Attributed to Mr. Archisman Misra, Founder, and CEO, StudioBackdrops.com (SBDC)
Since the early 1900s, hand-painted photography backdrops have been an integral part of India’s history. When photography was introduced in India, outdoor shooting had many limitations. And that made hand-painted backdrops an important part of royal portraits and photography studios across the country. Hand-painted backdrops, with their depiction of intricate sceneries and meticulous details, became a way for people all over the world to create and capture fantasies. This tradition carried on and became a fun way for people to get photographed on backdrops featuring locales that they couldn’t visit.
The rich history of hand-painted backdrops was improved upon by Sarah Oliphant of Oliphant Backdrops, USA. She changed the imaging industry and is responsible for painting the backdrops behind some of the most iconic images in the world. However, along with exquisite artistry comes an equally exquisite price tag. Hand-painted backdrops have not been easily available or affordable around the world.
In the last few decades, a cheaper alternative became popular as printing technology improved worldwide. People started printing out images of hand-painted backdrops, hoping to get the same results as a hand-painted backdrop. Printed backdrops became more affordable and gave people the chance to shoot with hand-painted designs without having to invest in one.
Despite having the same look as hand-painted backdrops, printed backdrops are unable to emulate the texture and richness that exists in hand-painted backdrops. This is what sets hand-painted backdrops apart and makes them many sought-after products. The multiple media used to paint these backdrops provide a brilliant depth and texture. And combined with the mastery of the craft and an eye for detail possessed by none other than the painter, these backdrops become a work of art.
Professional photographers agree that shooting with a hand-painted canvas backdrop always produces better results. The rich colours and vibrant designs cannot be emulated by any other material, let alone printed backdrops. Printed backdrops can copy an image and the design but they will not have the details of a hand-painted backdrop. While every individual brush stroke in a hand-painted backdrop adds a unique dimension to the background. Some photographers even choose to paint their own, but it pales in comparison to the backdrops painted by the experts.
As more and more people understand the superiority of hand-painted backdrops, the industry is shifting. While hand-painted backdrops have always been very exclusive products, in the last few years, a number of brands have come up in India that are making hand-painted backdrops. But there is one brand that has been carefully preserving this art for a very long time.
Aavant is one of the oldest creators of hand-painted backdrops in India. Their creations have adorned some of the greatest theatres, stages, and photography studios across the world. They have become the industry leaders in hand-painted backdrops with the largest collection of designs in the world. Aavant, however, has mainly been an exporter and these designs have not been available in the Indian market. In a move that benefits both, Studiobackdrops.com has partnered up with Aavant to market and distribute their products in India.
Off late we have seen the resurgence of hand-painted backdrops in India. A lot of photographers who had shifted to plain seamless backdrops are once again welcoming textures into their studios. A lot of celebrities are also requesting to be shot on hand-painted backdrops as an expression of self. These are indeed positive vibrations in this century-old practice and we can certainly see a lot of growth in this field.
