headshot set up on location by Catherine Main Photography

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.
PVC Free Material, Block Colour:
  • 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.
    rolls of vinyl backdrops by CM Props & Backdrops

    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

  • Ensure that the camera is not facing the light source.
  • Fasten the backdrop to a support or wall with clamps, tape or putty.
  • Utilize a backdrop stand to make a continuous background.
  • Backdrop FAQs-ARE THESE PRINTED ABROAD?-CM Props & Backdrops

    ARE THESE PRINTED ABROAD?

    NO - Our backdrops are printed locally and all props are sourced from New Zealand companies and artisans, ensuring no global shipping delays and easy returns within NZ.
    Backdrop FAQs-HOW LONG WILL MY ORDER TAKE TO ARRIVE?-CM Props & Backdrops

    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.

     

    Backdrop FAQs-HOW ARE THE DESIGNS CREATED?-CM Props & Backdrops

    WHY DO I NEED REAL PHOTOS AS BACKDROPS?

    Real photos give a much more authentic look to your backdrops than digitally produced designs. When you are showcasing a product it can help the customer envisage using the product in their own home or dream house.
    All our images are high resolution photographs of real surfaces. They are photographed in natural light showing authentic shadows and textures making them engaging and a great way to go if you want to create quality content to entice attention.
    An awesome solution to your background dilemma, providing you a host of original New Zealand designs to choose from.
    Backdrop FAQs-DO I NEED ANY OTHER EQUIPMENT TO TAKE GREAT PHOTOS?-CM Props & 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.

    Backdrop FAQs-WHERE CAN I SEE THESE BACKDROPS BEFORE I BUY?-CM Props & Backdrops

    WHERE CAN I SEE THESE BACKDROPS BEFORE I BUY?

    Not all backdrops for photography are equal. To see and feel the great quality of CM Props & Backdrops you are welcome to visit us in Tauranga, or we can mail out a sample to you.
    Backdrop FAQs-WHAT SIZE BACKDROP DO I NEED?-CM Props & Backdrops

    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.

     

    Backdrop FAQs-ARE CUSTOM SIZES/DESIGNS AVAILABLE?-CM Props & 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.

    Backdrop FAQs-HOW TO USE VINYL BACKDROPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHY.-CM Props & Backdrops

    HOW TO USE VINYL BACKDROPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHY.

    • These vinyl photo backdrops are a practical solution for photographers, perfect for flat lay photography or angled shots. Use them when you want to move your surface to the best light, shoot on location, or require a specific look that you don't necessarily have in your home or studio.
    • Remember shooting your images in different lighting situations can produce varying results.
    • Wipe down after use. Roll up or keep flat for storage.
    • Want more inspiration and ideas on how to set up and use vinyl backdrops? Our Inspiration page is a great resource.
    Backdrop FAQs-HOW DO I CARE FOR MY BACKDROP?-CM Props & Backdrops

    HOW DO I CARE FOR MY BACKDROP?

    Product and food photography backdrops need to be robust and durable, which these are:
    • Store at room temperature, rolled up or laid flat out. 
    • Wipe with a soft cloth and gentle soap, after use if necessary. 
    • Don't use abrasive cleaners/magic sponge or scrape heavy objects across them.
    • Don't let fruit juice or anything acidic sit on the vinyl for too long.
    • Some substances such as strong coloured sauces/food and makeup may stain the vinyl. It is advised to do a test patch on one corner before use.
    • For hard to remove stickiness (such as the glue from old masking tape), warm it with a hairdryer before wiping.
    • Treated well they will last shoot, after shoot, after shoot.
    Backdrop FAQs-PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS-CM Props & Backdrops

    PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

    Printed Backdrops:
    • 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.