When planning a photoshoot, choosing the right backdrop is just as crucial as lighting and composition. The background sets the mood, enhances the aesthetic, and impacts the visual appeal of your images. At leading daylight studio Atelier Oost Amsterdam, we offer various spaces with unique backdrops, each with its own character and material selection. But how do you choose the right setting for your shoot?
In this blog, we will guide you through the different materials and colours available in The Livingroom, The Loft, and The Playground. This way, you can discover which backdrop best suits your photoshoot.
In this blog, we will guide you through the different materials and colours available in The Livingroom, The Loft, and The Playground. This way, you can discover which backdrop best suits your photoshoot.
Which materials are best for a photoshoot, and how do they affect the image?
Let’s begin with a mini masterclass on how different materials influence your visuals. The material of your backdrop not only determines the look of your photos but also affects how light and shadows interact with the scene. Here’s a brief overview of the materials we use in our studios:
Paper backdrops
Paper backgrounds are sleek, uniform, and perfect for achieving a clean, modern look. They are ideal for portraits, e-commerce, and high-fashion shoots where the focus needs to remain entirely on the subject.
Wooden panels
If you’re aiming for a natural, warm aesthetic, wood is an excellent choice. It offers an artisanal and organic feel, making it perfect for portrait photography, lifestyle shoots, and branding sessions with a rustic touch.
Aluminium panels
Aluminium has an industrial appeal and subtly reflects light, adding a contemporary, edgy vibe to your images. It is often used in fashion and art photography and is excellent for reflective photography. Read our blog on this technique to learn how to add a magical touch to your photos.
Lime paint & chalk paint
Both paints create a powdery, soft texture with subtle colour variations. Chalk paint has a matte, slightly rough finish, while lime paint offers more depth due to its natural pigments. These options are perfect for dreamy, artistic images with a minimalist feel.
Paper backdrops
Paper backgrounds are sleek, uniform, and perfect for achieving a clean, modern look. They are ideal for portraits, e-commerce, and high-fashion shoots where the focus needs to remain entirely on the subject.
Wooden panels
If you’re aiming for a natural, warm aesthetic, wood is an excellent choice. It offers an artisanal and organic feel, making it perfect for portrait photography, lifestyle shoots, and branding sessions with a rustic touch.
Aluminium panels
Aluminium has an industrial appeal and subtly reflects light, adding a contemporary, edgy vibe to your images. It is often used in fashion and art photography and is excellent for reflective photography. Read our blog on this technique to learn how to add a magical touch to your photos.
Lime paint & chalk paint
Both paints create a powdery, soft texture with subtle colour variations. Chalk paint has a matte, slightly rough finish, while lime paint offers more depth due to its natural pigments. These options are perfect for dreamy, artistic images with a minimalist feel.
The Livingroom – An intimate and versatile photo studio
Available materials:Wooden panels
Aluminium panels
Sand-coloured lime paint
Grey chalk paint
Coloured backdrops
The Livingroom is our smallest and most intimate studio, ideal for personal branding shoots and portraits. Here, you’ll find wooden panels for a seventies aesthetic, along with aluminium and sand-coloured lime paint. The grey chalk paint on the wall creates a bold, industrial look, while the mix of wooden and aluminium panels adds a playful contrast between warmth and modernity.
- The wooden panel wall adds an authentic and natural touch to your visuals. Perfect for creative entrepreneurs and brands looking for an artisanal feel.
- Aluminium creates a sleek, industrial look – ideal for professional portraits with a contemporary edge.
- Lime paint in sand tones & grey chalk paint offer soft, natural backgrounds that keep the focus entirely on the subject.
Want to add extra colour? We also provide various coloured backdrops for striking accents in your shoot. Read our blog about coloured backgrounds to learn more about their impact and how to use them effectively.
The Loft – A minimalist daylight studio for timeless visuals
Available materials:Beige chalk paint
Neutral tones
The Loft is a bright, serene, and spacious open studio with a warm, minimalist atmosphere. The neutral tones and beige chalk paint create a timeless, calming effect, making it perfect for aesthetic fashion shoots or editorials with a soft, natural look. The Loft offers an urban-cool aesthetic with a soothing ambience.
- Beige chalk paint subtly absorbs light, adding gentle depth to the background, creating a luxurious, editorial feel.
- Neutral tones across the walls, furniture, stairs, and accessories help keep the focus on the clothing and model without distractions.
Colour psychology: Beige and neutral tones are associated with tranquillity, sophistication, and timeless elegance – ideal for fashion and lifestyle brands aiming for a subtle yet powerful visual impact.
The Playground – An artistic, oversized photo studio with a dreamy colour palette
Available materials:Exclusive Earth Collection by Art-In-Return on the walls
Deep textures in the paint
Various colours, including terracotta, anthracite, and powder pink
The Playground is our largest studio, designed for extensive productions involving both video and photography. This space is inspired by the dreamy, earthy hues of Marrakesh, with deep textures and a cloudy effect on the walls, creating an artistic and dynamic backdrop.
- Terracotta evokes a warm, earthy atmosphere, ideal for fashion and beauty shoots with a Mediterranean feel.
- Anthracite offers a bold, mysterious, and luxurious vibe, perfect for high-end fashion and editorial shoots.
- Powder pink provides a soft, dreamy, and romantic setting, ideal for beauty and portrait photography.
Colour psychology: Earthy tones (such as terracotta) represent stability, warmth, and authenticity.Darker shades (such as anthracite) exude strength and luxury.Soft pastels (such as powder pink) convey refinement and subtlety.
Discover all twelve exclusive paint colours from The Farm x Art-In-Return in our blog. These stunning shades are also available for purchase – perfect for bringing a touch of artistic beauty into your home!
Which daylight studio is right for your shoot?
Whether you're planning an intimate portrait session, a stylish fashion campaign, or a large-scale production, we have the perfect backdrop to bring your vision to life. Here’s a quick guide to choosing the ideal studio for your needs:
A personal and versatile branding shoot in a cosy, home-like setting? → The Livingroom
A minimalist (fashion) editorial with New York City loft vibes? → The Loft
A large-scale production with an artistic and raw aesthetic? → The Playground
Whether you're planning an intimate portrait session, a stylish fashion campaign, or a large-scale production, we have the perfect backdrop to bring your vision to life. Here’s a quick guide to choosing the ideal studio for your needs:
A personal and versatile branding shoot in a cosy, home-like setting? → The Livingroom
A minimalist (fashion) editorial with New York City loft vibes? → The Loft
A large-scale production with an artistic and raw aesthetic? → The Playground
