Choosing the Right Background is Everything
Imagine this: You’ve worked hard on your brand. You’ve got the perfect products, the right message, and a killer vibe. But then, your photos come out looking… well, flat. It’s like wearing an amazing outfit but standing in front of a boring wall. A strong background isn’t just a filler—it can transform your photos and make your brand shine.
Here’s why the right background matters:
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It Sets the Scene for Your Story
Think of your background like the stage in a play. It’s where the action happens, and it helps set the tone for the entire photo. The right backdrop can make your product pop, highlight your subject, and bring your brand story to life. -
It Shapes How Your Brand is Perceived
Backgrounds can give off an entire vibe! Whether you want your brand to feel sleek and modern, fun and vibrant, or natural and earthy, your background plays a huge role in establishing that mood. It’s not just about a pretty picture—it’s about creating a feeling that aligns with your brand’s personality.
Did you know? According to HubSpot, 73% of marketers believe high-quality images are essential for engaging audiences. So when your background is on point, your visuals do more than look good—they connect deeply with your audience.
Types of Backgrounds That Make a Big Impact
There are so many ways to approach backgrounds, but let’s break it down into a few key types that can take your brand photos to the next level.
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Solid Colors: Keep It Simple, Keep It Clean
Solid backgrounds are like the unsung heroes of photography—they’re timeless, clean, and always in style. They let your product or subject take center stage without distractions.
Pro Tip: A neutral color like white or gray is perfect for showing off products because it lets the details pop. Or, go bold with a color that matches your brand’s vibe for a little extra flair.
Example: Apple’s minimalist style is reminiscent of this. Their product ads and website design often feature clean solid backgrounds to make their products the main focus. This simplicity reflects their brand’s focus on modernity and sophistication.
Proven Success: Apple’s 2023 global brand value reached $355.1 billion according to Statista, and much of their appeal comes from how clean, simple, and cohesive their brand photos (and backgrounds) are.
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Textured Backgrounds: Add Depth and Personality
Textures bring something extra to the table. They can add depth, warmth, and a sense of authenticity to your photos. From the rustic charm of wood to the smoothness of marble, or the cozy feel of fabric, textures bring your images to life.
Pro Tip: Choose a texture that fits your brand's aesthetic. For instance, if you’re selling handmade crafts, you want earthy, natural textures to emerge in your imagery.
Example: Lush Cosmetics uses texture to tell a brand story perfectly. Their product photos typically use earthy backgrounds with stone, wood, and even moss textures that help emphasize the handmade, natural elements of their products.
Storytelling Tip: If you’re photographing organic skincare products, choose soft fabric or marble as your background. Your brand will appear authentic and luxurious, and you’ll show your dedication to quality and craftsmanship.
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Patterns and Prints: Play with Personality
Patterns and prints are a fantastic way to reveal your brand’s unique personality. From geometric patterns to soft florals, the right pattern can bring energy and life to your photos.
Pro Tip: Avoid letting the pattern overshadow your subject. It should enhance your subject without overpowering it. Choose subtle prints that match your brand, which will add interest without overpowering your photo.
Example: Tiffany & Co. effectively uses background patterns, using their iconic blue color with patterns that match their sophisticated and playful brand personality. Their brand background isn’t just a backdrop—it becomes part of the product story.
Proven Success: Tiffany & Co. saw 10% revenue growth in 2023, and much of that success came from their consistent brand image, which includes their distinctive use of backgrounds that reinforce their iconic brand.
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Environmental Backgrounds: Show Your Product in Action
Sometimes, nothing beats a real-life setting. Environmental backgrounds are ideal for depicting your product in use, whether that’s in an office, a coffee shop, or an outdoor adventure.
Pro Tip: Ensure that the environment is compatible with your product. For fitness gear, filming in the gym or outdoor park will create a story that speaks to your audience.
Example: Nike frequently uses environmental backgrounds in their ads to powerfully tell stories about athleticism and empowerment. Their product photos usually show athletes in action, showing their gear in performance situations, whether it’s on rugged outdoor terrain or a track field.
Storytelling Tip: For your new yoga mat collection, photograph them in a peaceful studio or serene outdoor environment. It connects the product with its intended experience—relaxation, balance, and mindfulness.
Practical Tips for Picking the Right Background
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Stay True to Your Brand
Your photos should feel like a natural extension of your brand. Select backgrounds that match your brand’s personality whether that’s minimalist, bold, cozy, or adventurous. Using consistent elements helps you develop a strong visual identity.
Pro Tip: Develop brand-specific background guidelines that match your brand identity. This will maintain your photos’ uniform and on-brand appearance across all your content.
Example: Coca-Cola gets this perfect. Many of their ads use traditional red backgrounds that match their well-known brand color. It’s been 100+ years, and their media consistency has helped them stay the world’s most recognized brand.
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Let the Subject Shine
Your background should never outshine your subject. The objective is to complement your product or model instead of competing with them for attention. Make sure your background doesn’t steal the spotlight from your main subject.
Example: Chanel uses black or white backgrounds in most of their photos to make their luxury products like handbags and perfumes stand out. The background fades into the background so your brand’s elegant products can take center stage.
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Experiment and Have Fun
You should give playing with different backgrounds a shot! Testing new things can help you find the ideal backdrop that matches your brand’s aesthetic. Take a few test shots with different backgrounds then evaluate which one looks and feels best.
Pro Tip: Mock setups let you preview how different backgrounds look with your subject before you make a final decision. This can help you avoid wasting time and guarantee that you get the perfect shot.
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Keep It Consistent
In order for your audience to recognize your visual brand, it's essential to maintain consistency across all your branding materials. Whether you prefer solid colors, textures, or environmental shots, make sure your backgrounds match your brand’s overall aesthetic.
Storytelling Tip: When thinking of your photo series, imagine them as chapters in a book that work together to tell your brand’s story in a cohesive way.
Wrapping It Up
The choice of background goes beyond creating visually appealing images. It’s about sharing your brand narrative while building emotional bonds and making sure your images resonate with your target audience. Through these tips, you’ll be able to display your products in ways that remain authentic, professional, and most importantly, representative of your brand’s identity.
So, the next time you pick up your camera, remember: A good photo becomes great when the right background is chosen, and when that background makes a powerful statement about your brand.
Happy shooting!
