My Beautiful Backdrops

The artist behind my bespoke canvas backdrops

One of the mainstays of my work (at least the bit that doesn’t include portrait subjects) is the array of bespoke backdrops that I use. I work in a small studio – it’s just a white box – and the backdrops help me to ‘place’ the photo somewhere else. So I can create corners, rooms, and match up the sets with the clothing that my client has brought.

The majority of the backdrops I use were custom-made for me by a small company in Wigan (UK), called Hand Painted Backdrops. It’s a craftsman-led organisation: everything is handmade to the highest standards, and the results speak volumes. The drops themselves are made from the same kind of canvas used by artists, and the magic comes from the multiple paint shades that are used on each one. This affects the character of the backdrop and gives variety to my photos, depending on the light setups I use. Because each one is totally handmade, the results are unique and you come away with something no-one else has. Most importantly, there is a sense of artistry in each one that is passed through to your work.

2020 has been an unusual year for everyone, and although I’ve been using Hand Painted Backdrops products for a long time, I feel it’s more important than ever to support small businesses. So if you’re a photographer, please consider them for your next backdrop purchase! The gallery below showcases their work in my photographs.