Muslin Backdrops are one of the most popular types of photography backdrops there are. Durable and versatile, they are a must-have component of a complete studio setup.
Muslin backgrounds have stood the test of time across photography studios for decades. These traditional painted cloth backdrops may not be the first look that comes to mind when creating a mood board for your next studio editorial or fashion photo shoot if you’re immediately brought back to your family’s cringe-worthy 1990’s annual studio portrait sessions… but we challenge you to take pause, think back a bit farther in time to an era of Victorian elegance and dramaticism for styling inspiration!
Recently editorial and portrait photographer Elaine Torres stepped out of her seamless paper comfort zone to test out our Cranberry Washed Muslin backdrop.
Recently, fashion and portrait photographer, Mike McGee used the the Milano Hand Painted Muslin Backdrop for a wedding dress shoot. The textured, elegant look of this backdrop make it easy to capture stunning timeless portraits.
Muslin is much more than just a lightweight backdrop or lighting tool, it is a fabric that dates back as early as the 3rd century CE with a vast history and a variety of uses. The origin of the word “Muslin” is ambiguous and often debated.
This photo gallery was shot by photographer Ryan Walsh, featuring our popular Light Gray Washed Muslin. This long-lasting, universal backdrop is great for adding textures, colors, playing with accessories or creating fun poses. The lovely gray helps keep the attention on the subject allowing for different looks with different lighting techniques.
This photo gallery was shot by photographer Ryan Walsh, featuring our Brown Washed Muslin Backdrop. This earthy tone is perfect for portraits, head shots or even family photos! We don’t see how you can go wrong with this simple and traditional look.
When you’re traveling as a photographer, unless you have a truck that carries your entire studio with you, considerations have to be made with regard to space and size that will greatly influence the kind(s) of backdrop you carry with you.
The issue of muslin vs. seamless paper isn’t so much about one having inherently better qualities than the other – it’s about which is a best fit for the subject in front of your lens. And which best conveys the look you want to impart.
Muslin backdrops are kind of the Rodney Dangerfields of the photography industry. Like the dear departed comedian, they often don’t get much respect. And, they have a similar world-worn, beat-up look to them (at least most of them do). But these aren’t necessarily bad things.
