What size backdrops should I choose UK? (2024)

Now you are planning to start or upgrade your studio, or just want a mini-session in your house. However, you may hesitate which size of backdrops to choose when ordering, that perfectly fits your requirements and style. Or you’re just not sure if the space you have is realistically big enough.

Different occasions mean changes in backdrop size! Selecting proper backdrops can not only match the size of your subjects and spaces, but also add personality and aesthetic feelings to your sessions.

To anticipate which size can work well for your shooting, here are 3 principles for reference when choosing backdrop size:

  • Size of Your Studio
  • Size of Your Subject(s)
  • Size Range of Backdrops

Size Of Your Studio

When choosing backdrop size, it's important to figure out the size of your studio first. Backdrop size should fits your studio to look both practical and aesthetic.

What size backdrops should I choose UK? (1)

You need to measure 3 significant factors of your studio: Depth, Width, and most importantly, Ceiling Height. Accurate size measuring of these 3 factors will offer both primary and essential reference for you when choosing backdrop size. Here, we take sizes that can be applied in the most common occasions (e.g. Full length body shots)as a baseline.

What size backdrops should I choose UK? (2)

【Please note: The following size references are relatively the most cost effective recommendations. If your studio/space is big enough, you can choose any backdrop size you want.】

    • The Limitation of Ceiling Height

The most important limitation of a studio is the ceiling height. You need to consider whether the height is enough for both setting a backdrop while implementing a ceiling light & a hair light when you begin your work.

First of all, in order to set lights above the model (5.5ft—6 .5ft tall when he or she is standing) , it requires at least another 4 ft height over the head of model.

What size backdrops should I choose UK? (3)

By summarizing above, we can conclude that you need at least a 10-12 ft ceiling height. For this ceiling height of your studio can deal with the most of cmmon occasions, and that also means your backdrops there can be applied for full length body shots, headshots, waist shots, half-length shots 3/4-length portraits, etc.

    • Measuring Depth

Depth also needs to be precisely measured before choosing a backdrop. You need nearly 1.5ft - 3ft (0.5m - 0.9 m) of space between your subject and the backdrop, in order to get the subject far enough from the backdrop so it doesn't cast a shadow and leave enough space for possible ornaments or equipment.

Sometimes there is necessary that you need your backdrops extended onto the floor. Your model can lie or sit on it while you can shoot from various perspectives. Or you can add some ornaments and the extended part of your backdrop can perfectly merge into the whole background. Precise measuring can help you choose the right height of the backdrops you need.

What size backdrops should I choose UK? (4)

Or just use a rubber floor mat to match the background! Our rubber floor mat have 4x5ft(1.2x1.5m) and 5x8ft (1.5x2.5m).You will always need that!

Space For Your Subject (Width)

After measuring the size of your space, then you need to consider the size of your subject(s) and your sessions.How many people will you shoot? How will your model(s) pose? What kind of compositions and shots you need? The answers of these questions will eventually decide the width of your backdrops.To figure out what your session needs is always the most direct way to help you choose correct backdrop size.

Kate Backdrop is available in multiple sizes – standard widths of 3ft, 5ft, 6.5ft, 8ft, 10ft and 20ft. You’ll be able to shoot big to small to everything in-between. Also, we are specializing in customizing even larger size according to your requirements.

What size backdrops should I choose UK? (5)

For example, for kids, headshots, 3/4 -length portraits, you will need at least 5ft of width for a background, at least 1ft on both sides for the backdrop to extend beyond the edges. So you may need 7ft in total for a single portrait. And if your model needs to lie on the floor or you are planning family or holiday sessions, you will need more width. Usually, 10 ft wide is a good choice.

Conclusion:

Ceiling height & Depth of Studio —— (Determines) —— Height of Backdrop
Space for your subject(s) —— (Determines) —— Width of Backdrop
What size backdrops should I choose UK? (6)

Please Remember:

It is always safest to order a backdrop that is too large rather than too small, as it is much easier to crop an image than try to digitally extend the background. According to the standard we mentioned above, 6.5ft×10ft, 8ft×10ft, 10ft×10ft (Width×Height) is enough for most of regular sessions.

