Featuresīackdrop stands generally use tubing made with different materials to find a good balance between stability and portability. The stability of a wider base is also necessary for chroma key backgrounds (solid green or blue canvases) that need to stay in place so a computer can identify the background to replace. Wider bases are a must since the heavier material can easily tip a stand over with enough movement.
Some thicker background materials such as vinyl backdrops will require heavier-duty stands to carry the extra bulk. Paper is a great backdrop material if you want the lightest weight possible.
Fabric backgrounds come in common sizes such as 5 x 7 and 8 x 8 feet, all of which need to be well-supported along the top (and sides ideally) for the best results. The main factor will be the size of the stand or how adjustable it is. Depending on your style of photography and the desired final product, certain backdrops are better suited than others.Ĭertain fabric backgrounds like canvas, cotton, and muslin are light enough that nearly any backdrop stand will do.
The size and materials of the backdrop, in particular, determine how large and hefty the stand needs to be in order to get a secure setup. The type of backdrop you decide to use will influence what kind of stand you need. Specifically, using a single-stand frame on uneven ground can be challenging unless the stand has a large base and legs to keep everything balanced on the terrain. This design is quicker to set up and tear down, but balance can be an issue. The single-stand design is T-shaped with a horizontal bar sitting on top of the main frame. The two stands connect in the middle with extra tubing, so the canvas is supported along three sides for better stability. In some cases, a single-stand frame is used for portability, but the more common dual-stand design is a classic staple of a traditional photography studio. Most frames come in either a single- or dual-stand setup. Since certain backdrop materials can be difficult to mount and secure, the frame design can also affect how quickly you can get the setup ready for shooting. Most stands have a strong three- or four-leg base for flat ground. The main shape of the frame will determine how much weight it can handle and how stable the whole setup will be. In many cases, this kind of setup uses only a single stand instead of the more traditional dual-stand frame. Since you rarely move a large amount of equipment around in this type of photography, you can look at heavier-duty options that have greater bulk for more stability when using larger backdrops.įor location shooting, backdrop stands work well if they are lightweight and portable. If you normally shoot indoors in a controlled studio environment, nearly any backdrop stand will work. As a result, it’s important to consider what kind of photography you do to see what kind of backdrop stand will work. While less common in other forms of photography, a backdrop stand can still make a good addition if you want some flexibility in your shooting. Key considerationsīackdrops are extremely popular in studio and portrait photography where a background canvas can enhance the look of the final shot. Chroma key backdrops are becoming a popular option for people who want to avoid changing a canvas in and out after each shot.