Photographers love taking photos outdoors. Although outdoor photography is comparatively more challenging than indoor photography, it has some clear advantages. For instance, natural light will always be easier to work with than artificial lights. However, the road to high-quality outdoor shots is full of smart planning and strategizing.
In 2021, everyday people are taking millions of photos outdoors. That’s because many amateur and professional photographers are making up for 2020. You will need to make some slight changes to your outdoor settings if you would like to have total control over your outdoor shots. For outdoor photoshoots, this means using studio-style backdrops.
Is it Possible to Use Backdrops in Outdoor Shoots?
Yes. Studio-style images with outdoor charm are extremely popular. Plus, the latest photography backdrops are made of durable materials like vinyl or strong fabrics. Setting up outdoor “studios” using fabric or vinyl backdrops is very easy.
- You’ll need heavy-duty stands to support your fabric or vinyl backdrops.
- Reflectors to manipulate natural light and send the light rays in specific directions.
- Clamps to clip the backdrops to the stands, add extra backdrop layers, etc.
How to Setup Outdoor Studios with Custom Backdrops?
The key to successful outdoor studio setups is location scouting. Pick strategic locations that amplify the mood and themes of your shoots. Assess the locations before and after setting up your backdrops. Observe how the backdrops react with the natural light. Here are some additional tips for picking good outdoor photoshoot locations –
- Avoid locations where the background is full of high or wide buildings.
- Make sure trees, tall buildings, etc., don’t cast off-putting shadows on the subjects or the backdrops.
- Choose a location with minimal wind flow.
- Avoid shooting under direct sunlight. Early morning or late afternoon shoots are the best when you’re using custom-printed backdrops.
- Ensure too many pedestrians don’t walk around your outdoor studio setup.
- Assess the shoot location’s general temperature and moisture levels to ensure moisture or heat doesn’t damage your cameras.
Visit the areas where you want to set up the backdrops. Observe the details and plan the photo production process accordingly.
How to Use Outdoor Backdrops in Photoshoots?
Here are some examples of outdoor backdrops being used in professional photoshoots –
- Business Portraits:Portraits of professionals always look better with semi-natural backgrounds. Custom-printed vinyl backgrounds or fabric backdrops make dull outdoor locations look interesting on photographs.
- Conduct Multiple Shoots Across Multiple Locations: Backdrops and stands are light items. They’re very easy to transport. Photographers can create studio-like environments with these tools anywhere they want.
- Create a Theme of Photography: Photographers who master the art of using backdrops outdoors receive plenty of advantages. They can take unique, studio-style outdoor images and develop their specific brands of photography.
- Add Control to Photoshoot Locations:In many cases, professional photographers don’t want to use outdoor backdrops, but they have to. These tools give more control to photographers. The more controlled the photoshoot environment, the better the final images.
Using custom backdrops for outdoor shoots eliminates many elements of risk. Photographers don’t need to worry about natural light, bad-looking backgrounds, or locations. Plus, fabric and vinyl backdrops are extremely cheap. Photographers can easily order multiple low-cost backdrops and practice these techniques at their local parks!