Welcome to this brand-new article entirely dedicated to photo backdrops! I’ve wanted to write a complete post about how to use them in everyday life for a long time, so now is the perfect moment. How do you use photo backdrops? The answer is right here!

In this article, I’m going to share a few tips and techniques to help you use photo backdrops properly in general. The backdrops on my website are flexible backdrops that can be rolled up, unlike rigid ones.

These tips can also be used with any type of backdrop, of course!

If you’ve already taken an interest in photography in general, or even food photography, you know that to make a photo unique and beautiful, it’s best to have accessories. At the beginning, just a few accessories are enough to get started. And among the most important things to have when you begin are photo backdrops.

These professional backdrops are usually not very expensive to buy (for example, in my shop, backdrops start at €28 and there are many promotions to lower prices even more). It’s an investment for the future because they last a very long time thanks to their durable, washable material.

If the term is still a little unclear, let’s get straight to the point below:

What is a photo backdrop and what is it used for?

What is it?

If you’re new to this website or if you’ve only recently discovered photo backdrops, let me explain a few basics. If you already know them, you can go faster and jump to the next chapter ;)

Photo backdrops are widely used by content creators and recipe creators on Instagram. More and more people are using them. In fact, among my clients, you’ll find many well-known Instagrammers and chefs such as @Julya66, @aureliencohen, @healthyclemsy, @lesparisdelaura, @anadasilv_, @savourelavie, and even Philippe Conticini. Feel free to check out their accounts to see the backdrops in action!

These accessories are also used by stylists, amateur and professional photographers during shoots for magazines (food-related or not), photo studios, or even advertising photography. They’re very popular for product photography for websites or restaurant menus.

Backdrops have become a real “must-have” thanks to their foolproof practicality! You simply place the backdrop on the floor (or on a table) and the photo frame is instantly ready. Any style is possible, and the creator’s overflowing creativity can truly shine!

Backdrops go with all photography styles. There are special backdrops for dark and moody photography (black, dark sets), colorful backdrops, or even white ones for bright, airy photos. They suit every mood and every season.

These accessories can be used for food photography, but also for product photography (items for sale), cosmetics, books, and lifestyle photos typical of Instagram…

Characteristics of photo backdrops

A photo backdrop can be rigid or flexible, with a printed (or painted) pattern. This pattern can look like wooden boards, concrete textures, colors… The entire style of your photo depends on these patterns.

The backdrops sold in this shop are flexible! They are super easy to use: simply place them on the floor or on a table or board… and put your elements on top.

They can also be cleaned with a sponge, which is very practical when taking photos with chocolate, liquids, or anything else. They’re also heat-resistant, so you can place a pan or something warm on top.

They’re also eco-friendly, because they’re printed on vinyl using eco-responsible inks.

What are they used for?

They provide a base to build your photography setup. A backdrop can add texture, a dark or bright atmosphere, a dominant color, etc.

Photo backdrops help give your images a unique signature so they become recognizable over time, and they create consistency on your Instagram feed or in your work in general.

They also allow you to change colors quickly depending on the recipe you’re photographing and the style you want. For example, blue backdrops work really well with orange/yellow dishes (see photos)!

For natural, family-style photos with greenery and plants, wood backdrops are very interesting. For chic lifestyle photos, marble backdrops are often appreciated.

That’s what we’re going to explore next: the different types of photo backdrops and how they match different photography styles. A recipe can be enhanced by one type of backdrop and look much less impressive with another.

That’s why it’s important to understand the differences and choose what works best for each recipe. It may sound complicated, but don’t worry, I’m here to help!

Different backdrop styles to use

Wood backdrops

Light or dark wood backdrops give a more rustic/natural look to the photo. For example, the “Autumn” backdrop is a bright orange-toned wood. It highlights all kinds of dishes or desserts. You can use it for autumn lifestyle photos, product shots for advertising, or even to photograph pastries, etc.

Wood backdrops also create a warm, family or convivial atmosphere, like a meal shared around a table.

They can create a darker or brighter look depending on which wood backdrop you choose. Here are a few examples from the shop:

• Bois vintage

• Automne

• Annecy

• Bois Blanc

• EasterEgg

• Bois Blanc Vintage

Textured concrete-effect backdrops

Concrete backdrops can be grey, but also colorful. I really love them because they bring a lot of texture and are simpler to use than wood backdrops.

