Product Photography, Part 1: Choosing Backdrops

A versatile seamless paper option is Savage’s 01 Super White. Depending on its width and length, one roll ranges from roughly to 0. The paper is durable, with a density of 163 gsm (grams per square meter). It comes in 93 colors, such as #12 Studio Grey, #20 Black, and #71 Deep Yellow.

Photography Backdrops

Westcott’s X-Drop line of canvas backdrops starts at roughly 0. It includes wood plank options that are handy for shooting against a realistic wooden backdrop. Image: FJWestcott.com.
Muslin backdrops are nearly as popular as paper due to their superior durability and resistance to tearing. They’re even washable. Muslin provides a soft white background that’s clear and uncluttered.

Choosing a backdrop is the first step in product photography. Pairing a product with the right background is crucial when trying to convince shoppers to make a purchase.
Canvas backdrops are best for durability. Canvas is tough, long-lasting, and cost-effective. However, it’s prone to wrinkling and therefore not suitable for most product shoots — only those in context.
LimoStudio offers the best muslin backgrounds, but finding them in white can be difficult.  However, Issuntex’s 6 ft. x 9 ft. white muslin backdrop is available on Amazon for about — a  good choice for a good price.

Studio Dynamics offers quality solid-color canvas backdrops. Although at prices ranging from 9 to 9 (depending on size), they are more expensive than Wescott’s choices.
A lower-priced option is Pacon’s Fadeless construction paper. Michael’s, the hobby retailer, sells a 48 in. x 12 in. roll for about . However, larger products such as furniture will require a bigger size. Stick with Savage if your items are oversized.

Westcott’s Wrinkle-Resistant Chroma Key backdrop is non-reflective and ideal for photos and videos. Plus, it’s machine washable and made from heavy-duty fabric. Image: FJWestcott.com.

Westcott’s X-Drop line of canvas backdrops is my favorite. The price starts at approximately 0. The line includes an impressive range of wood plank options that are handy for shooting against a realistic wooden backdrop.

Green screen backdrops. Almost every product photographer needs to shoot against a green screen occasionally. And green-screen post-production is much easier when the backdrop has no wrinkles. That’s why I use Westcott’s Wrinkle-Resistant Chroma Key backdrop. It’s pricey at about . But it’s non-reflective and ideal for photos and videos. Plus, it’s machine washable and made from heavy-duty fabric.

Sell More Products

Seamless paper backgrounds are cheap and relatively efficient for almost any product. Seamless paper provides large, smooth, non-reflecting surfaces. Rolls can be re-used partially or fully and come in various colors, costing from to 0 per roll.