Backdrop and Prop FAQs
Vinyl vs Paper Studio Backdrops
Are you are setting up a studio and want to know whether to purchase paper rolls or a vinyl backdrop? Or maybe you have a studio set up but find you go through lots of paper backdrops, is there a more permanent solution? Here is a comparison of between paper tools and our CM Props & Backdrops studio backdrops:
Paper:
- Gives a matte finish and a nice clean block of colour with many options to choose from.
- Is rolled out for a seamless look, but will get easily damaged when walked on.
- Needs to be stored on a sturdy roller system for safe storage, as they are heavy and can get damaged if moved with each shoot.
- Due to the weight of the rolls and the ease of creasing paper it is not recommended for mobile/on location studios.
- Can get costly in the long run as the paper on the floor gets damaged easily. More needs to be rolled out each shoot
- Although the most popular colour for seamless paper is white, there are many options to choose from and this is great for variety and for new studios that want to try out different colours and tones.
Vinyl/PVC:
- This is a matte material, the most popular option being white.
- It is easy to clean and far more durable than paper.
- Because of its durability, it is sold in sheets that are designed to be reused. It is therefore generally lighter in weight than the paper rolls and perfect for a mobile studios and will survive being packed up and stored after each shoot.
- As it is lighter weight than a new paper roll it does not need to be stored or hung on such a solid roller system. It can be clamped to a backdrop stand or taped to a wall.
- It can be printed with design such as wood or concrete.
- It can be cut to the size you need for your particular space.
- Our vinyl is smooth and comes up to 90cm wide. PVC has a micro woven texture which helps maintain a matte appearance. It comes up to 3.2m wide.
- These behave like PVC so have all the advantages listed above but are actually made from a robust PVC free material.
- Crease resistant, fade resistant, gorgeous matte, even colour.
- A wide range of neutral colours available, perfect for portraits.
- To see the range visit Large Block Colour Portrait Backdrop.
VINYL BACKDROPS: A PRACTICAL SOLUTION FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
Matte vinyl backdrops are an excellent choice for photographers looking for a cost-effective and practical solution to their studio needs. These backdrops are built to last, and can be used in a range of different places, making them an ideal option for photographers with a lot on their plate.
Why Photographers Choose Matte Vinyl Backdrops
- Available in a variety of colours and sizes
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Durable and long lasting
Benefits of Matte Vinyl Backdrops
- Provides a non-reflective finish
- Minimizes glare and shadows
- Versatile and easy to customise
- Lightweight and easy to store
Tips When Using Matte Vinyl Backdrops
ARE THESE PRINTED ABROAD?
HOW LONG WILL MY ORDER TAKE TO ARRIVE?
If your items are in stock they will be posted the following day.
If your items need to be printed or made to order please allow a few more days (Made to Order notice shown on product page).
You will receive a tracking number via email once your order is packaged and ready to go.
Please be aware that couriers can often take longer than the advertised 2-3 days.
WHY DO I NEED REAL PHOTOS AS BACKDROPS?
DO I NEED ANY OTHER EQUIPMENT TO TAKE GREAT PHOTOS?
• Use a diffuser when you want to soften the hard lines that direct sunlight creates. If you don't own one, a muslin cloth or shower curtain taped up to a window works well.
• Use white foam core board as a reflector to bring extra light into deep shadows. Just place it opposite your main light source and angle it towards your product.
• An additional foam core board is useful to create a fake wall at the back of your scene.
• You may also need sticky putty, masking tape and spring clamps to create your scene.
Essentially you can take great photos with a very basic setup. In terms of camera equipment, a phone camera can be all you need. You may find these tips on taking product photos with your camera phone useful.
WHERE CAN I SEE THESE BACKDROPS BEFORE I BUY?
BACKDROP SIZE GUIDE
Here is our backdrops size guide, helping you decide what size you may need.
VINYL BACKDROPS (FOOD/PRODUCTS)
• The standard size of 60 x 90cm or 2 x 3ft is the most commonly purchased. This is large enough for small products and food whether you want angled shots or flat lays and most scenes can be accommodated with this size. This size can be clamped or taped up at one end to give a seamless background to your shots, and is small enough to be easily rolled, transported and stored. Our 6-way phone stand fits over the top perfectly.
• When it comes to backdrops, bigger is better. 80 x 120cm is an ideal size for food and product shoots, giving you more creative and compositional freedom.
• Businesses that video or photograph top down shots of cookery tend to purchase the largest size, 90 x 150cm, to allow a bit more space to spread out during the process.
STUDIO BACKDROPS (PORTRAITS/GROUPS)
• 1.5 x 2.5m is a great size for single person 3/4 portraits or headshots. It is also a great size for newborn shoots, either front on or overhead shots.
• For cake smash photo shoots, either two 1.5 x 2.5m, one for the floor and one for the wall would be great, or one continuous backdrop 2.5 x 5m.
• Full length portraits will require at least 3.2m length and the wider width of 2.5 x 3.2m if you are photographed couples or small groups.
• Businesses that photograph larger item have purchased even bigger sizes, to suit their needs. Enquire for custom cut backdrops.
ARE CUSTOM SIZES/DESIGNS AVAILABLE?
Custom designs are the perfect solution to boost your brand identity. We can print plain colours of your choice, your own images, or we can customise one of the designs that we already have.
Your business has its own specific culture and style, so let this shine with a custom made vinyl backdrop.
Please get in touch about your requirements or order custom backdrops directly from this website and we will contact you the same day to discuss.
HOW TO USE VINYL BACKDROPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHY.
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY BACKDROP?
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
- High quality, durable anti-curl vinyl.
- Waterproof and durable, with a low sheen finish. Comes up to 90cm wide.
- Easy to clean, easy to store.
- Designed and made in New Zealand.
- Images are authentic surfaces. Most are photographed by Catherine Main herself and all are printed in high resolution (300dpi) with an amazing textured and 3D effect.
- The integral blackout allows them to be hung as a background, without light coming through, so you do not have to deal with unnecessary shadows and distractions in your photos.
- Colour Representation: Every effort is made to ensure that all our product imagery is as accurate as possible. Due to colour/resolution settings on electronic devices, the colour representation may differ slightly from the physical product. The colour may differ slightly between print runs due to the organic nature of printing.
Large Backdrops (up to 320cm wide):
- We have PVC (420- 440gsm), or PVC-free material (400gsm) with a stiffer feel, in a range of block colours, both provide a durable, matte background for portrait photography.
Props:
- All props are made by local NZ companies and artisans.