Black and White photography backdrops for a perfect portrait background

Deciding on various colors, shades, patterns, and materials for a portrait photoshoot may be very challenging. Photography backdrops that come in various styles and types can confuse you, as it is impossible to try out every backdrop before the actual shoot. Most of the budding photographers tend to concentrate on the subject and fail to focus much on the background. However, a good photography backdrop plays a major role in bringing considerable amount of difference between good and great photographs.

If you are looking forward to give a classic look that is stylish and convey mystery, black and white photography backdrops are an excellent choice. But, as a photographer, it is always important to keep in mind to not let your backdrop overwhelm your subject – be it product shoot, making a family portrait or photographing a professional model.

Though red, purple, yellow and blue backdrops communicate passion, excitement, boldness and even brings energy to photographs, it is black and white photography backdrop that brings out the subtleness and tends to focus attention on the subject, which is one of most important goals to be achieved while clicking portraiture. Another important factor in photography is the tonal contrast. Tonal contrast is expected to bring profound effect on the mood and atmosphere. Black and white photography backdrops are sure to help you achieve this.

Finding great backdrops that complements the subject perfectly forms an essential part in creating beautiful portraits. For this reason,monochrome photography backdrops are still considered to be the king of backdrops. When a portrait is shot, monochrome photography backdrop offers stronger look without the distraction of color while placing emphasis on character and expression of the subject.

If you are looking for portrait photography backdrop, make sure that the colors, patterns and textures you choose always complement the subject and provide best results while being able to capture the mood of the photographs in the best possible way.

The backdrop that you choose can impact the quality of the photograph. Therefore, take time to carefully choose the backdrop that will assist you in depicting the mood and personality of the subject you are planning to photoshoot.

Christmas Photography Backdrops from Dropsprops.com

Choose our photography backdrops for this Christmas season 2015: DropsProps.com

Are you looking forward to add holiday cheer your Christmas party with unique Christmas photography backdrops? Do you want to add scenic winter backdrops and nativity scene setters? Drops & Props is a one stop solution to all your Christmas Photography Backdrop needs.

Photoshoots at your home are sure to be more interesting with the right backdrop. By taking your photos at home, you can not only save plenty of time but also enjoy the Christmas cheer with family and friends.  The use of Christmas photo backdrops can make a real difference between memorable event and an ordinary one. This also adds an extra vibe to the photography and makes your photograph look special. Also, backdrops can help in giving a unique character to any ordinary picture.

Christmas photo backdrops are available in wide variety of photography backdrops that can be used for diverse occasions. In addition, our Wrinkle Free Material can be simply tossed in the washing machine without having to worry about it shrinking. They are sure to create different moods in your Christmas photos. These Christmas photography backdrops can be placed in a room where there is plenty of natural light.

Taking photos in the natural light provides professional look to the photographs and also enhances the image quality, especially if you are photographing children. Another advantage of the natural light is that they create photos that show the skin in its natural state, as opposed to the yellow or orange hue that results from taking photos in artificial setting.

Christmas Bokeh photography backdrop, Chevron photography backdrop, Damask photography backdrop, Decorations photography backdrop, Christmas Tree photography backdrop have the ability to add the Midas touch to any photography and turn it into beautiful memories that you will treasure for the rest of your life. With Christmas photo backdrops at your home, make sure you have everything – shoe, outfit, accessories, hair ties, bobby pins and others – you need for your professional setting.

Keep in mind that Christmas is a busy season for many photographers. If you have Christmas photography background ideas in mind, execute it professionally with the Holiday Backdrops available at Drops & Props. All you have to do is add a wonderful Christmas backdrop from our collection and make your family photo a wonderful one this year.

Photography Backdrop ideas for weddings, birthdays, and many other occasions!

Kissing at the altar, the first dance, bridal party… we are familiar with these classic wedding photo ideas. But as a professional photographer, you have to distinguish yourselves from others in the industry, it is important for you get those special shots that stand out. There are many challenges to a successful wedding photography and it can be a stressful day even for most experienced photographers.

