If you’re deciding between a traditional manual chain backdrop system and an electric backdrop system, don’t hesitate—go for the electric one. It’s a game-changer for any photography studio, offering convenience, speed, and precision at the touch of a button. However, not all electric systems are created equal, and choosing the right one can make a significant difference in your workflow. At first glance, most electric backdrop systems might appear nearly identical, with the only obvious difference being the design of the remote control. But beneath the surface, their functionality and performance can vary greatly, with one often proving far superior to the other. In this article, I’ll break down the subtle yet crucial differences to help you make an informed decision and invest in the system that best suits your studio’s needs.

In my studio, I currently have two electric backdrop systems: one is six years old, and the other is just six months old. Surprisingly, the older system has proven to be much better in terms of performance and reliability. Both systems are ceiling-mounted and designed to hold up to six backdrops, but I typically use only four backdrops on each. Over the years, I’ve tested them with a variety of materials, including paper backdrops, Savage paper rolls, and hand-painted canvases of different thicknesses and weights. Despite their similar installation and capacity, the differences in quality and functionality between the two systems have become increasingly apparent, reinforcing the importance of choosing the right electric backdrop system for your studio.

Both electric backdrop systems in my studio are officially non-branded, but there’s a subtle distinction: one of them has a brand name printed on the remote, while the other is completely generic. Despite this minor difference, neither system is tied to a well-known manufacturer, which can make it challenging to compare their quality at first glance. However, the presence of a name on the remote doesn’t necessarily indicate better performance or reliability—it’s the functionality and durability of the system itself that matter most. This underscores the need to look beyond surface-level branding and focus on how the system performs in a real studio setting.

SO WHICH MOTORISED ELECTRIC BACKDROP SYSTEM CHOOSE?

When choosing an electric backdrop system, I highly recommend opting for the motorized system with the black remote bearing the “Nanguang” name. This system stands out for its durability, stable performance, and smooth operation, making it a reliable addition to any studio setup. One of its standout features is the ability to program the backdrops using wireless transmission, allowing you to assign different channels for seamless operation. This level of functionality not only adds convenience but also ensures that the system can adapt to your specific needs, especially in a busy studio environment. In my experience, it’s a solid, well-engineered choice that outperforms other non-branded alternatives. HERE IS THE LINK

Avoid choosing the electric backdrop system with the white remote. In my experience, this system proved to be unreliable and caused significant issues in my studio. The backdrop holders eventually broke into pieces, but even before that, they frequently loosened inside the tubes holding the backdrops. As a result, the rolls would spin in place, making it impossible to lower or raise the backdrops properly. Each time, I had to climb a ladder to manually tighten them, which was both frustrating and time-consuming. Additionally, the system worked inconsistently, with frequent interruptions, and struggled to lift the weight of hand-painted canvas backdrops. The motor clearly couldn’t handle the load, making this system unsuitable for professional use.

Was this helpful? If so, don’t forget to let me know! Stay tuned for more photography tips, tricks, and gear recommendations to make your studio workflow smoother and more efficient.

If you’re interested in exploring more photography tips and tricks and creative maternity photography techniques – posing techniques and learning how to use studio light to showcase your pregnant models in the best and most interesting way, join us for a ONLINE CREATIVE MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY ACADEMY.

But if you more up to personal learning experience – let me invite you to in person workshops. These workshops are available in various locations. You can find all the details here: MATERNITY WORKSHOPS.

AA simple and efficient way to store modifiers in your photography studio is by hanging them on the wall using Spiro pipe collars. These collars are incredibly easy to mount and provide a practical solution for keeping your space organized. Designed to accommodate Bowens-mounted modifiers or any other modifiers with a mounting system of at least 11 cm in diameter, these pipe collars securely hold your gear, keeping it easily accessible and off the floor. By utilizing your wall space, you not only create a tidy studio environment but also ensure that your modifiers are always within reach, making your workflow smoother and more efficient.

These Spiro pipe collars are also incredibly easy to find and purchase. Available in most DIY stores and home improvement shops, they are a cost-effective and readily accessible solution for photographers looking to optimize their studio space. With a variety of sizes and materials to choose from, you can easily find the right fit for your needs without breaking the bank. Just a quick visit to your local hardware store or an online search will provide you with plenty of options to start organizing your modifiers in a simple and effective way.

here are some links where you can find them: EBAY UK, WALMART, AMAZON

Make sure you choose the longer one with a diameter of 10 cm.

If you’re interested in exploring more photography tips and tricks and creative maternity photography techniques – posing techniques and learning how to use studio light to showcase your pregnant models in the best and most interesting way, join us for a ONLINE CREATIVE MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY ACADEMY.

But if you more up to personal learning experience – let me invite you to in person workshops. These workshops are available in various locations. You can find all the details here: MATERNITY WORKSHOPS.

