Paper backgrounds for studio shoots: Brands, colors, sizes and uses. How do I choose?

The use of paper backgrounds has become the norm in professional photography and video. Whether for studio shoots or video productions, paper backdrops provide a background that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

Paper backdrop rolls offer many advantages, whether for creating your own photo studio or for use in professional studios.

Explore their benefits in this article, as well as the different brand, color and size options available on the market.

Colorama, Manfrotto Papers, Savage: Which brand of paper backgrounds to choose?

The different brands offer a relatively similar range of background colors. However, some offer greater variety than others; for example, Colorama has a much wider selection than Manfrotto Papers.

In terms of paper quality, most of these brands are actually produced in the same mill, so the backgrounds are identical, but under different names. For example, Colorama’s Coral Pink corresponds to Savage’s Flamingo and is not available from Manfrotto Papers.

See our article for a detailed comparison of Colorama, Lastolite, Savage and Superior Seamless, as well as color matching between the different brands of paper backgrounds.

That said, when it comes to studio photography, Colorama is often the brand most mentioned. Its reputation is firmly established among professional photographers, who appreciate the quality and diversity of these paper backgrounds.

Whether for portraits, fashion shoots or video productions, Colorama has become a preferred choice thanks to its ability to meet the varied needs of creative people.

What background color should I choose for my photo studio?

Ideally, you should have a few rolls of basic paper background. White, black and gray are essential choices, as they are versatile and adaptable to different types of shoots.

For example, the white background offers the perfect luminosity for portraits, while the black paper background adds contrast and drama, ideal for fashion shoots. A gray background, meanwhile, is an intermediate option that works well for portraits or product shots.

In addition to classic colors, it can be interesting to explore more original paper backgrounds. For bold projects, bright colors like red, yellow or turquoise can energize your images, ideal for advertising campaigns or creative shoots.

Keeping several rolls of paper backgrounds in different colors in your studio will enable you to easily adapt to your varied projects.

Discover our article on how to extend the life of your paper backgrounds and store your rolls.

Wide range of sizes: Which one to choose for my studio shoot?

Paper backdrop rolls are available in a wide variety of colors and sizes. Colorama’s flagship brand of paper backdrops, for example, offers 5 different sizes: 1.35m x 11m, 2.18m x 11m, 2.72m x 11m, 3.55m x 15m and 3.55m x 30m.

These different sizes enable photographers to choose the backdrop roll best suited to their specific needs.

In professional photo studios, the 2.72m x 11m and 1.35m x 11m rolls are particularly popular.

The 2.72m background roll is often preferred for group shots or fashion projects, offering sufficient coverage for several subjects. Conversely, the 1.35m roll is ideal for portraits or smaller shoots.

Tips for using your paper backgrounds

Why take a longer roll of background paper than you need?

Most photographers buy 2.72m rolls of backgrounds. You may not need all this length immediately, but the advantage is that you can easily cut off damaged or worn parts of the background paper and start afresh for new photographic projects.

How do I store my roll of paper base?

To keep your background paper roll in good condition, store it in a dry place, away from humidity and heat sources. Wrap it around its original tube and tape it down to prevent it from unrolling. It’s best to store it horizontally, or to hang it from a suitable support, to prevent it from bending or warping.

How to hang a paper background?

To hang a roll of background paper correctly, we recommend using a support system designed for studio backgrounds, with two adjustable tripods and a crossbar. Start by securing the bar with special clamps or end caps, then carefully unroll the background paper so that it falls in a straight line, without wrinkles or ripples.