Best Food Photography Backdrops you should try
Before choosing the best food photography backdrop you need to consider what angle you will be shooting at. If you’re only shooting overhead shots then you only need one surface to put your food on, whereas if you’re shooting at a 90-45 degree angle then you’ll need two.
For my food photography I like to keep a range of backdrops to hand that can be used for a variety of styles and angles.
What makes a good food photography backdrop?
You need to consider the following when choosing the right food photography backdrop:
Size – How big is too big? Most have a 4:3 ratio around, but remember you’ve got to store it.
Colour – Colour theory is important, so what kind of food are you mostly using.
Texture – Does the pattern add texture to the scene
Material – ie is it smooth or rustic?
DIY photography backdrop ideas
Most food bloggers look for DIY photography background ideas rather than buying them, and I’m so happy to tell you that you already a LOT free photography backdrops in your home. A beautiful background can make or break a good food photo.
Reclaimed wood backdrop
Whether you choose to make a wood backdrop from old sleepers or create your own distressed wooden backdrop, these are ideal for the earthier and warmer tones of photography.
White marble photography background
For those of you who want that bright light and airy background. I’ve found that a sample tile (or a couple stuck onto some MDF) for your local DIY store works well. The advantage of using a big tile is it’s easy to clean.
Matt tiles work best to avoid annoying reflections.
Fabric backdrops for photography
When it comes to choosing the best fabric for photography backdrop you’ll want to consider colour, texture and size of the material you have available. There are plenty of DIY photo backdrop fabric you can find at home:
- Table cloths
- Tea towels
- Napkins
- Bed linen
- Old clothes
- Curtains
- Fabric scraps
If you don’t want to spend any money at all, you can use fabric scraps or bed sheets as a backdrop. These are also perfect for creating an Instagram-worthy background too!
Metal cookware trays
Cast iron cooking pans and trays work well as backgrounds for close ups while booking, or the back of tray to prop up as a background.
Photography Background Paper
There are so many types of seamless photography background paper you can use; Photography seemless paper, newspaper, parchment, If you’re just getting started, any paper will do to create a sweep. These are create for isolating your food onto a white photography background, but you can get more creative and use different colours (use colour theory to help pick the best colour).
Using Food as a backgrounds
Using food like sugar, flour, as a backdrop works well as when showing part of the baking process.
Best Vinyl photography backdrops
Food photography backdrops can be a tricky thing. Food has an interesting way of reflecting light and sometimes that reflection makes for an unattractive photo. The solution? A backdrop made out of vinyl!
This is a great option, if you’re shooting with natural light and don’t want to worry about any reflections from your surface. It’s also perfect for anyone who is just starting out in food photography – it’ll keep things simple while giving you professional-level results, with a great variety of choices!
FAQ about food photography backgrounds
What are the Best black background for photography?
Black paper or a black canvas board can be used to provide “true” blacks for any photo. A thin layer of matte paint will also create the desired effect, though this may not work as well in all settings due to reflections from other surfaces. To ensure a matt finish you might want to try either black fabric or black vinyl backgrounds.
What is the best size for a photography backdrop?
The question is actually not about the size, but more about the ratio. Whether you’re looking for a smaller or larger backdrop, just make sure that whichever one you choose has a 3 by 4 ratio and you will be golden!
he perfect size is 40cm by 60cm (15in x 23in) and has become the standard professional size over recent years.
A larger backdrop makes it easier for photographers to get in closer with their subjects when shooting from afar and vice versa, as I am doing right now with my mouse-sized digital camera!
Where to get backgrounds for food photography?
If you have a DIY attitude, there are many ways to create backgrounds with everyday objects. You can use books, paper vases filled with fruit and flowers, white sheets of paper or cloth. Paint the wall in black and make it the background for dramatic photos by using light from below.
Alternatively, you can use Capture by Lucy’s for professional backdrops or get Etsy sellers to custom-make your backdrop for you.
Black Velvet Styling make very affordable boards that could be used as backdrops too!
If you want something a little larger (35″ by 47″) but not boring than check out Woodville Workshop who offers everything from wood props to painted boards in colours like charcoal grey to geometric patterns to rustic barn board distressed weathered boards.
How to make food photography backgrounds?
Food photography backgrounds are things like everyday household items that help take on that perfect look.
These could include table cloths or placemats, floors or tables you already have at your house. But if you want to get more creative there are numerous tutorials on making your own.
How to keep food photography backdrops clean?
Think about the material:
- Fabric and papers are best stored rolled.
- Most Vinyl & wood boards can be wiped down using warm water.
Watch this video for tips on how to keep food photography backdrops clean!
Store your backdrops completely dry, flat and away from direct sunlight in an ambient room.
Best and easy ways to stand up backdrops
Here are my 3 simple ways to stand up backdrops:
1. If you’re using a backdrop that’s taller than it is wide, then you lean it against a wall or chair.
2. If you’re using a backdrop that’s wider than it is tall, then get two light stands and stand them on either end of the backdrop
3. You can also use clothespins or binder clips to hold up the backdrops a video on how to do this!
Food photography backdrops can be very tricky. It’s important to pick a backdrop that works with your food aesthetic, but it’s also important to make sure the background complements what you’re shooting and not contrasting in colours. Try not to overthink it. The best food photography backgrounds are things like everyday household items that help take on that perfect look.