In this post, we will give out some of the best photography ideas for wedding, birthdays and other parties. We believe that successful wedding photography is all about telling the story through a series of photographs. So, begin with clicking wonderful images from the preparation for the big day. When the bride is in the final stages of her preparations, you can take a simple shot portraying her having her make-up applied.

Candid photographs, such as photos of bride when she is having her hair done, are an important part of the shot list. These photographs will add good details to the story and stands out in the album. Make sure to take as many pictures as possible in the natural light settings as they will give great results. Always keep in mind that the wedding day can be technically challenging as there are no second chances. Therefore, think of the overall story – look for shots of parents, guests and bridesmaids and add them to the story’s description.

Besides all the decorations, loot bags, games, cake, food, and fun, photographers also play an important role in birthday parties. Photography ideas for birthdays have been playing a prominent role in the recent years. Birthday parties always present one with a lot of interaction, colour, energy and also emotions – highs and lows of life are presented. However, children’s parties can be chaotic because of the moving subjects, lots of clutter.

As a professional photographer, always know the party plan. Ensure to know every detail about the shots parents look forward to – blowing candles, eating cakes, opening presents etc. Capture the decorated tables, balloons, and presents before the party begins. Do not forget to capture true emotions and interactions between friends and family. When you are taking the kid’s picture, always remember to get down on their level. You will realize how different the world looks in their eyes.

Parties always present an opportunity to experiment with different techniques. Regardless of which technique you try, events provide you a great platform to enhance your photography skills as a professional photographer. The beauty of photography is that you will make others feel good and happy along the way.

How to use poly paper photography backdrops and floor drops - DropsandProps

Which Photography Backdrop Material Is Best For Me?

We are now offering our Photography Backdrops in three different materials! Each different material offers different benefits. In the article below, we will explain some of the pros and cons to each to help you determine which Photography Backdrop material might work best for your needs.

MATTE VINYL
Our 13 oz Matte Vinyl Photography Backdrop material is definitely the most economical. They are not only durable and long lasting, but also waterproof and incredibly easy to clean! Now THAT is good news to anyone’s ears. The major downside to vinyl is that unless you are experienced in using vinyl backdrops there can be a bit of a glare. However, this is fairly easy to overcome with the proper information. If you’re thinking about purchasing one of our Matte Vinyl Photography Backdrops, make sure and read this article that explains the best way to photograph this material. The Matte Vinyl material is also fantastic as a floor drop. Since they are so durable and easy to clean they make fantastic floors. You don’t have to worry about a glare that way either!

POLY PAPER
Our Poly Paper Photography Backdrops are a lightweight but durable material that is really not paper at all but a heavier poly coated material similiar in weight to a heavy magazine cover – with a totally matte finish! This material is fantastic for parties, dessert tables, etc. The only minor ‘con’ to this material is that it’s not as long-lasting as the Matte Vinyl or Wrinkle Free Fabric. If properly cared for, it can last a good length of time especially if it’s stored rolled up and in a shipping tube. Our Poly Paper Photography Backdrops as well as our Wrinkle Free pair very well as backdrops with our Matte Vinyl as the floor drop.

WRINKLE FREE FABRIC
Now for our personal favorite. No more wrinkles! Our brand new Wrinkle Free Fabric material is the next generation in photography backdrops. Simply clamp and pull tight for a totally smooth and glare free finish! Quickly change out backdrops by tossing one to the side. No rolling or storing. Simply fold and stack for easy storage and transporting. Not only are these backdrops wrinkle free but they are also glare free! It doesn’t get much better than this folks! They’re also super easy to clean! After you finish a session, just toss the soiled backdrop in the wash (make sure to wash on a gentle cycle and air dry) and voila! All clean! Now, the Wrinkle Free Fabric material is not quite as economical as the Matte Vinyl or Poly Paper, however, it’s by far the best investment. If you’re looking to expand your photography studio, or perhaps start a photography business, this is certainly the material for you. They will last forever and what more could you want than a wrinkle free, glare free, durable backdrop?

Well, we hope this article was helpful and make sure and shoot us an email if you have any further questions on Photography Backdrop materials!

Photography Backdrops for Newborn Photography - Dropsprops.com

Newborn Posing Fabric Photography Backdrops from Dropsprops.com

Newborn photography can be very interesting and fun. But photographing newborns is not as easy as it looks. Years of practice and experience is required to get some of those amazing photos you see online.

