What does autumn photography backdrop 4911 look like after printing? We show it during a real photo session with Nastka (9 years old) and Cyprian (5 years old): in full compositions, with two types of lighting and at three different distances between the children and the backdrop.
floor 290 × 200 cm
Is 290 × 200 cm large enough for children aged 9 and 5?
For this session, the size worked very well for both children. It allowed us to take photographs of them together, portraits and full-length shots of the nine-year-old.
For a preschool-age child, two separate areas of the set work particularly well — for example, a console table on one side and a chair or bench on the other. A small family can also fit into this set if the parents sit on a bench or if the photograph is planned as a portrait rather than a full-length composition.
Distance from the backdrop changes the perspective
This is one of the most important conclusions from the test. The closer the children stand to the backdrop, the flatter the connection between the models and the set appears. Moving them away from the print creates more depth, while perspective makes the models appear visually larger in relation to the elements of the design.
| Distance | What you see in the frame | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Directly against the backdrop | The children’s actual scale in relation to the design elements is most visible; the image appears flatter. | Documenting the scale, photographs of the entire set, full-length shots and studios with limited space. |
| Approximately 1 m | Natural perspective, good depth and comfortable framing. | The most versatile position for the majority of photographs. |
| Approximately 2 m | The greatest sense of space; the models are closer to the camera and become more clearly separated from the backdrop. | Portraits and frames with a distinct 3D effect, provided that the studio is long enough. |
How did we position the backdrop, floor, light and camera?
window covered by approximately 80%
Profoto + 165 cm umbrella with diffuser
power approximately 3
↓
approximately 1 m
↓
CHILDREN
↓
approximately 2 m
↓
CAMERA + 50 MM
lying flat
10 cm of the floor placed behind the freely hanging backdrop
The light was positioned to the side and directed along the edge of the floor. This kept the shadows on the children’s faces soft while adding depth to the photographs.
Two ways of lighting the same set
More frontal lighting
When the light was directed straight at the children, the illumination was more even and flatter. This is a safe set-up, but it provides less modelling of the face.
Side lighting
After moving the light to the side and directing it along the floor, soft shadows appeared. These shadows created the 3D effect.
The studio was bright and sunny. The window was located on the left side of the set and was covered by approximately 80%. At first, the studio light was used as fill light; some of the photographs were later taken without it.
Camera settings
All photographs were taken with a Canon EOS R5 Mark II and an EF 50 mm f/1.2L USM lens. Using one fixed focal length makes it possible to compare framing and perspective reliably. The camera was positioned approximately 2 metres from the models.
Why did we choose Premium fabric?
Premium is my preferred fabric for tests because I usually do not need to steam the backdrop before the session. The fabric stretches easily and can be prepared quickly, which is a major advantage when sets are changed frequently. The bottom weight plays an important role here by keeping the flexible fabric nicely tensioned. This backdrop had a top rod pocket and bottom weight and was suspended on Manfrotto 1004BAC MASTER stands.
The backdrop hung freely all the way to the floor. The matching floor lay flat, with its upper edge placed approximately 10 cm behind the backdrop. This overlap prevents a gap from appearing at the join.
Ideas for photographs and play
The backdrop looks good even without additional props — a simple bench is enough. Props are very useful, however, because they give children something to do and help produce natural reactions.
- standing photographs and photographs seated on a bench,
- frames in front of and behind the console table, for example while placing flowers in pots,
- tying a bow around a pumpkin or threading rowan berries,
- portraits with colourful leaves,
- arranging apples and pumpkins in baskets,
- photographs with a dog — these turned out to be one of the most enjoyable ideas from the session.
Clothing colours and post-processing
Red, green, brown and yellow work particularly well with this design. Orange should be used in moderation because the backdrop itself already contains a lot of it. Post-processing was straightforward: adding warmth suits autumn photographs, and the yellow areas of the backdrop did not cast colour onto the children’s skin even when they stood close to the print.
The colours were the greatest surprise — they already looked beautiful in person, but appeared even better in the finished photographs.
Where did the set elements come from?
Polish handmade products and small studios:
- children’s clothing — Wioletta Bara - Historia Ubioru,
- wooden console table — Otwarty Warsztat,
- wreath — Encza Photo Props.
Small accessories: pumpkins, leaves and other decorations were purchased from various retailers, including Pepco and TEDi. These mentions are provided for information only — we purchased the items ourselves and this article is not sponsored.
Key conclusions from the test
Photographers’ questions
Can this backdrop be used with daylight?
Yes. The test included both studio lighting with a Profoto light and photographs based on daylight. In strong sunlight, it is worth reducing the amount of light falling directly onto the backdrop.
Is it large enough for one child?
Yes. In that case, it is useful to create two areas of the set, such as a console table on one side and a bench or chair on the other.
Will a small family fit?
Yes, particularly for a portrait or when the parents sit on a bench. For full-length photographs, the length of the studio and the distance from the camera must be taken into account.
Autumn greenhouse — design 4911
See the available sizes, Premium fabric, finishing options and matching floor.
View photography backdrop 4911
Polish