Also, we are specializing in customizing even larger size according to your requirements. There is no limit to the size range.

Size Range of Kate Backdrops

Now you can start to choose the size you want. Here are some examples of subjects or occasions that best fit a certain backdrop size. (Only For Reference) Please read the guide below:

(Please note: All backdrop sizes are displayed as "width x height" , 1ft ≈ 0.3m)

    • 3ft (W) x 5 ft (H) (1m x 1.5m) / 5 ft (W) x 3ft (H) (1.5m x 1m)
    • The smallest size recommended starting with, for tight headshots, newborns or kids, pets, small products.

What size backdrops should I choose UK? (7)

    • 5ft (W) x 5 ft (H) (1.5m x 1.5m)
    • For kids, headshots and 3/4 -length portraits; It is also ideal for photographers who work in narrow spaces or a small home studio.

What size backdrops should I choose UK? (8)

    • 5ft (W) x 7 ft (H) (1.5m x 2.2m) / 7 ft (W) x 5ft (H) (2.2m x 1.5m)
    • Ideal forheadshots and portraits that are not full-body length; 7ft (H) for Standing posture and 5ft (H) for No standing posture. 1-2 people.

What size backdrops should I choose UK? (9)

    • 8ft (W) x 8 ft (H) ( 2.4m x 2.4m) / 8.2ft(W) x 8.2ft(H) (2.5m x 2.5m)
    • It can absolutely finish what smaller size ones can do, but also allow extra space for your model(s) to move and more space for post editing in Photoshop.

What size backdrops should I choose UK? (10)

    • 6.5ft (W) x 10 ft (H) (2m x 3m ) / 10 ft (W) x 6.5ft (H) (3m x 2m)
    • This size is good for single full length body portraits and other occasions we mentioned above, but still not the optimal size.

What size backdrops should I choose UK? (11)

    • 8ft (W) x 10 ft (H) (2.4m x 3m ) / 10 ft (W) x 8ft (H) (3m x 2.4m)
    • This size is able to be applied in most of occasions, from portraits of children to portraits of families; This size of backdrop is versatile! 2-4 people.

What size backdrops should I choose UK? (12)

    • 10ft (W) x 10 ft (H) (3m x 3m)
    • This size is ideal for shooting most full-length portraits and group portraits. It can be found in professional studios!

What size backdrops should I choose UK? (13)

    • 10ft (W) x 20 ft (H) / 20 ft (W) x 10ft (H) (3m x 6m / 6m x 3m)
    • Large Size!

What size backdrops should I choose UK? (14)

  • Custom size – As your requirements, please contact us.

Please note: A larger size backdrop can always do what a smaller size can do, but not the opposite! All the size suggestions above are only for references.

Read More Resources What Backdrops should You Choose :Handbook of Photography Backdrop

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If you need a very specific or unusual size please contact us by Email:support@katebackdrop.co.uk

What size backdrops should I choose UK? (2024)

FAQs

What size backdrops should I choose UK? ›

Please Remember: It is always safest to order a backdrop that is too large rather than too small, as it is much easier to crop an image than try to digitally extend the background. According to the standard we mentioned above, 6.5ft×10ft, 8ft×10ft, 10ft×10ft (Width×Height) is enough for most of regular sessions.

What is the best size for a backdrop? ›

9' x 10' Backdrop: A 9′ wide by 10′ long backdrop is what can be found in most professional studios because of its versatility for shooting full-length portraits, family portraits, and larger product shots.

What is the best size for a backdrop stand? ›

8 Feet to 10 Feet Tall Backdrops

For example, capturing a smaller size family with four or five members will require a 6-foot to 10-foot wide standard crossbar. But if you want to capture a big family with more than 6 or 8 members, you should choose 8-foot to 14-foot wide crossbar.