Before doing a photoshoot with a newborn, it is important that you have backdrops specifically chosen for Newborn Photography. Newborn Posing Fabric Backdrops are ideal for Newborn Photography as they are incredibly soft and ensure the baby’s comfort. They are also absolutely glare-free which allows you to capture the newborn from any angle without that concern.

If you are looking to expand your backdrop collection specifically for Newborn Photography, then opt for the neutral tones such as white or ivory/cream fabric that tends to warm the skin a little better. Gray fabric makes a fantastic newborn posing backdrop. Gray tends to compliment a newborn’s pink skin undertones. When using overlay fabrics make sure to use a similar toned fabric for underneath as they can occasionally be slightly transparent. You can also choose faux furs as a backdrop. The soft texture of faux furs can be very comfortable for a baby to sleep on. This can also be used as flooring and photographed beautifully.

In fact, we have a wide variety of newborn posing backdrop and we are certain that you will love our selection of photography backgrounds for newborn babies. The photography backgrounds that we offer are a must have for every photography studio. They are very versatile and can be used for family photoshoots and portraits too.

In the meantime, once you decide on the fabric that you want to use as a background, you must familiarize yourself with the different poses and styles utilized in newborn photography. Photographing newborns is not always an easy job. Hence, having newborn photography posing guide, serves as a great tool during your newborn photography sessions. Many a times, you may find babies naturally posing on their own. However, it may also take 20 minutes for a baby to pose in the one perfect position.

An important tip that you have to keep in mind is that you have to be very patient with poses of newborn, so that everything is perfect. If you are doing the session in the client’s home, newborn photography sessions require a lot of preparation. Even if the baby is in an active mood and doesn’t want to sleep, you can take some best lifestyle shots. Be open and flexible as the session doesn’t always go as planned and many a times this might also turn out to be the best thing that happens to you while doing photo sessions with a newborn.

Wrinkle Free Fabric Photography Backdrops - Dropsprops.com

Wrinkle Free Fabric Photography Backdrops

The background of professional photo is as important as its foreground. Even the minor details in the background can detract the viewer from the focus. Hence, it is important for the photographers to utilize special materials for photoshoot backgrounds. These include varying levels of reflectivity, different designs and colors. In fact, there are many Photography Backdrop materials to choose from.

If you are looking for a wrinkle free material as a backdrop for your photography, you’ve come to the right place! Another major advantage of this Wrinkle Free Fabric Photography Backdrop other than the obvious fact that they are wrinkle free is that they are easy to be transported. Muslin is a versatile fabric for backgrounds as they can provide very neutral background based on the lighting arrangements. However, photography with canvas is not the same. Once folded, it is not easy to remove wrinkles.

This three layered woven backdrop which is constructed from heavy-duty, wrinkle-free 100% Polyester, is a must have as a photography backdrop. In addition, you need not be worried about careful scrubbing of the spots, steaming or even paying for expensive dry cleaning. All you need to do is simply throw these backdrops in the wash whenever necessary. The Wrinkle Free Fabric Backgrounds are also glare-free, allowing for effortless lighting. Making them the next generation in Photography Backdrops! You don’t have to be concerned about wrinkles or glare!  In addition, vinyl backdrops are also popular among photographers for their ease of cleaning. As vinyl is a heavy material, they are usually held in the studio hanging on a backdrop stand.

Meanwhile, we offer a wide range of Wrinkle Free Photography Backdrops with several sizes, colors and styles to choose from. Note that the storage of these materials is as important as using them for photoshoots.  Whichever backdrop you choose to use, make sure to have a proper storage system in place. We ship our Wrinkle Free Photography Backdrops in a shipping tube which you can use to preserve the life of your backdrops. With little care and planning, you can get desired results with this Wrinkle Free Fabric Backgrounds.

For more collections on Wrinkle Free Fabric photography backdrop, shop online. - http://dropsprops.com/product-category/wrinkle-free-fabric/

Creative Photography Backdrops from Dropsprops.com

Get creative and create a professional looking backdrop.

