Backdrops in Wedding Photography
Using backdrops and props might seem a bit "old fashioned" for wedding photography. But if it is used properly, it can add a whole new dimension to your portfolio. Just mentioning the word "prop" I am sure you picture an old suitcase or bicycle with the words "Just Married" scribbled on it, but what I actually have in mind is something that will help your photography, and not just help you get another photo.
By making use of backdrops, you can change the whole atmosphere of a wedding. Backdrops can come in useful on a rainy day. Don't get me wrong... Backdrops will never be able to replace a good wedding venue, but it can create variety. Of course this also means you will have to make use of studio lighting, and most probably need extra space to set up.
With software like Adobe Photoshop or masking software like Fluid Mask, you can replace a solid colour background with just about any picture for a background. Ever heard of a chroma key backdrop? These backdrops are usually green or blue and the most common place it is used is in the television studio for the weather channel. Photographing a bride and groom against this backdrop, and lighting it properly, you can place the bride and groom on the top of mount Everest if you like!
Making your own Backdrops
You also don't have to buy backdrops from retail outlets. Why not start a collection of photographs from places around the world? Hoe many times have you been at a location and wished you could photograph a wedding there? Well now you can! There are plenty of places offering large format printing. You can have all your location photos printed on canvas in various sizes. Canvas works great because it doesn't reflect as much light back as what matt or glossy photo paper does.