20 Creative Ideas for Product Background
4 July 2020

20 Creative Ideas for Product Background in Budget

Product photography plays an important role in creating a market for a specific product. The images shot during the product photography are used for both online and offline promotion and they play an important part in creating the need and demand of a product. But during a product photoshoot, how one captures the product and what is the narrative that is being told by the photos are two important details. Both of these aspects need special attention. Thus, it is important to use creativity and innovation during product photoshoots to capture the product in order to lure the customer into buying it.

Now, the product photography is a slightly complex process. Some might argue that if you have a product and your camera at your disposal, then what is the difficulty. But honestly, the problem is innovation. Think of it, how many different ways can you count of showcasing a product? In how many different ways can you capture the same thing? Because at some point, you are bound to get stuck and this is where you might need some aid. Hence, today in order to help all the blooming photographers, here we have created a list of 20 unique background ideas that you can use in product photography.

Here you go!

What are the top 20 product background ideas?

In any picture, the background is very important, and therefore, one is required to employ creative ideas to capture it. The Innovative use of the background will help you in scoring brand recognition and in surpassing your competitors. Here are some important tips that might help you in completing this feat.


1) Metal trays
If you have metal trays in your house then you shouldn’t be so quick in throwing them away. In fact, you should use them creatively as background in your photographs. You can use them from both sides and utilize the scratches that they feature, to your own advantage. They will offer your photos a unique texture. However, while using these surfaces as backgrounds check that they are not reflective or else they can ruin your pictures.


2) Wood
The best thing about using the wood surface as your background is that you can find it anywhere. Your home, your office, or your surroundings, everything is covered in wood from trees to chairs. Also, wood is a fantastic background option because it adds a rustic charm to your picture and lends it a homey look. So, if your product can use this, then we recommend you to experiment with different types of wood as the background until you nail down the effect that you are aiming for.


3) Tiles
Tiles are yet another option that you can use as background and they can be located easily too. Plus, the number of options that tiles offer in terms of different colors, textures, and sizes also adds to their usefulness. So, for example, you can use a black tile to add a look of elegance to your product, use a slate-colored tile to feature an Avant Grande look, or if it's an earthy look that you wish to add, then a natural tile can achieve it for you.


4) Sand
You can use sand creatively and innovatively to achieve many different effects. You can either place your product simply on the sand, or you can frame it to look as if the product is being immersed by the sand granules, or else you can also use the sand to capture the product print. Doing this will grant an element of uniqueness to your photographs and will also help you in capturing the interest of the viewer.


5) Bokeh
If your product demands specific attention or if you want to shoot a specific aspect of your product in the image, then while shooting you can opt for bokeh background. Now bokeh background is the one where you intentionally put a part of your photo (here the background) out of focus so that you can bring all the attention towards your product. It creates a sensation as if the viewer is being sucked in by the product.


6) Tinfoil
If you do not mind a glittery or sparkly background to shoot your product then the tinfoil is your perfect option. All you have to do is to crumple the aluminum or wrapping foil and then to spread it out as your background. Once you do this, then set your product at a distance of 6 feet away from the background and adjust the lighting as per your need. And then ta-da! Now pick up your camera and start snapping the pictures. (Tip; You might want to set the camers at a wide aperture.)


7) Neutral
Well, if you are introducing some props in your product photoshoot, then as the background you might want to use something simple that is not white but close. Now, if such is the case then you can always use neutrals or light pastel shades in the background. They especially work when you are clicking pictures for online promotions.


8) Patterns
Using a pattern is another simple and easy way to add some flair to your photographs. You just need to be mindful of what patterned design you incorporate in your pictures and whether or not it is complementing your product. Now for adding a pattern as a product background, all you have to do is to remove the original background and to insert a new pattern in the image editor. And ta-da! Your work is done!