Throwing a party soon? Make it an occasion to remember! Get creative and design your own studio photography backdrop or select one from our huge variety of designs. Make yours the party of the season with the perfect backdrop.

A wide variety of photography backdrops are available ranging from solid white to patterns and scenes. The basic idea behind having a good background for photography is to remove distraction and enhance professionalism. If you are looking for a creative and inexpensive way to give your party a boost, then creative photography backdrops is the answer!

Bokeh which is typically known as a photography trick can also be used as a creative photography background. Gather some weathered wood and try out faux finish on the same for a rustic look. The style of this backdrop will never be outdated.

Creative photography backdrops can be created with papers if you’re on a tight budget. Paper backdrops are currently very popular. They add charm, giving the personal flair that everyone looks for. With papers you can create floral backdrops such as tissue flowers, geometric garlands or fancy origamis. These floral backdrops can be a statement piece during an indoor or outdoor occasion.

Balloon Backdrops are an excellent creative photography backdrop idea. They can cover the existing backdrop, hide a wall or even change background in a more appealing way. An advantage of balloon backdrop is that they can be made of any size that you want to work with. For unconventional ceremonies, you can create various themes out of balloons. A balloon backdrop will create amazing photographs!

Chalkboard backdrops can make an astonishing creative photography backdrop. You can write your names, messages and quotes to create phenomenal photos. Also, this can be used by your friends to scribble their wishes or write their favorite memories and take pictures in front of.

Making duvet cover backdrops is one of the easiest ways to create a backdrop. These covers available in many colours, fabrics and styles – from French country to chic contemporary – add brightness to your photographs. Your choice of duvet covers defines your personal and design style instantly. You can use the duvet cover backdrops both indoor and outdoor photoshoots.

Now, you have an idea about inexpensive creative photography backdrops. So create your own professional-looking backdrop for any occasion!

DIY Photography Backdrops from Dropsprops.com

Design an inexpensive photo studio with just your creativity!

Are you looking for an amazing photoshoot with excellent backdrops? With some creativity and just a little effort you can now create your own photography backdrops! Most of them can be done inexpensively and quickly. You need not go for a studio to get a photo that you are looking for. You can simply use tablecloth to create a bright and color filled photography backdrops.

However, we will teach you to turn your living room or garage into your own ‘portable’ photography studio with minimal financial resources and amazing photography backdrops. The DIY Photography Backdrop can pleasantly surprise you with the results.

Backgrounds used during the photoshoot can bring a major difference in the final photo. One of the best materials to make a professional looking photography background is wrinkle free fabric. Wrinkle Free Photography Backdrops are available in a variety of different bright colors and patterns. You can also use Posing Fabric for a backdrop. Just make sure to clamp it to something to keep any wrinkling to a minimum.

Another way of creating a DIY Photography Backdrop is to use blankets. An advantage of using blankets is that they don’t show wrinkles. To make DIY photo studio backdrops, you can tape the blanket to the side of a crib, the back of a chair or couch, or directly to a wall and position your models in front of it to get amazing photographs.

If you are looking to create high energy and distraction free photographs, then a white DIY photography backdrop is an appropriate one. If you are unhappy with the natural background that you are provided with, a white DIY photography backdrop can provide an immediate solution. They help you focus the viewer’s attention on your subject. The white DIY photography backdrops are an ideal choice for a wide variety of creative applications like family portrait photography, product photography, glamour photography, advertising photography and others. Additionally, white photography backdrops are easy to fix in photoshop. The bright white and many other colored backdrops are available at Drops & Props. When it comes to studio backdrops, you can use big curtains to create the effect.

There are endless ways to make DIY studio backdrop fun. All you need is a small amount of space. Think out of the box and build a home studio on a bootstrapped budget. This may not be your dream studio, but it will surely enable you to practice and hone your skills until you can afford that fancy studio in your dreams.

