Photo © Miguel Quiles

Savage Universal Timeless Textures Painted Canvas
Editor’s Choice

Introduced earlier this year, these hand-painted canvas backgrounds are perfect for portraits. Available in seven colors ranging from rich Marsala to the dark gray Eclipse, each sturdy cotton canvas background is mounted to a heavy-duty aluminum core with a wood trim counterweight at the bottom. The canvases can be quickly spot-cleaned with a damp sponge when necessary. Got wrinkles? Steam the canvas from the back and you’re good to go.
Price: $135+
savageuniversal.com

Denny Manufacturing Stained Apple Boxes

Apple Boxes are a staple at many studios, and Denny Manufacturing’s latest offerings include these handsome, full and half boxes. Stained dark brown with a matte finish, they’re designed to blend naturally on most sets. Built for strength with reinforced centers, these boxes will hold up whether supporting the weight of models, photographers or gear. And they’re easy to arrange, thanks to the cut-out grips. The full apple box (DAB-8) measures 20 x 12 x 8 inches; the half box (DAB-4) measures 20 x 12 x 4 inches. They’re available individually or in a one-of-each set.
Price: $70+
dennymfg.com

Westcott X-Drop Sweep Background

Ideal for full-length portraits, Westcott has expanded its popular X-Drop line to include a background with a sweep. Measuring 5 x 12 feet, the background is constructed of washable, wrinkle-resistant blended cotton fabric so reflections won’t be an issue. The background comes with grommets and a pole pocket and is compatible with the compact X-Drop Backdrop Frame. Available in black, gray, high-key white and chroma key, the background can be purchased alone or in kit form with the telescopic X-Drop Backdrop Frame.
Price: $70+
fjwestcott.com

Lastolite/Manfrotto Urban Collapsible Background

The latest addition to Lastolite’s Urban Collapsible Background series brings the grit of the city into the studio or on location. The reversible backdrop offers a faux concrete look on one side, with a smoky, vignetted pattern on the other. Fully expanded, the backdrop measures approximately 5 x 7 feet but collapses to one-third that size for easy transport.
Price: $218
manfrotto.us/lastolite