You put up a video on YouTube, a video you have lit just right, did several takes because of flubbing lines, and carefully edited to make your point stand out… But, in the background is a messy desk, the cat litter box, and an old N’Sync poster. Kind of makes the video stand out, doesn’t it? For the wrong reasons!
We looked at several backdrop systems to see what would work best for Photographers, YouTubers and Film Makers.
What features are important?
- Portability: Being able to take your backdrop to wherever you are shooting means you can set up a great shot anywhere your subject is.
- Easy to set up: What sense is being portable if the backdrop is a pain to set up?
- Stability: You don’t want the backdrop to fall over into that cat litter box. Also, the more stable it is, the more places you’ll be comfortable setting it up.
- Versatility: Raise and lower it to adjust for any scene, choose a color that works for your video, change the texture of the backdrop, etc…
- Extras: The best backdrops for YouTubers and creators often include a carrying case, lights and light stands, and light modifiers like umbrellas.
Top 5 best Backdrops For Photographers, YouTubers & Filmmakers
Linco Lincostore Photo/Video Studio Light Kit
First, we’ll look at the Linco Photo Video Lighting Kit. You can find this as a complete system and it just might be one of the best backdrops for YouTubers and photographers. It comes in a complete kit with daylight lamps and umbrellas, a backdrop support stand, and three backdrops in white, black, and green.
This backdrop system is very easy to set up and break down, and is high quality. The lamps are continuous output suitable for video and the umbrellas modify the light nicely. The backdrops are muslin, a more durable material than paper. Especially good for a portable system.
A great color that’s included is the green muslin. Green Screen is an awesome video technique. You can sit your subject down in their own living room and green screen in a background of Paris, Texas or France, behind them.
All things considered, a great backdrop system for any content creator that check all the boxes.
LimoStudio Photo Video Studio
Next, we looked at LimoStudio Photo Video Studio with a 10ft adjustable muslin background backdrop support system stand. This is a nice, lightweight adjustable stand for backdrops. With its interlocking four piece crossbar, this stand is usable with a wide variety of backdrop widths.
At the full ten foot extension, it might sag a little in the middle with the heavier muslin backdrops. But with basic width muslins or paper rolls, it is definitely sturdy enough. A handy carrying case makes transport simple. Some extras will need to be added to your kit for best results. This kit doesn’t come with any backdrops or clips.
The Emart Photo Video Studio
The Emart Photo Video Studio 10ft adjustable background stand backdrop support system kit with carry bag is great for video bloggers needing a little more strength from the stand.
The stand is a little shorter than I expected, but still usable for most projects. The kit comes with clips and a carrying bag but you will have to supply your own backdrop material. A great add on in the kit is the sand bag steadying pouches included.
Especially valuable in outdoor situations. A windy day can wreak havoc on a set up if a gust catches the material. Thankfully this kit comes with clamps that secure any backdrop material in place. For extra security you can add bags of sand to weight down the frame for extra support in winds.
The stand is simple in concept and implementation. It is lightweight without being flimsy. A good choice.
Fancier Studio TB30
Another highly portable but very sturdy backdrop stand is the Fancier Studio TB30 with dimensions of 8ft tall by 10ft wide. The adjustable four piece crossbar is a little sturdier than other stands in this price range.
The carrying case is quite well made. A nice heavy duty fabric, and somewhat stiffened sides means the case can take some travel abuse.
Again, the kit is not complete. Clips, lights, and the actual backdrops are not included. But, for the price, this may be one of the sturdier options available.
Slow Dolphin Photo Video Studio
Lastly, the Slow Dolphin Photo Video Studio 10ft adjustable backdrop support system stand with background holder kit and backdrop holders is an excellent support system.
It’s a little shorter at 7 ft maximum height, but it also adjusts down to about 2 ½ feet for setting up on an event table or something else where space may be somewhat limited.
The four piece crossbar works well for medium and lighter fabrics and having the clips included in the kit is welcome. At full width, the crossbar might sag a little with heavier fabrics or specialty backdrops, but it is easy to put together and take apart. A carry case is included in the kit.
I’m sure you would be pleased with the performance of this system, especially at the prices I found it selling for.
Conclusion
Sure, maybe you feel like it’s no one’s business what posters you have up in your dorm room. Or office, since we’re all a little older now. But a good backdrop system makes for a very clean and professional look for video blogging. Great for portraits and product photography, too.
Using specialty backgrounds enhances your viewer’s experience and means you’ll probably have that viewer come back to your YouTube channel. The opportunity to use Green Screen techniques adds a whole new world to still photography and videography alike.
Don’t let the world see a messy background! Use a backdrop to give your entire process a more professional look. You can learn more about great lighting equipment here for your next video.
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