Social Media for Photographers – Instagram

Social Media for Photographers – Instagram

I am amazed how many photographers are not utilizing Instagram. With over 300 million active monthly users, this platform is ideal for photographers to connect with potential clients. In this post, we will be outlining how to create and utilize your Instagram account. Please keep in mind, this is not a detailed, marketing tutorial. However, if you do not have an IG account or your IG account is not connected to your Facebook Business Page then this is a post to you! :)

In an effort to further connect with our customers, I recently visited around 50 Facebook Business pages with the sole purpose of connecting via Instagram. I was astounded that only 2 of those pages had an IG account attached to their page. If you are looking to build your business and further your reach on the world wide web, I would highly recommend creating a “business” IG account. While, Instagram is not currently offering specific business profiles (like on Facebook), it is good practice to create an account separate from your personal account (if you have one). However, if you’d like to include photos of your kids, pets and home improvement projects mixed in with your business photos then have at it!

1. Set up an Instagram account

Setting up an IG account is very simple. Just download the app (https://instagram.com/download/ios/) on your smartphone or tablet and create an account. One of the great things about this platform is you can connect on the go! Whether you are sitting at the DMV or waiting in line at Starbucks, you can connect with friends and potential clients – building your brand and expanding your online presence.

2. Adding Instagram to Facebook

This step is actually easier than most people think and it is very valuable in connecting with your past and future clients!

While logged in to your personal Facebook page, visit the following URL: https://apps.facebook.com/instagram_feed/. This will begin the process of adding an Instagram Tab to your Facebook Business page.

Then, make sure that you select the Facebook Business Page where you would like the tab installed. (Some folks have multiple business pages) Once you have the correct page selected, hit the ‘Add Instagram Feed Tab’ button and you will be prompted to input your IG username and password. (You created these during Step 1)

That’s it! You don’t have to upgrade to the paid version of this application and you now see your Instagram feed as well as button for your clients to add you to their network!

3. Make Sure You’re Not Private

Although I understand the need for private accounts, if you want folks to be able to see your fabulous professional photos, you’re going to need to make sure that your ‘business’ IG account is not set to private. This is another reason that it might be wise to have a personal and business profile. If you’d like to see an example of this Instagram Tab in action, take a look at our Facebook Business Page!

4. Utilize Hashtags

One of the easiest ways for future clients to find your company is to utilize hashtags. Nope, these are not just for young people. Hashtags are actually a very valuable tool, especially on a platform such as Instagram. Every time we post a beautiful photo from one of our customers to IG we always include a variety of hashtags including: #newbornphotography. This is one of the ways that people search for IG profiles that might interest them so make sure that you aren’t overlooked!

That’s it! Just follow these couple steps and you are already way ahead of the curve! If you have any trouble or have any questions regarding these steps just shoot us an email and we will do our very best to help you out!

For more collections on photography backdrop, check our online store - http://dropsprops.com/shop/

How to Prepare for a Newborn Photography Shoot

You may have noticed that brand spankin’ new babies don’t exactly pose when it’s time to have their picture taken. This is pretty much the most important thing to know about newborn photography, and it will be a constant in your newborn documenting adventures. Because babies don’t pose, you’re going to have to be very flexible and in the moment. Don’t fret! There is some good news. Usually you can make this work to your advantage — some of your best photos will often happen when the infant falls asleep during the shoot. That said, there are some steps that can help baby, parents and the photographer to prepare for a newborn photo shoot and bring out those photos that you strive for as a newborn photographer:

1. Parent & Baby Preparation

In order to accomplish your goals as a newborn photographer you will need parents who know what to expect and are prepared ahead of time. The best way to prepare the parents is to compile a list of tips to get both mommy and daddy ready for the shoot: length of the session, what you’ll be bringing, to expect messes and delays, and to warm up the house (even if you bring along a space heater, which is a great addition to your kit.) Ideally, mom will feed the baby while the photographer sets up.

2. Expectations

There are two types of newborn photography – studio (posed) and lifestyle. Studio type sessions are usually scheduled within the first 2 weeks of birth because baby sleeps a majority of the time. The baby can typically be positioned perfectly swaddled in blankets, wraps or specialty fabrics, and wearing various hats or stylish headbands. Lifestyle type sessions take place in the baby’s home environment and are often captured with the parents holding the baby in a variety of poses. Regardless of which type of newborn photography you decide to focus on, be sure that the parents expectations about the type of photos they are looking for are clearly stated and understood.

