I don't need to tell you: The right backdrop makes such an enormous difference in the quality of a food (or product!) photograph. My highest recommendation for backdrops goes to Capture by Lucy backdrops. These unique, high quality backdrops are "produced and packed in the UK by hand with love by Lucy and sister Natalie". And I don't mind tipping my hand right here at the beginning of the post and telling you - I'm really recommending Lucy and Natalie as much as the backdrops. I believe in them, their authenticity and generosity of spirit, as much as in their stunning backdrops. And that's saying something. 😉 Here are the 6 things that I think make CBL backdrops the best backdrops for food photography.
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You simply MUST have vinyl for messy food photos.
In the following two images, I brought out vinegar (first image) and oil (second image) to purposefully splatter all over the backdrops. Took my shots and cleaned up 15 minutes later with no issues at all. Even if you don't embrace the messy look, you just have to have an easy-to-clean backdrop for working with so many types of produce or greenery.
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The soft backlight reflected off the vinyl is simply stunning.
Backlight always makes for a dramatic shot, but all the more so on these backdrops. While they are matte, the vinyl surface is so smooth and soft, it reflects light in the yummiest of ways.
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Lucy offers a HUGE selection and is adding more collections all the time.
You guys. Just take a look. I'm currently coveting this one right here.
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The backdrops roll up, making them both portable and easy to store.
This is hugely helpful! Most of us aren't working in large studios, but we all want a lot of variety. These are simply a sturdy, flexible vinyl and roll right up. In fact, I stack all 5 of mine together, roll them up, and store them in the corner. If you travel to restaurants or other sites to take your food photographs, these 2x3 backdrops will take up less room than a lightstand and enable you to create consistent looks across your work, no matter where you are working!
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Lucy's backdrops are images of REAL surfaces.
These aren't just textures generated in photoshop!!! They're real textures that Lucy found in environments from her backyard all the way to the tropics. Each one has a story, which is sweet and fun. More importantly, the fact that each backdrop comes from a real image makes my photography so much more story-telling. These cookies look like they just came off a beautifully seasoned old baking sheet, don't they?
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Truthfully, I love these backdrops because I find Lucy to be fun, authentic, and loveable while also hard-working, inspiring, and customer service oriented.
She shared a photo of mine while my account was still VERY tiny (not that it's big now!). At the time, I just thought that was an amazingly generous and affirming thing for her to do. The game is to share the big people that can share you back, right? Instead, I got the sense from the beginning that, as a scrappy businesswoman herself, Lucy was truly in this to serve others. She comes from a loving, tight-knit family and even works with her own sister. She is a doting aunt and mother. Every single one of her fun, quirky, laughter-filled Instastories puts a smile on my face. Once I experienced Lucy and Natalie's amazing customer service, that sealed the deal for me: I'm rooting for them with my whole heart. While there may be other great vinyl backdrop companies out there.... none of the others are Capture by Lucy 😉
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Vinyl backdrops CAN still give that "real wood" appearance
This series (above and below) was shot on a vinyl backdrop and, as far as I'm concerned, it looks like real wood. I do have real wood surfaces, and while I love them, it is really difficult to clean them properly. They've also begun to warp after the last year or so, which gives a "bent horizon" look to my photos that I really don't like.
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Another Food Photography Backdrop Shop I Love
Yessica of Yessica Duques Photography was my podcast guest last summer (Yessica's Venezuelan Arepas, Coming to Us From Holland). Soon after she appeared in that episode, Yessica started a backdrop shop YD Backdrops. I love these also! I used them for this shoot of Korean Radish Water Kimchi and this shoot of Almond Joy Macaroons.
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That's it! Let me know if you have any questions below!!
Would love to hear from you!