A versatile and creative backdrop can be crafted using customizable tiles available in a range of vibrant colors. Measuring 30×30 cm each, these tiles can be easily attached to a wall with small nails, allowing for the creation of a backdrop tailored to any desired size. The ability to mix and match different colors offers endless possibilities for unique and eye-catching designs, whether you’re aiming for a gradient effect, a bold pattern, or a mosaic-style backdrop for your photography studio.

Shiny event tiles, like these silver panels, are a great choice for creating a beautiful and creative backdrop for photoshoots. Often used in event decorations, these tiles work particularly well for portrait and maternity photography. Their reflective surface catches the light from LED lights, creating eye-catching effects that make your photos stand out. Using the shutter drag technique with these tiles adds unique motion flares to each photo, which can be shaped by moving the camera or model in different ways. This technique brings energy and uniqueness to every shot. Whether you’re capturing a portrait or a maternity session, these silver tiles provide a striking and elegant background for your photos.

These tiles can be found on Ali, here: https://pl.aliexpress.com/item/1005003842537414.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.272.410f1c24ulBCwO&gatewayAdapt=glo2pol

Calculate the dimensions of space you need to cover with the tiles and order the exact amount – each tile is 30×30 cm. I created a wall that is 1,8 m wide – but if you plan doing portraits or maternity sessions, a narrower backdrop will be just fine.

If you’re interested in exploring more creative maternity photography techniques – posing techniques and learning how to use studio light to showcase your pregnant models in the best and most interesting way, join us for a ONLINE CREATIVE MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY ACADEMY.

But if you more up to personal learning experience – let me invite you to in person workshops. These workshops are available in various locations. You can find all the details here: MATERNITY WORKSHOPS.

TIP: open this link on your phone, screenshot the below images. Create folder: POSING on your phone and save all your posing charts in one place so you can have easy access to them when you need them on your maternity or portrait session.

Alternatively: print the pictures and attach them to your mood board – mine hangs close to the place, where I stand while takich shots during my maternity sessions.

Mastering hand positioning in standing poses can greatly enhance the quality of your portraits. Hands have the power to convey emotion, add dynamism, and improve overall composition. Encourage models to keep their hands relaxed and natural, steering clear of stiff or rigid positions. Suggest they gently rest their hands on their hips, run fingers through their hair, or hold props like jackets or bags to add context and depth to the shot. Experimenting with various hand placements can evoke different moods, from confident and poised to soft and elegant. For a more dramatic effect, incorporate movement, such as having the model brush their hand across their face or gently sway their arms. By adjusting angles and lighting, you can further highlight the natural grace and expressiveness of your model’s hands, ensuring your portraits are captivating and memorable.

If you’re interested in exploring more posing techniques and learning how to use studio light to showcase your pregnant models in the best and most creative way, join us for a ONLINE CREATIVE MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY ACADEMY.

But if you more up to personal learning experience – let me invite you to in person workshops. These workshops are available in various locations. You can find all the details here: MATERNITY WORKSHOPS.

TIP: open this link on your phone, screenshot the below images. Create folder: POSING on your phone and save all your posing charts in one place so you can have easy access to them when you need them on your maternity or portrait session.

Alternatively: print the pictures and attach them to your mood board – mine hangs close to the place, where I stand while takich shots during my maternity sessions.

When it comes to portrait sessions, having models pose on a cube can be a real game-changer! It’s a great way to add depth and context to your shots. By experimenting with how the model sits or leans on the cube, you can create a range of different moods, from relaxed and thoughtful to bold and glamorous. Sitting poses are also perfect for highlighting natural curves, especially in maternity or boudoir shoots, giving the photos a warm and intimate feel. And don’t forget to play around with angles and lighting – they can completely transform the look of your portraits, making them truly stand out!

Here are some tips to remember when you pose your models sitting on the CHAIR:

1. Arch the Back: Encourage the model to gently arch her back to showcase her baby bump. This creates a flattering curve and emphasizes her pregnancy silhouette.
2. Soft Hands: Remind the model to keep her hands relaxed and gentle. Avoid clenched fists, which can appear tense in photos. Soft hand placements add a delicate touch to the pose.
3. Straight Toes: Keep the model’s toes pointed or straightened to elongate the legs and maintain a graceful posture. This contributes to a more elegant and flattering pose.

If you’re interested in exploring more posing techniques and learning how to use studio light to showcase your pregnant models in the best and most creative way, join us for a ONLINE CREATIVE MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY ACADEMY.

But if you more up to personal learning experience – let me invite you to in person workshops. These workshops are available in various locations. However, if you’re looking for a personalized 1-1 experience, I invite you to my studio in Warsaw, Poland. You can find all the details here: MATERNITY WORKSHOPS.

TIP: open this link on your phone, screenshot the below images. Create folder: POSING on your phone and save all your posing charts in one place so you can have easy access to them when you need them on your maternity or portrait session.

Alternatively: print the pictures and attach them to your mood board – mine hangs close to the place, where I stand while takich shots during my maternity sessions.