White Washed Wood Photography Backdrop | Photo by Fresh Art Photography

3. The Kit

Newborn photography requires almost as much preparation as shooting a wedding. You should certainly create a checklist to review before every shoot. We have compiled an example checklist for you below:

• Camera
• Backup camera
• Lenses
• Formatted memory cards
• Toys (for siblings that might join in the session)
• Infant poser(s)
• Backdrop(s)
• Backdrop stand and clamps
• Space heater
• Step stool
• A change of clothes (Well, you know why)
• Props and small blankets
• Hats and headbands

4. Ideal Backdrops

Whether you’re doing studio or location work with newborns, a selection of quality photography backdrops is a must. Soft solids and dreamy patterns are ideal; our Solid Backdrop Collection offers many soft colors that would be perfect for a newborn photography shoot. You can also order any of our backdrops in a poly paper material, such as our Baby Clouds Photography Backdrop which is very popular with newborn photography. Newborn-sized backdrops are small enough to be easily transported to locations or changed out quickly in the studio.

Treasure Map Photography Backdrop | Photo by JME Portraits

5. Soft and Natural Lighting

Whenever possible, make use of the natural lighting streaming in through windows during lifestyle/location shoots. Try diffusing sunlight through a translucent curtain. Choose studio lighting that is warm, soft and diffused for posed shots.

6. Be Selective with Props

You don’t want to overwhelm yourself by bringing out too many props. Instead, plan 3 to 4 different looks/themes and setups for the baby ahead of time based upon the client’s expectations and preferences. Include items the client provides as well — perhaps a family heirloom blanket, or something that’s special to dad.

7. Aperture Setting and Lenses

In newborn photography, many poses involve extreme angles. Your sharpness and depth of field will benefit from shooting at around f/2 and f/2.2. Also, when baby falls asleep, switch to a macro lens and focus on some extreme close-up shots. Zoom in on fingers, toes, tufts of hair, ears, pouty lips, etc. Open up those little closed fists to add a more peaceful, relaxed vibe to the images.

8. Include Mom, Dad and/or Siblings

The sad reality is that other family members often don’t appear in photos with newborns. Encourage mom, dad and brothers and/or sisters to get in some frames. Sometimes new moms feel too exhausted to feel up to posing, but remind her that she will treasure those photos years from now. Keep mommy/baby poses easy and gentle.

9. Let the Baby Inspire You

Find inspiration before the photo shoot by checking your client’s Facebook or Pinterest accounts to view some of their personal photos. Seeing the family ahead of time can help you to have some poses in mind before the session. However, once you arrive, you should also allow the shoot to unfold organically; some of the best baby photography images are unplanned. Stay in the moment as the child moves, yawns, stretches or cries. From bright blue eyes to dimples to a full head of hair, highlight the uniqueness of each baby.

Grass Floor Drop | Photo by Red Elephant Studio

10. Be Safe, Persistent and Prolific

Be aware of newborn photography safety considerations before you begin — posers should be soft, padded and secure. All props should be non-toxic and have soft, pliable edges. Remember also that although the baby won’t say a word, they are in charge of the shoot; if they don’t want to go to sleep, continue taking lifestyle shots until they tire themselves out. Know that the session likely won’t go as you planned, but keep on shooting — those unplanned moments just might be where the magic happens.

Easter Photography Ideas

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Easter Photography Ideas

If you haven’t started planning your Easter mini session you may want to hop on it! More often than you might think, photographers will put all their eggs in one basket and  find out that their customers want something different than they planned! In this post we will show you some awesome ideas for your upcoming Easter Photography sessions!

Too chilly still to hit the great outdoors for your sessions? Snag one of our fantastic Scene Photography Backdrops to accomplish this look in the warmth of your studio!

Tired of the same ‘ol floor you always use? Try one of our brand new 2-in-1 Photography Backdrops! They’re perfect for switching things up without breaking the bank!

Want to keep it simple? Try one of our Solid Photography Backdrops and add your artistic touches to make it festive!

Lastly, we have a HUGE collection of Pattern Photography Backdrops that could not be more perfect for Spring and Easter Photography! Try one in our excellent poly paper material!