One of my favorites that I use often is “Heaven.” It features a bluish concrete look with some grey areas. It’s fairly bright and light. For dishes like pasta, saucy meals, salads, and desserts, I think it adds a lot of freshness.

Heaven

I recommend this type of concrete backdrop if you’re a beginner. Several colors are available, and they can completely change the mood of an image.

• Green Point

• Sahara

• Abstract

Light colored backdrops: how to use these photo backdrops?

Pale backdrops can match any recipe. They’re soft and let the product stand out. These backdrops are very easy to use and are the favorites of food magazines and publishing in general. Light backdrops are often preferred during warm seasons like spring and summer.

The new Spring/Summer 2020 collection includes many backdrops of this type. Pink/yellow backdrops work beautifully with fruit-based recipes like strawberries, raspberries, melon, apricots, peaches, and also fresh cocktails. Pale blue/green backdrops are perfect for savory dishes such as pasta, salads, lasagna, risotto…

That’s also why they are used in cookbooks. Here are a few examples of backdrops available in the shop:

• Joy

• Light Blue

• Paques

• Light Pink

• Mango

• Mont Blanc

Which photo backdrops should you use for dark and moody photos?

For dark and moody food photography, black/brown backdrops are the best choice. To create beautiful dark photos, don’t hesitate to read the dedicated article here: How to take dark photos?

The atmosphere is always very dark, using non-shiny, dark, neutral accessories. For example, I use black or blue napkins, matte cutlery in black or grey. I especially recommend the “Ardoise” backdrop, one of the darkest in the shop. This style requires more work and isn’t always beginner-friendly.

However, if you want to improve and learn new techniques, you need to try new things. So why not give it a try one day? With the full article mentioned above, you’ll have all the basics to succeed!

Here are the backdrops I recommend (non-exhaustive list of course). I know some people also use “Bois Ancien” and “Bois vintage” ;) as long as the backdrop is dark, it will work!

• Baking tray

• Ardoise

• Bois Noir

Which photo backdrops should you choose as a beginner?

When I think back to my early days in photography a few years ago, I believe it’s best to start with light backdrops. Light backdrops are easier to use at first. Lighting is easier to manage on this type of surface. These light accessories (backdrops, cutlery, plates, napkins, etc.) match every recipe. They stay neutral and don’t steal attention from the main subject of the photo.

You can photograph pastries as well as savory recipes like lasagna, risotto, fresh salads, etc.

With light backdrops, the recipe is naturally enhanced and stands out more. Dark backdrops (black or dark wood) are harder to highlight. They usually require more post-processing and advanced editing. Lighting must be handled differently using tools like reflectors or black flags. When you start out, you may not have these at home, even though it’s quite easy to make them yourself. Sometimes a simple black sheet or a piece of white foam board is enough ;)

My beginner advice

If I had one piece of advice, it would be: choose backdrops that are easy to use, fairly light, and with minimal patterns.

I’m thinking of backdrops such as: Marbre Gris, Gris Clair, Mont Blanc, Bois Blanc, Everest, Light Blue, Light Pink, Heaven, Paques… The list is not exhaustive at all, there are plenty of backdrops in the shop that match these criteria.

These are safe choices and you’ll do great starting with them! And later, why not try darker photo backdrops. Experience comes with time: the more you try, the better you become!

Going further

A small photography tip for beginners and advanced photographers: find inspiration! You often see many backdrops and don’t really know what they look like in real life. I completely understand that it can be hard to imagine how a photo will turn out.

That’s why I created a dedicated Instagram account for this shop. I share my clients’ photos showing the backdrops in action. There’s nothing better than seeing how others use them.

It’s a goldmine for anyone looking for the best style for their feed. I share photos with light, dark, and colorful backdrops. I try to share as many as possible to give you a clear idea :) The account link is right here: @fondphoto.pastryandtravel.

Feel free to check it out for inspiration and to choose the backdrops that suit you best. You can also follow the account to stay updated on new collections.

If you want your photos (with my backdrops) to be featured, all you need to do is tag “@fondphoto.pastryandtravel” in your images or in your captions. I’d be so happy to share your work. The community is growing, and it’s all thanks to you, so thank you :)

Final words

I hope I’ve answered your questions about how to use photo backdrops, which backdrops to choose as a beginner, and which styles work best for different looks.

Don’t miss the 3-backdrop promo pack (75cm). It’s the best value for money to test different styles.

If you have more questions, feel free to ask! And if this article helped you, let me know in the comments :)

Have a lovely day,
Justine