If dreamy, dramatic, classic portraits inspire you to create, then Savage Universal’s Painted Canvas Backdrops would be an essential tool for you and your studio. Savage Universal has been creating and selling lots of backdrops and equipment for photographers for years and their canvas backdrops are probably one of my favorites from their shop.

These solid, heavy cotton canvas backdrops instantly became part of my arsenal the moment I got my hands on them.

You can see some sample photos towards the end of this post where I’ve use the canvass backdrop in my shoots.

Now to the reasons why you should get this backdrop:

DURABILITY AND BUILD

This backdrop is made of thick, heavy cotton canvas material. You can easily tell by touching it.  Based from my experience of using it for years, the material remains durable and strong. For almost 3 years of use, the color is still pretty vibrant. Even if you roll the backdrop all the way down to the floor and step on it, it is strong enough to withstand pressure and dirt. It’s easy to clean and to remove any kind of minor wrinkle by steaming it from behind.

What I love about this backdrop is the aluminum core that really gives it a solid, sturdy build. Unlike most backdrop rolls with a thick paper core, the aluminum build makes it extra durable. At the edge of the canvas roll is a counterweight wood trim. It helps straighten your backdrop when hanged and also keeps it in place without using any kind of tape. Little caveat though, you have to remind your subjects about the wooden bar before they step on the backdrop. I had some experience with people tripping over it. Nothing major though. Just some minor trips with their shoe getting caught on the wood.

Another thing I love about this canvas backdrop is the velcro strap that locks and secures the whole thing together. No need for tapes every time you secure the backdrop away.

AFFORDABILITY

There are lots of canvas backdrop options out here. They are available if you do your research but most hand-painted backdrops are could cost a lot. Consider the high price point plus shipping costs (canvas backdrops are huge). I got myself a hand-painted canvas backdrop from e-bay a while back but the material is way sub-par with this one. The fabric material of the one I had was thinner and the core was made of some sort of cardboard material that gets soft and soggy through time.  

The Savage Universal Canvas backdrop sells for

$148.99 for the 5’W x 7’H (1.52m x 2.13m), 12lbs and

$287.99 for the 8’W x 12’H (2.44mx3.66m), 24lbs roll.

VERSATILITY

Change in light, colors, and temperature instantly changes the mood of the backdrop.

You can easily add a warming or cooling gel or even a colored gel to add an extra kick to your photo.

The versatility that this backdrop brings is endless. You can use it to create a wide range of images from classic portraits, fine art images, fashion images and more.

EXTRA TIP: The back of the canvas is white, and you can actually use it as a backdrop itself.

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Irvin is a fashion and portrait photographer at www.graphicsmetropolismetropolis.com and is also the founder of A BOOK OF.