How big is a 7 by 5 ft backdrop? ›

Backdrop Size Conversion
SizeCentimetersMeters
7'x5'213cm x 152cm2.13m x 1.52m
8'x5'250cm x 152cm2.50m x 1.52m
8'x6'250cm x 182cm2.50m x 1.82m
8'x8'250cm x 250cm2.50m x 2.50m
13 more rows

What is the best size Christmas backdrop? ›

If you plan on shooting a family with the backdrop, we recommend a 10'x8' backdrop. If you only plan on shooting small children only and no adults, a small sized backdrop like 8'x5' will work just fine. We hope these images inspire you this holiday season!

What is the standard backdrop size for an event? ›

economy backdrops

Standard sizes are 16 ft wide by 8 ft high, 14 ft wide by 8 ft high, 12 ft wide by 8 ft high or 12.5 ft wide by 8 ft high.

What to look for when buying a backdrop? ›

Choosing a Backdrop for Portraits
  • Seamless Paper. A go-to for portrait and fashion photographers, seamless paper comes in a wide variety of colors and sizes. ...
  • Fabric Backgrounds. If you are looking to add a bit of texture to your backgrounds, fabric offers a reusable alternative to paper. ...
  • Canvas Backgrounds.
Aug 7, 2023

What size are party backdrops? ›

6ft wide is ideal for small group photographs (2-4 people). 8ft wide is Ideal for medium-sized groups (4-6 people). 10ft wide is Ideal for large groups (6-8 people). 20ft wide is ideal for extra large groups (10+ people).

How big is an 8x6 ft backdrop? ›

The 8′ x 6′ step and repeat is one of our popular backdrop sizes. It fits roughly 2-4 people in front of the backdrop when taking photos. We recommend upgrading to the non-glare fabric material for a more elegant look and to avoid camera glare in photos. Ordering your backdrop is quick and easy.

What is the standard size of a stage backdrop? ›

One common size for a standard stage backdrop is around 20 feet high by 40 feet wide (approximately 6 meters by 12 meters). This size provides a good balance between covering a substantial portion of the stage and allowing for flexibility in design and placement.

What size backdrop for cake smash? ›

For cake smash and toddler photos we suggest at least 5x5ft for floor and 5x5ft for wall, or a 5x10ft all in one size. For product and food photography, we suggest 2x2ft for small items like jewellery, and 3x3ft is usually sufficient for most other items like cakes, handbags, etc.

What is the standard media backdrop size? ›

You'll be asked for the width and height of the backdrop when placing an order. Printing shops usually have a list of popular sizes such as 5' x 8', 8' x 8', 12' x 8', and 20' x 8', but don't just pick a size without measuring your space first.

How tall to make a photo backdrop? ›

You should have a background that's about 8 feet high, which is a suitably tall background for most people.

What size are festival backdrops? ›

Large pubs and small theatres: 3 x 2.4 metres. Concert halls and smaller festivals: 3.6 x 3 metres. Large concert halls, stadiums and festivals: 6 x 3.6 metres or 12 x 6 metres.

What is the best lighting setup for a backdrop? ›

The lights used to flood the backdrop should be three spots higher than those used to illuminate your subject. A washed-out subject shows that the lights are too bright, so experiment with reducing them in several test images.

What is the best color backdrop for family photos? ›

White stands as the hands down most popular backdrop color. It's clean and free of distractions, and it makes a perfect partner for high key, bright and airy photos. White backdrops work well with whatever colors your subjects might wear and the neutral color can change with lighting.

What is the best resolution for backdrop? ›

What's the Best DPI for a large stage backdrop?
  • Small and medium theatre backdrops up to 5 square metres – 80-125 DPI.
  • Large theatre backdrops 5-50 square metres – 50-80 DPI.
  • Extra-large stage backdrops +50 square metres – 30-50 DPI.
Dec 16, 2020

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