Starting Your Photography Studio On A Budget

Are you one of so many photographers out there that would LOVE to start their own photography studio? Whether you’re just starting out in the photography business or perhaps you just want to do it in your time, you will need a space you can get your creative juices flowing, store all your gear and let the magic happen. However many entrepreneurs just don’t have the extra cash to dedicate to a professional photo studio. Luckily, we have a few tricks that might help you get a head start!

1. Use Space in Your Home

No doubt, the largest expense you as a future studio owner would have would be buying or leasing studio space. The easiest way to conserve these funds would be using a space that you already own or rent. Of course, you’ll probably want to tradition out of your home at some point when the cash starts flowing in but until then, save yourself the headache of writing that check every month.

Now, when choosing your new creative space, you’ll probably want to select an area that is secluded to some extent for privacy during the many sessions that you will be booking. The tough part about starting a studio in your home is finding an unused space that has enough room for your photos. It is probably best to have at least 20 feet of space to work with. Basements would certainly work, but you will need to be aware of low ceilings as, of course, that would not be best for photos. It is also very likely that light will bounce off the ceiling and you won’t be able to use a hair light, as it requires about 3 feet of space above your subject. A high-ceilinged room, attic or even a garage space are great potential spaces for your new studio!

2. Lighting

For you natural light photographers, you’ll want to select a space with large windows, a skylight, or some other source of light. However, if your preference is studio lights, you’ll want to choose a room where ambient light from windows, skylights, reflections and existing room light won’t be an issue. If ambient light is there, in many cases you can manage it with studio lighting, flash and shutter speed.

When you’re ready to start purchasing lighting equipment, you’ll want to start with either constant lights, speedlights or studio strobes (as your wallet or husband allows). A light modifier will help control your flash — choose from soft boxes, umbrellas, strip banks, flash benders, beauty dishes, and more. We highly recommend that you do your homework to help you decide which is the best and most economical solution for the lighting needs of your new studio.

3. Versatile Photography Backdrops

Now, you’ll want at least one Photography Backdrop to complete the list of basic equipment for your new studio. Again, if your wallet or husband allows, try and have one in the brown color family and one in gray. Such as our Sand Dollar Solid Photography Backdrop and/or ourSoft Gray Solid Photography Backdrop. These are both perfect, versatile drops to start your new collection. From there, add a blue-toned option and a solid white either in poly paper or matte vinyl. Depending upon the type of photography you plan to do, you can expand into a roll of black paper and other seamless color choices. When you’re just starting out, versatility is very important. Your first few Photography Backdrops need to give you the ability to shoot all different occasions without breaking the bank.

4. Props

One of the best ways to set yourself apart as a new photographer is adding unique and adorable props to your setups. Now, this is a very broad subject so here are a few pointers: Although there are many adorable companies (& Etsy shops) out there, those expensive props can really add up. You might consider starting with some DIY projects for now. You can find a ton of ideas on our Pinterest boards on how to create some custom props until the cash starts flowing. You can also find some very cute (and inexpensive) props if you keep your eyes open on your next trip to Hobby Lobby or Michaels. Just remember to check out RetailMeNot.com or similar sites before you make your purchase!

5. Insurance & Taxes

Lastly, make sure that you are ready for the unthinkable. Little Sally could trip and fall in your home, or heaven forbid, your precious possessions might go missing; insurance would be a small monthly premium that will bring you security and that peace of mind that you need when starting a business. You should also contact an accountant and make you are set up for proper tax filing. You’ll be able to write off many expenses, including the percentage of your home rent/mortgage and utilities for the portion of your home used as your studio.

We hope this has been helpful!! If you have any thoughts or comments please leave them below!

5 Photography Tips for Beginners

Having years of professional photography experience is not necessarily a requirement to capturing absolutely stunning photos. Even amateur photographers can get lucky and snag breathtaking photos. Photography is a very hands-on field and practice makes perfect, but anyone would love a few tips from the pros, especially when you’re just getting started. Here are some photography tips for beginners who are looking to excel in their camera knowledge and capture some of those award-winning shots.

