How can you create a natural or textured background for your product shots?

1 What are natural or textured backgrounds?

Natural or textured backgrounds are any surfaces or materials that have some variation, pattern, or detail that creates a sense of realism, warmth, or character. They can be made from natural elements like wood, stone, plants, or fabrics, or from artificial ones like paper, metal, or plastic. They can be smooth, rough, shiny, matte, or anything in between. The key is to use them in a way that enhances your product and your message, not competes with them.

2 Why use natural or textured backgrounds?

Natural or textured backgrounds can provide many advantages for product photography, such as creating a mood or story that resonates with your audience and reflects your brand values. They can also add depth and dimension to your photos, making the product stand out and look more appealing. Moreover, natural backgrounds introduce different colors, shapes, and textures that add interest and create visual harmony. For example, if you sell eco-friendly products, you might use leaves, grass, or wood to convey a sense of sustainability; if you sell jewelry, a marble slab or velvet cloth can create contrast and elegance; and if you sell cosmetics, a flower or fruit can add a pop of color and freshness.

3 How to create natural or textured backgrounds?

Creating natural or textured backgrounds for product shots can be done in various ways, depending on budget, style, and creativity. To get started, you can look around your home, office, or studio for potential backgrounds such as cutting boards, placemats, rugs, blankets, curtains, books, magazines, or wallpaper. You can also use natural elements like flowers, leaves, branches, fruits, or vegetables. For more control and customization over your backgrounds, you can make your own with simple materials and tools. Alternatively, you can buy ready-made backgrounds from online or offline sources like vinyl backdrops to printed papers to textured mats. Vintage or antique items like maps, posters, or records are other options that can add character and charm to your photos.

4 How to use natural or textured backgrounds?

Once you have your natural or textured backgrounds ready, it’s important to know how to use them effectively and efficiently for your product shots. To start, select a background that matches the style, color, and mood of your product and brand. Experiment with different angles and distances to create different perspectives and compositions. Additionally, adjust the lighting and exposure to alter the appearance and mood of your background. Finally, edit and enhance your photos with photo editing software or apps to make them look more professional and attractive. Cropping, resizing, rotating, flipping, adjusting brightness, contrast, saturation, sharpness, or color balance can all help make your photos more vivid and consistent.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?