9) Papers
Papers are a great and more importantly a very cheap background option. In product photography, you can use various kinds of paper. Maybe you can find in your house the baking paper or maybe you can use a paper bag? You can just crumple it and squeeze it to introduce folds and a dimensional effect. And if you cannot find any such paper near you, then just use the newspaper. Only fold it creatively and place it so that it looks a natural backdrop to your image. And done!


10) Brick
Have you ever had a chance to look at one of those houses that have the brick surface? Do you find them enchanting and pretty? Well, if so, then I guess, you won’t be hesitant in using them as your product background. Believe us, they are perfect, and using them ensures that the product holds the complete attention of the viewer.


11) Black
The typical black backgrounds are still many photographers' personal favorite. They are typically used for shooting products that require an elegant or sophisticated look. So, say maybe if you are shooting jewelry or make-up products, then the plain black background this can be an option. Also, remember, if you are using a black background then you can always play with the shadows, reflections and shines to add a dramatic dimension to your photos.

12) Fabric
Another viable background option that you can easily locate within the confines of your home is fabric. There are so many types of fabric like silk, leather, or lace that you can use as backdrops. You would just need to think a little deeper about what colors and what material will work for your product based on your target audience. Also, do not forget to iron the fabric while using it as a backdrop, or else your photos might just look cheap.


13) Solid colors
If black or white is your least favorite choice for the product backdrop, then maybe you need to choose some lively and vibrant colors. These will add a note of cheerfulness and playfulness to your product. All you need to do is just to choose a perfect hue that suits your product and your brand identity. And if you want dimensions, then you can simply use two or three-toned backgrounds to achieve the desired effect.


14) Rocks
Well, rocks are yet again a cheap and viable option for product photography. They can add dimension and uniqueness to your images. But while selecting the rocks one needs to be careful about the size of the stones that he selects and also about their hue. You might want to choose the rocks of shade so that they bring in contrast with the featuring product.


15) Leaves
Green looks lively and it is associated with nature. So, if you are shooting a product that is eco-friendly or which has an organic nature, then maybe you can use fresh green leave as your backdrop. Also, while shooting with leaves maybe you should click the pictures from up close as they would perfectly capture the texture of the leaves too. It will add more value to your images.


16) Textures
Textures as backgrounds can mean a long unending list of options. You can basically use anything that suits the overall theme of your product and also complements the product colors. One just needs to take care to pick something that is not overly complex and that would not distract the audience and drag their attention towards the background.


17) Liquid
The just before the ‘blast’ photos which capture a product in the backdrop where something momentous is about to happen right the very next second can be clicked with liquids too. So, if you can drop your product in water, or milk, or any other liquid, then you can record the splash that occurs at the contact right when the product hits the liquid surface. This will give your photo an intriguing appeal.


18) Contextual backgrounds
Contextual background means choosing a background where a customer can envision himself using the product. So, for example, if it’s a slipper that you are promoting then maybe you would like to capture it on the beach, or if it’s food that you are marketing then you might want to click the pictures in a café.


19) Rugs
Rugs as a background are a good choice mostly because they can be found right in the sanctuary of your home. Another benefit of using them is that they are easy to manage and capture in a frame. Just pay attention to selecting a rug that has the right texture and a complementary hue and you are all set for your photoshoot!


20) Vinyl backdrops
They are another option that has become a favorite of various photographers in recent times. This is probably because they are low investment and to be kept protected and in the prime condition, all they need is just a wet rag and to be held in a dry location. Now, if you use them as your product backdrop, then you have two options. Either you can select the marble vinyl background or you can opt for the solid vinyl background. You can probably decide this on the basis of your product theme.


So, these are some options that you can consider while selecting a background for your product photography. All you have to focus upon is your brand, your product, and your viewers. Once you are clear on these three aspects, it won’t be hard for you to find your perfect complimentary backdrop for your product! Now if you are a photographer and you need to enhance or edit your images of product you can also hire product photo editing services. there are many agencies available who can provide image editing related services to photographer or business owner.