1. Equipment

As you’ve likely already noticed, there is an endless amount of photography equipment you can use. Finding the right equipment depends entirely on the type of photos you are looking for. You certainly don’t need to buy all of the top of the line equipment right off the bat. But you will need the essentials: a camera body, 50mm lens, zoom lens and external flash. These will help you get started and you can always upgrade and add to your equipment as your photography skills (and budget) improve.

2. Know the Terms

To help you better understand how to use your new DSLR, it is important for you to know the different terms related to the camera’s manual settings. ISO, aperture, shutter speed and other terms can sometimes confuse a beginner who is unfamiliar with these settings. Let’s take a look at some terms you will regularly come in contact when shooting photos.

Shutter Speed – Shutter speed refers to how long the shutter stays open when shooting a picture. Slower shutter speeds are used to allow more light in through the lens when there is an absence of light. Faster shutter speeds work great in bright situations and when shooting moving objects.

Aperture – The aperture is measured in F-Stops and relates to the size of the lens opening. Using a lower F-Stop will focus on a single item in your picture making the photo background appear blurry. A higher F-Stop will ensure more of your photo is in focus.

ISO – ISO is the adjustment you use depending upon the amount of light you are working with. For example, the lower the ISO number you set, the less sensitive the camera is to the light. You can use a low ISO when shooting outdoors on a sunny day and a higher ISO when it is cloudy or when shooting indoors.

3. Use a Tripod

When shooting in low light or taking a long exposure photo you probably won’t be able to hold the camera still long enough to capture the shot without causing camera shake. Even some of the most seasoned photographers use tripods to eliminate the slightest effects of camera shake.

4. Learn From Others

One of your most valuable resources is going to be other more seasoned photographers; they are a great asset when looking for photo tips. Every photographer had to start somewhere so most veteran photographers are more than happy to help out a newbie. Remember what they do and what they say about their experiences when on a shoot. You can also check out photo books or online sites and study photographs taken by professionals. Then, take what you have learned and try to replicate what they do. As we said, photography is a hands-on learning experience. So play with your camera and the settings until you get shoot the photographs you are looking for. Another thing to consider is taking a photography class at a local college or attending a photography workshop at a local gallery. Learning as much as you can will make experimenting with your camera much easier and much more fun.

5. Experiment

There is only one way to really get not just familiar but experienced at shooting in manual mode and that is practice. In addition to playing with the settings, try shooting in different situations, indoors and outdoors, from different angles and a variety of subjects. Ask family members to be your guinea pigs and experiment shooting portraits of them using different lighting equipment and photography backgrounds. The more you practice, the less you will feel like a beginner. Do not let the fear of trying something new stop you from improving your photography skills. Even the most seasoned photographers have to practice and experiment. Remember, we are all beginners at one time or another. One final tip: carry your camera with you everywhere because you never know when the perfect photographic opportunity will arise.

The perfect photography backdrops and floor drops for kids and newborns

Perfect for Newborn Photographers

The perfect Photography Backdrops and Floor Drops for Child and Newborn Photographers: Dropsprops.com.

Drops & Props is a one-stop-shop for the highest quality vinyl and poly paper Photography Backdrops with over 300 different Photography Backdrop designs to choose from!

Our Photography Backdrops are the perfect backdrops and floor drops for child and newborn photographers. We have a wide collection of Photography Backdrops that will be an exceptional choice for any type of photo shoot. Our backdrops and floor drops are designed in such a way that, when you purchase one backdrop they are versatile enough to be used for many types of shoots!

Some of the perfect backdrops for child and newborn photographers are listed below:

1. Pink Damask Photography Backdrop

Damask backdrops are one of the best backdrop pattern styles and will be best suited for vintage photography, newborn photography and dozens of other studio set ups.

2. Silver Bokeh Photography Backdrop

Bokeh Photography Backdrops are perfect backdrops for children and newborns with a very specific photography effect. Bokeh is the aesthetic quality of out-of-focus blur in a photograph.

3. Dark Wood Photography Backdrop

Our Dark Wood Photography Backdrop will bring a certain elegance to your photos. It is rich and attractive for your backdrop or floor drop.

4. Grass Photography Backdrop

This Grass Photography Backdrop is perfect for your Newborn Photography! Add few objects and you have a beautiful outdoors shot without having to go outside.

Check out the rest of our collections HERE!