with lots of empty space and neutral colors create the right modern aesthetic. Minimalist options include:
– Solid white, black, or gray seamless paper
– Plain painted walls in neutral tones
– Wide open spaces with no background clutter
– Dark shadows and geometric shapes
– Crisp lines and negative space
Benefits of minimalist backdrops:
– Clean and uncluttered look
– Draws focus to product shape and design
– Lets bold or brightly colored products stand out
– Sleek, contemporary mood
– Provides ideal neutral background
Electronics, home goods, fashion, cosmetics, and luxury items suit the stripped-down, modern aesthetic of minimalist photography. The simplicity keeps the product itself as the hero.
Lifestyle Backdrops
For products meant for everyday use, lifestyle backdrops depicting real-world contexts can help customers connect with products. Lifestyle backdrop options include:
– Home kitchens, offices, bathrooms
– Coffee shops, restaurants, bars
– Desks and worktables with props
– Active outdoor settings
– Vehicle interiors, driver’s seat
– Shopping environments, shelves
Benefits of lifestyle backdrops:
– Provides realistic context for how product is used
– Allows customer to picture product in their life
– Makes product seem familiar and accessible
– Captures product value and benefits
– Enhances storytelling
Food, apparel, electronics, furniture, cleaning products, office supplies, and automotive products can benefit from lifestyle backdrops. The setting should realistically match the product use case and target audience.
Using Multiple Backdrop Styles
While one backdrop type will suit most product shoots, using a variety of backdrops can also be beneficial. Multiple backdrops:
– Showcase product versatility and styling
– Provide visual variety across product line
– Appeal to different customer aesthetics
– Align with multi-channel marketing
– Increase chances of conversion across audience segments
When using multiple backdrops:
– Curate backdrops to suit product personality and variances
– Organize shots in coordinated, complementary style
– Align backdrops with specific product features or benefits
With planning, a thoughtfully curated mix of backdrops can provide strong visual storytelling for products.
Key Tips for Choosing Product Backdrops
– Select backdrops that highlight instead of hide the product
– Avoid overly busy patterns that distract from product details
– Seek backdrops that enhance and don’t clash with the product colors
– Consider symbolic backdrops that reflect product personality and market
– Evaluate what textures and lighting the backdrop will add
– Review examples of backdrops used with similar product categories
– Align backdrop characteristics with desired brand image
– Weigh cost, reusability, storage factors for different materials
Conclusion
The ideal backdrop brings out the best in a product while creating context and visual appeal. Simple colored backdrops offer a classic and versatile option, while materials with intriguing texture like wood and stone add luxury and natural appeal. For lifestyle products, consider real-world environments. Multiple complementary backdrops can provide the flexibility to showcase products to different target audiences in aligned branding. With some consideration for product traits, aesthetics and marketing goals, it’s possible to select a backdrop style that showcases products in their best light.
