A Guide to the Best Product Photo Backdrops

Glenn Student

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June 18, 2024

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In 2023, businesses spent nearly 9% of their total revenue on marketing. No matter what your company offers, it’s imperative to develop a comprehensive marketing strategy so you can effectively get your brand in front of the right people. Product photography is a key component of a successful strategy, but not everyone understands how to take their marketing photos to the next level.

It’s essential to use the product photo backdrops so you can keep your content high-quality. We’ve created a brief guide that can help you make the right decisions when photographing your products. Let’s explore what you need to keep in mind.

Consider the Product’s Colors

Before moving forward, it’s imperative to consider the product’s colors. This will play a large role in finding the right backdrop for your situation. The last thing you want is to choose one that clashes.

Not only is this unaesthetic, but it could also damage your company’s reputation. Consider the last time you purchased a product that had a poor-quality advertisement.

Chances are you went with a competitor instead. It’s best to use complementary colors when selecting a backdrop so everything can visually flow.

Don’t Overlook the Mood

The backdrop you choose should align with the mood of the photoshoot. For instance, you wouldn’t want to choose a goofy or casual backdrop if your campaign is raising awareness of domestic violence.

Light colors tend to evoke a sense of happiness or casualness. Darker colors are more dramatic.

Educate yourself on color theory so you can understand what feelings our brains associate with certain colors. It should come as no surprise that blue can be calming, for example.

When in Doubt, Use Neutrals

You can’t go wrong with neutrals when choosing backdrop colors for your product photos. These will help emphasize the product’s colors while still looking professional.

A great way to choose a color palette is by mimicking what you’d see in nature. For instance, you might have a product that’s primarily forest green.

Using a stone gray backdrop will emulate viewing pine trees against a stormy sky. The possibilities are virtually endless, and you have plenty of room to get creative when making your decision.

Add Texture

It’s possible to add texture when using a backdrop. You aren’t limited to using only paper.

Wood, fabric, and metal are all great options. Let’s explore some of the most notable and what they’re suitable for.

Wood

Using a good backdrop is a great way to make your product photos feel more organic. Brands that emphasize growth should consider this material during their photoshoots. For instance, a skincare brand that uses all-natural ingredients would benefit from using a wood backdrop.

Fabric

This material is great for watches and jewelry. Folding and layering different fabrics can help add depth to your product photos and make them more captivating.

However, it’s essential to avoid wrinkles. These can easily detract from the overall appearance.

Metal

As you might assume, metal is a great choice for industrial products. It’s also a great material for food product photos, though. Placing meals or beverages on a metal tray can help them stand out among similar photos.

Stone/Sand

Stone will make a product photo appear more rugged. The same is true for sand.

Keep in mind that most people will naturally associate sand with heat due to its prevalence in desert and beach environments. This detail can help you narrow down how you stage your photoshoot.

Foam

While not as common as other materials on this list, foam is a useful substance to use as a backdrop when you need a bit of texture. They’re available in a variety of patterns and colors, so you have plenty of flexibility. It’s surprisingly durable, as well.

Vinyl

When in doubt, this is an amazing all-purpose option. Vinyl is thick and reliable, allowing you to use it for countless different photo backdrops. It’s also spill-proof, making it great for working with liquid products.

Work with a Professional

Professionals have the tools and resources to help you overcome the challenges you face during product photography. Not all firms are created equal, though, and it’s essential to find the ideal one for your needs. You can start by researching their online reputation to see what other people have to say about the results they got.

Were there issues the firm couldn’t help their clients overcome? Were the majority of people satisfied with the outcome?

The answers to questions like these will help you narrow down your search. It’s best to keep an eye out for fake reviews, as well. These are often posted in large batches and contain many of the same keywords.

What is their customer support policy? Dealing with issues on your own can be complicated, and it’s imperative to have access to help when you need it.

Don’t make your decision before checking their pricing structure. You tend to get what you pay for when hiring professionals in this industry, and it’s best to avoid the cheapest options. This doesn’t mean you need to spend as much money as possible, though.

There’s a point of diminishing returns regarding how much you spend on their service. Instead, look for someone in the middle of the price range.

This will help you meet your needs without stretching your budget. With enough vigilance during your search, you shouldn’t have an issue finding the right firm for your professional photos.

Choose the Right Product Photo Backdrops

It’s essential to choose the right product photo backdrops so you can get the results you need for your campaign. The information in this guide will help ensure you get started on the right track and make the best decisions for your needs. Just be sure to work with the right professional.

Emerald Motion Pictures specializes in building narratives for marketing videos, corporate events, and professional photoshoots. We strive to exceed all expectations and deliver stellar service to each client we work with. You’ll learn more about how we can help when you book a call with us today.