- Card Stock Paper
Great for small, I repeat small products, like: greeting cards, note pads, stickers, jewelry, key chains, make up, and small bath and body products. You can extend backgrounds in photoshop but I am going to assume if you are reading this you are either a beginner or my sister. So if your product is larger than the size of a greeting card I recommend looking for a larger backdrop.
Card stock is available in any colour you can think of as well as patterns, and textures. Michael’s has an entire aisle dedicated to card stock, you can select single 8X11 inch sheets, multi-packs, or you can purchase 12X12 single sheets online.
They can be used on their own or you can layer different coloured sheets.
2. Cricuit, Siser, or Oracal Vinyl Rolls
I find card stock paper limiting even when styling greeting cards, this vinyl will provide more shooting space to style your products and bonus – vinyl is much more durable than card stock. If you have decided on your brand colours or if you are looking to add seasonal colours to your backdrops Cricuit or Siser Vinyl could be a great option for you. Just tape the vinyl down on the floor, table or another hard surface.
I would stay away from a glossy finish and opt for the most matte option available or go all out pick up a roll of the sparkle texture if that suits your products and brand.
3. Fadeless Design Paper Rolls aka Bulletin Board Paper
These can be great for larger products or if you’re looking to create a fake wall behind your products. There are a few options in store and lots on their website from brick walls, to clouds, to single colours.
I have used the same roll of grey brick bulletin board paper from Michael’s for a number of products over the past two years and it has served me well. I either tape it to a wall with painters tape or hang it over a backdrop stand.
3 Things to Consider Before Making a Purchase:
1. Matte Over Shine: Remember to look for matte finished paper, not glossy! When it comes to backdrops, matte is best.
2. Price: Card stock is likely the cheapest so a great option when you are starting out, but let me say it again – card stock is only for the smallest of products and it is not durable. Vinyl rolls provide more space
3. Shop around: If the colours of the paper or vinyl you see at Michael’s are not for you, check out a local paper store if you have one, Etsy or Amazon. My first ‘real’ backdrops were a package of food photography backdrops I purchased from Amazon and still use two of them in my work currently. You can also purchase rolls of paper backdrops for larger backdrops from backdrop suppliers and even hand painted canvas backdrops – but again if you are reading this I am assuming you are a beginner, or my sister.
