Being a lens-based creative right now means facing a constantly evolving definition. One which demands skills that bridge the gap between the traditional role of the photographer and a dynamic new world of content. But even in this shifting landscape, some aesthetic styles remain timeless; and one of these is the quintessential look of classic studio photography.
While we may be creating content that moves, loops and delivers across a whole plethora of platforms and devices, the ability to produce work with the polished appeal of the photo studio still remains extremely desirable. Using backdrops together with a subject in your stills and moving images removes distraction and allows you to tell the stories that you really want to tell. It focusses viewer’s attention towards the central purpose of your shots; whether it be the promotion of a new apparel brand, or the insight of an interviewee on your YouTube channel.
So although us contemporary creators are perhaps working in a more flexible fashion than our predecessors; some of us without the luxury of a devoted studio setup; there are tools that will help us evoke this enduring quality in our content. At Club we know that the photographic marketplace has changed, and to do our best work today we need equipment that is properly adapted to the space, budgets and time available to us.
Meet Club Canvas Backdrops
If you’ve not worked with our canvas backdrop range before, we’d like to give you a chance to get acquainted! In this blog post we’ll look at how these ‘drops (which are produced in the UK by Club’s small team of print obsessives) can be an invaluable asset for projects that demand a studio style. Designed specifically for independent creatives, limited workspaces and out-of-the-ordinary locations, we’ll look at how Club canvas backdrops can help you defy limitations and achieve beautiful, professional results.
On the Road
Whether you are starting out, or already established; working from a studio setup or a spare room; there will always be times when the job simply isn’t able or willing to come to you. At moments like these, there’s a choice to make: Either try to replicate the controlled conditions of a regular workspace in an unknown locale, or place full faith in our talent to ‘pull something out of the bag’ when we get there. With utmost respect for the super-confident latter, I’m sure that most of us, on the night before an important shoot, would be heartened in the knowledge of a backup plan!
With location work involving so many variables already, the ability to bring a backdrop that has been pre-approved by all stakeholders might just save the day. When you envisaged a charmingly distressed brick wall for your headshots, but all that’s available is grotty plasterboard, our canvas backdrops can always be depended upon to create the right mood.
While traditional canvas backdrops and paper rolls are large and unwieldy, Club canvas backdrops are designed with portability in mind. Compact enough to fit in a small car, and easily carried by one person, these ‘drops are the ideal companion for photographers, videographers and creators on the move.
Size Matters…
…And sometimes, it’s go small or go home.
As touched on earlier, many of us in the creative field these days are working with constraints on the space we have available. With real estate commanding prohibitive rents, and urban gentrification in action, creators may be finding it harder and harder to get the elbowroom they need in order to do their work. But where there is a will there's a way! The imaginative spirit adapts to even the most petite of venues - a corner of your lounge or a corridor perhaps? When square meterage is at a premium, Club canvas backdrops can help you to achieve professional results in even the tightest of spots.
With a width of 100cm / 3.5ft, these backdrops create a studio setting wherever you need one. Team with natural light (as in our fresh portrait shots by Marc Millar that accompany this article) or use wireless flash heads like the neat Godox AD200Pro’s to illuminate your stills setups. In small rooms, white or light coloured walls and ceilings are perfect for creating diffused bounce effects with strobes (or LED constants for video). With portrait and full length options available, our canvas backdrops will have you covered for both aspect ratio and available room.
Crafted for Creators
In the traditional world of the photo studio, hand-painted backdrops were unique works of art in their own right. At Club, we like to honour this heritage while bringing things bang up to date with our digital print technology. Featuring durable UV inks on professional-grade cotton canvas fabric, our ‘drops have vibrant, faithful colours and a satisfyingly substantial 390gsm weight.
With a selection of beautifully reproduced original artwork designs (as well as curated flat colours and custom options), Club canvas backdrops provide a premium look and feel, in a format that is both affordable and convenient for today’s small studio.
Easy Does It
A modern, flexible creative approach requires equipment that responds quickly to our needs. And while the rigging of an old-school studio may certainly have its appeal, we know that the ability to assemble and handle kit swiftly, without assistance, can also be a huge blessing!
Easily suspended from a single C-stand, or simply taped to a wall, Club canvas backdrops help speed the process between inspiration and output. Designed with small-scale productions in mind, these ‘drops keep prep and pack-down smooth; even where time and crew members may be minimal.
Versatile (as you are)
Just as the definition of our work is constantly evolving, so are our demands on the tools that we work with. We see product photographers branching out into stop-motion; influencers blossoming in long-form video content; plus many more creative adaptations happening all around. As such, we want to produce backdrops that will accompany you on your creative journey for now, and wherever it takes you tomorrow.
Club canvas ‘drops create a satin-matte, anti-glare surface that is perfect for experimenting in new formats. With ideal proportions for vertical video, they can really level up your TikToks, Reels and live streams; creating scroll-stopping moments that will hold on to an audience's attention. Canvas backdrops can help you to produce content that remains consistently ‘on-brand’, whether it’s stills for print, or stories for social media.
Break the Limitations
At Club, we love to be able to offer you the chance to go beyond our stock range of designs and colours. Just as with our top-selling custom vinyl backdrops, we are now able to produce custom colour canvas ‘drops via our online builder. With limitless options available, all you need to do is input your colour code and we’ll print and ship it out to you with our usual speed (just +1 working day to produce).
Let’s Roll!
So now that we’ve introduced you to Club canvas backdrops, we’d be delighted to help you get the most out of them in your next studio-style shoot. For pro results (whether you are a photographer, videographer or content creator of any kind) be sure to check out our Getting Started with Canvas Backdrops article; it’s full of practical tips and tricks that will get your awesome working partnership rolling in the right direction!
All images in this article by Marc Millar - you can catch more of his work over at his website or on Instagram.