There’s no better way to spice up your photos than by playing with backdrops. Whether you’re a photographer, food blogger, restaurant, or food photographer, you want to spice it up.
These top 10 food photography backdrops will help you create fantastic shots of your favorite dishes. From simple white plates to stunning floral arrangements, there’s sure to be a backdrop that fits your needs.
Before we jump into the different backdrops you can use, I want to show you the elements that will enhance your food photography.
Your backdrop is very important to get great results. They are the basis for your composition. Your food story will be built on the background of your food story.
Elements of excellent food photography backdrops
Texture is key
Food backdrops should have textures, spots, grain, and other elements that are interesting but not distracting. Over-textured backgrounds can distract from the food. It delights me when I find a backdrop with a bit of texture that can be used in my composition.
Backdrops have become an obsession for my photography in general and more for food photography. I’m always looking for textures, even when I’m living my daily life.
Rustic backgrounds are very trendy because they add a bit of character to your photographs. Whether you pick up rustic boards at your local hardware store or the flea market, these backgrounds are great for still and moving images.
Colors give life
When food is placed on cool, neutral, and desaturated backgrounds, it comes alive and looks fresh. However, the backdrop you choose should match your story; some stories look for a roaring and colorful look.
A vibrant color combination would ensure a rich atmosphere, while a neutral tone with desaturated tones is more effective. Don’t forget the role of textures and light.
Dimensions
You don’t need large backdrops to use for food photography. With camera angles above the food or when the camera is level with the food, 3ft is a good size. More extensive backgrounds like 4ft are great for those big scenes, but most of the background gets wasted in most standard shots.
Material
There’s a wide variety of background materials that can be used for a good food photography background. I will stick to durable surfaces if you plan to use them over and over again.
Easy-to-clean backdrops take advantage since you will use them for several years. Usually, heavier backdrops are my preference because they are stable and more durable.
Backdrop List
Choosing the correct food photography backdrops can be tricky for a beginner or a professional photographer. To help you get started with your next project, here are 10 of the best food photography backdrops to consider:
1. Blackboard
Use a blackboard for bold and powerful photographs. The contrast between food items and dark backgrounds creates vivid pictures that stand out from the rest.
2. Whiteboard
A whiteboard offers an even cleaner look for food photos focusing on the food. This works well for restaurant menus, door dash, skip the dishes, and uber eats.
3. Concrete
Use concrete as your backdrop material for a more natural feel. You can make it work with almost any shot with the proper lighting. I know it’s hard to find a concrete surface in a kitchen, but it’s worth checking out for creative effects.
4. Wood
A wooden backdrop can also be an excellent choice for food photography, depending on the shoot you’re going for. Wooden backdrops offer a beautiful, natural aesthetic that looks timeless in pictures. Plus, wood is lightweight and easy to move around if needed.
5. Marble
Marble surfaces are also very popular among photographers since they create a luxury vibe to your photos. The big bonus with marble is that you don’t need to buy an expensive background – you can use natural marble countertops or tiles instead.
6. Painted Patterns
Paint your patterned surface at home using acrylics. This is a great way to add color and vibrancy to your shots while still keeping the focus on the food. This method also gives you complete control over how detailed or intricate your background pattern can be – so it’s worth giving it a try!
8. Heavy Textured Fabrics
Heavy textured fabrics are a great way to add depth and interest to your food photography backdrops. They come in various colors, textures, and patterns that can help you achieve the look you want for your photos. Plus, they’re affordable and easy to find. You can buy them directly from fabric stores or online retailers like Amazon.
A bonus of using heavily textured fabrics is that they don’t require extensive setup time. You can set up your backdrop quickly and easily without worrying about setting up lights or other equipment. This is perfect for bloggers who need to get their shots done quickly.
9. DIY photo backdrops
DIY photo backdrops are a great way to get creative and achieve the perfect look for your food photography. You can create unique textures and colors with DIY backdrops to make your photos stand out. Plus, they’re usually much more affordable than buying pre-made backdrops.
When creating your backdrop, it’s important to keep quality in mind. To achieve this, use materials like heavily textured fabrics or matte paper layered with watercolor paints or other pigments. This will give your backdrop a rich, natural look that will bring out the best in your food photography.
I like these backdrops because you will get the exact result you are looking for. Sometimes, even if DIY calls for cheap, it is the only way to get a perfect photo for more elaborate productions. That means DIY could be a bit more expensive because of the making process and trial and error.
9. Vinyl-printed backdrops
I wanted to leave the last ones for my favorite ones. These backdrops are trendy for a lot of reasons.
Vinyl backgrounds sound fancy, but they are just a way of printing large banners using a similar process. It’s perfect for food photography, as you can find a lot of exciting designs in various sizes and styles. You can create an artsy vibe with a geometric pattern or keep it simple with a white background – they’ve got it all!
The best part is that these backdrops are affordable, so you can still get the look you want, even if you’re on a budget. Plus, vinyl-printed backdrops are extremely durable, so you won’t have to worry about stains or damage to your backdrop over time. They’ll last you through many photo shoots and will always be ready when you need them.
You can find many options on Amazon, but my first choice for food photography backdrops is from V-Flat World, the Duo Boards. They aren’t only great for food photography but product photography too.
In conclusion, having a variety of backdrops for your food photography can be a significantly valuable asset. They can save you time if you need to deliver a quick project. As mentioned, there are various food photography backdrop options, from paper, vinyl, wood, fabric, or a combination.
These backdrops are as crucial as your photography lights and camera gear.
Start looking for your next food photography backdrop soon.