How to Choose the Perfect Backdrop Size: An Ultimate Guide+Recommending Sizes

Which backdrop size should I be ordering?

The backdrop’s size should perfectly fit your studio in order to look both practical and aesthetic. This is why, when choosing its size, it’s crucial to figure out what’s your studio’s area first.

How? - You shall measure: depth, width, and, most importantly, ceiling height.

The accurate measuring of these three factors will result in an essential reference when choosing your backdrop size.

• Height

Your studio’s ceiling height might be a limitation when it comes to measuring it, this is because you need to keep in mind the additional implementation of a ceiling light when you begin to measure the height so that you calculate enough space for both setting a backdrop while leaving some room for extra additions. 

Generally, you’d require a 4-foot height over the model’s head, meaning you’d need at least 10-12 feet ceiling height for your backdrops to be used for full-length body shots, headshots, waist shots, half-length shots, ¾ length portraits, etc. 

For example: 

The model’s height is approximately 6 feet tall and there is an extra 4 feet of height above the model’s head (for extra backdrop space, lighting and any other additional element). This makes a total of 10 feet, but to ensure flexibility and comfort a 10-12 feet backdrop would be ideal for this type of measurement. Keep in mind that if the subject(s) are sitting or lying down, the limitations would be significantly different.

Additional considerations to keep in mind if using sweep backdrops and floor sets:

Floor sets, with stable, non-slip backgrounds, are perfect for a transition between the backdrop and the floor part in various photo sessions. To prevent the gap between the hanging backdrop and the floor mat, you should cover some backdrop under the floor mat. Thus the backdrop height size should be a little longer than portrait photography when use rubber floor mat in your photoshoot.

This type of arrangement typically necessitates an additional 3 - 6 feet above the intended background length. 

• Depth

For a single standing model, a distance of 1.5 to 3 feet is usually sufficient. However, for group shoots involving long dresses, movements, or specific poses, this distance may need to be adjusted. It would be helpful to provide distance recommendations based on different types of groups.

 Additionally, if you want a more natural look in your photos, increasing the distance slightly can improve the effect and prevent any sense of compression from being too close to the backdrop.

Width - The perfect backdrop width depends on the number (and size) of models you will need to shoot. Usually, 10 feet is a perfect overall choice, but to get more specific:

• Width for kids or single portraits: 5-7 feet 
• Width for full-body portraits or couples: 8-10 feet 
• Width for larger groups: 11-12 feet 
• Width for an expansive scene: 13-16 feet 

Keep in mind that these are size examples that can be applied in the most common occasions, such as full-length body shots, as a baseline. But please note that the following references are relatively the most cost-effective recommendations. If your studio or space is big enough, you can choose any backdrop size.

Your Subject(s) Size

Ok, now that you’ve measured the size of your space, you need to consider the size of your subject(s) too (according to the type of session).

How many people will you shoot?

How many model(s) will pose?

What kind of compositions and shots will you need?

These are all crucial questions you need to ask yourself and give an answer to, to eventually decide the width of your backdrops.

Figuring out what your session needs is always the best way to help you choose your perfect backdrop size.

For example: for kids, headshots, ¾ length portraits, you will need at least 5ft of width for your background and at least 1ft on both sides for the backdrop to extend beyond the edges. So you may need 7ft in total for a single portrait. You also need to consider that if your model needs to lie on the floor or you are planning family or holiday sessions, you may need more width - usually 10 feet wide is a good choice.

Kate Backdrops are available in multiple sizes - standard widths of 3ft, 5ft, 6.5ft, 8ft, 10ft, and 20ft - this wide choice allows you to be able to shoot with a variety of big to small backdrops, to everything in between.

You haven’t found your perfect size? - No worries, you can also choose to customize an even larger size according to your requirements!

So, to summarize:

• The ceiling height and depth of your studio determine the height of the backdrop.
• The space of your subject(s) determines the width of your backdrop.

Please remember that it is always safest to order a backdrop that is too large rather than too small, as it is much easier to crop an image than try to digitally extend the background. According to the standard we mentioned above, 6.5ft ×10ft, 8ft ×10ft, and 10ft ×10ft (width × height) is enough for most regular sessions. 

The Size Range of Kate Backdrops

Now that you’ve calculated the height, the depth, and the width, you can start choosing the backdrop size that you want. 

The perfect backdrop size will differ according to the type of photoshoot needed and the subject you are shooting. The backdrop size of single portrait photography will surely be different than the one of a group family photo! So, let’s get more specific, to better understand this requirement.

Newborn photos - Newborns are the tiniest models and won’t need a large backdrop, making 3 x 5 feet enough to capture them fully.

(Please note: All backdrop sizes are displayed as "width x height" , 1ft ≈ 0.3m)

• 3ft (W) x 5 ft (H) (1m x 1.5m) / 5 ft (W) x 3ft (H) (1.5m x 1m)

• 5ft (W) x 5 ft (H) (1.5m x 1.5m)

Portrait Photoshoot

Individual headshots - For standard headshots the recommended size is 5 x 7 feet, which is enough to capture your model from shoulder to top, without any unnecessary background space. 

• 5ft (W) x 7 ft (H) (1.5m x 2.2m) / 7 ft (W) x 5ft (H) (2.2m x 1.5m)
• 7ft (H) for standing posture and 5ft (H) for no standing posture // 1-2 people.

• 8ft (W) x 8 ft (H) ( 2.4m x 2.4m) / 8.2ft(W) x 8.2ft(H) (2.5m x 2.5m)

• 6.5ft (W) x 10 ft (H) (2m x 3m ) / 10 ft (W) x 6.5ft (H) (3m x 2m)