Part 2: Creating Top Selling Backgrounds

Part 2: Creating Top Selling Backgrounds

Part 1 of this blog, The Art of Background Selection, focused on the crucial role of background selection in professional school photography, highlighting strategies such as market segmentation, regular updates, and strategic placement within categories. This blog will focus on the types of backgrounds that become best sellers and showcase our own top selling backgrounds.

A PARENT'S PERSPECTIVE: WHAT THEY LOVE

Parents play a pivotal role in the school photography experience, and understanding their preferences is key to delivering exceptional results. Backgrounds featuring windows, bricks, a chalkboard, or books are particularly popular among parents. These elements add a touch of familiarity and warmth to the images, creating a connection that resonates with both parents and subjects.

Here’s a look at our top 20 backgrounds across all segments:

THE EVERGREEN APPEAL OF TRADITIONAL STYLES

When it comes to background selection, traditional style master backgrounds continue to be among the top sellers across all segments. Among these, blue and gray tones remain perennial favorites. These neutral hues provide a timeless backdrop that complements a wide range of subjects and settings.

TIMELESS OFFERINGS: BRICKS

Certain backgrounds stand the test of time and never go out of style. One such classic is the brick with vines motif. This natural, earthy backdrop adds a touch of rustic charm and visual interest, making it a longstanding favorite among photographers and clients alike.

A BEAUTIFUL IMAGE VS. A BEAUTIFUL BACKGROUND

It's imperative to acknowledge that a captivating image does not necessarily equate to an ideal background for a school photo. This subtle distinction is pivotal in the crafting of exceptional portraits. Several factors come into play: a background may be too busy or it might feature elements that protrude awkwardly behind the subject's head. Furthermore, the main element of the photograph could become obscured once the subject is introduced.

Understanding the distinction between a captivating image and an ideal background is crucial. At 36Pix, we meticulously curate our selection to ensure that each background enhances the subject rather than competes with it. This attention to detail results in school photos that capture the essence of the subject, creating lasting memories for both parents and students.

ENSURE THE SUBJECT TAKES CENTER STAGE

Realistic backgrounds should feature a subtle level of blur to mimic the natural focus of the human eye. This effect serves to draw the viewer's attention to the subject, creating a clear visual hierarchy within the image.

By applying background blur, you can establish a sense of depth and separation between the subject and their environment. This three-dimensional effect adds a layer of visual interest and helps the subject stand out in a compelling and natural way.

DEPTH & PERSPECTIVE: PLAYING WITH ANGLES

Photographs taken from different angles, particularly those that showcase depth, are highly sought after. Experimenting with perspectives can create captivating images that draw the viewer in, adding an extra dimension to your portraits.

Speaking of perspective, keep in mind the poses used in school photography when creating your backgrounds, as this plays a crucial role in achieving a natural and seamless look that parents highly value. Parents want the background to look as natural as possible, so the composition and crop of your backgrounds should reflect that.

ELEVATING EXISTING BACKGROUNDS: LIGHTING EFFECTS & SHADOWS

Sometimes the key to creating top-selling backgrounds isn't starting from scratch, but rather enhancing what you already have. Here are two powerful techniques to transform your underutilized backgrounds into sought-after favorites:

Add Lighting Effects

Lighting is a fundamental aspect of any photograph, and it can dramatically alter the mood and atmosphere of an image. By strategically incorporating lighting effects into your existing backgrounds, you can infuse them with a fresh vibrancy that catches the eye and captivates viewers.

Introduce Shadows

Shadows are a powerful compositional element that can add depth, dimension, and a sense of realism to your backgrounds. They provide context to the lighting conditions, grounding the subjects in their environment and creating a more immersive visual experience.

Remember, the goal is not to overpower the background, but rather to enhance it in a way that complements and elevates the overall composition. By skillfully applying lighting effects and shadows, you can breathe new life into existing backgrounds, turning them into captivating canvases that resonate with parents.

CONCLUSION

By understanding market segments, embracing timeless styles, and considering the preferences of parents, you'll be well on your way to creating perfect backgrounds that resonate with your clients.

Naturally, the foundation for perfect backgrounds begins with a perfect extraction. Take this opportunity to test your images today, paving the way for a collection of breathtaking backgrounds that will leave a lasting impression.

Upload you image to remove the background now: