Loading... Please wait...

ABOUT

OUR STYLE

Photo Pie’s backdrops are probably not what comes to mind when you typically think of “backdrops.”  It’s our goal to show how truly unique, creative, artistically admirable and even realistic images can be produced using our photography backdrops and supplies.  We've all seen backdrops used in cheap, amateur, unrealistic photography, but we at Photo Pie don't want to contribute to more bad photography. Along with popular patterns and flat styles, we also implement realistic images and forced perspective which creates a sense of 3D.  One of the main qualifications of our 3D backdrop images is that it needs to be able to put your clients or photography subjects in the reality of the environment of the backdrop, a seemingly seamless transition from foreground to background.  Above all, we feel we have accomplished our goal when others see our pictures and ask "Where did you find such a cool room?" or "Where did you take your clients to find that fabulous environment?" When the onlookers do not recognize we're using backgrounds at all, then we feel as though we have succeeded in integrating these old tools in new ways, thus opening up new vistas in American photography.  To see a video about our style, check out our "why pie" page.

 

SHIPPING:

At Photo Pie we strive to ship in 10 days or less, quicker than every competitor we know of.  If you need rushed manufacturing, we recommend our JerseyCloth or rubber-backded floor mats, as these two products we have a greater ability to expedite.  There is a $25 charge for rushed orders.  Please check with us first for the most current rush capabilities based upon queue lengths, etc.  

Shipping times are supplied by each carrier based upon the service you choose, and Photo Pie cannot make guarantees pertaining to third-party services. If you have a photography deadline, please let us know and we'll do everything we can to help meet your needs.

Domestic orders can be shipped via UPS or FedEx, and International shipments made via United States Postal Service (USPS) unless otherwise requested. You will be able to estimate your shipping costs once an item is placed in your cart and you proceed to checkout.  An email with your tracking information will be sent to you when your item has shipped. 

USPS quotes 3-5 business days for Express International shipping and 6-10 business days for Priority International.  All international customs and duty fees are the responsibility of the customer/recipient.  Please see the USPS website for more specific quotes and prices.

 

Cloth Types and Sizes 

clothtypescompared.jpg

newclothsizepricesheet.jpg

 

*InspiraCloth: Photo Pie's luxurious seamless, washable, wrinkle-free, background cloth. Double-faced satin made of 100% polyester fiber. Dye-sublimation printing method makes it washable and dryable, yet with rich, vibrant colorfastness. It is made for photography, so image surface has a non-glare, matte finish. Because of InspiraCloth's wrinkle-free nature, it can be stored folded, rolled, or stuffed in a bag/plastic crate. Comes with a top-side rod pocket unless otherwise requested. (Nominal size: 9' wide. Precise width: 9'2" wide).

**JerseyCloth: Similar to durable sweatshirt material, JerseyCloth backgrounds offer a seamless, washable, wrinkle-free, more affordable, alternative to InspiraCloth. JerseyCloth is a 100% polyester heavyweight material with a soft, knapped backing. Dye-sublimation printing gives it a brilliant, colorfast image while still making it washable/dryable. Since it is made for photography, image surface has a non-glare matte finish. Because of JerseyCloth's wrinkle-free nature, it can be stored folded, rolled, or stuffed in a bag/plastic crate. *Some JerseyCloth sizes come standard with hanging grommets, and some come standard with rod pockets.  Please refer to the chart above for specifications.  Rod pockets can be added to the grommeted size JerseyCloth backdrops, but please be aware that the loop may subtract from the space normally devoted to the backdrop image.

***CreativeCloth: Photo Pie's economical background material made of a more crisp nylon/polyester blend. The Ink-jet printing method makes a stunning and vivid image, but is non-washable. CreativeCloth is made for photography, so image surface has a non-glare, matte finish. This economical line produces great images, while allowing you to easily expand your variety of studio sets. Although typically visually undetectable, CreativeCloth is seamed for large dimensions. Because CreativeCloth is wrinkle-resistant, but not wrinkle-FREE, we recommend storing your backdrops rolled. They could also be folded gently and stored, but this may require repeat steaming. Does not have rod pocket unless otherwise requested.


BACKGROUND FAQ's

Are these digital backdrops?

No, these are the real thing – physical backdrops with the background and floor all in one piece.

What is it made of?

Our InspiraCloth is a seamless, washable, double-faced satin made of polyester fiber. JerseyCloth is similar to durable sweatshirt material, and also seamless, washable, and wrinkle-free. CreativeCloth is a light-weight nylon-polyester blend.

So what's the real difference between JerseyCloth and InspiraCloth?

Just the feel really, nothing more than preference.  They photograph the same, but some people like the feel of one over the other.  If you're interested in the price difference, please reference this chart.  If you would like to order free cloth type samples, click here.

Are your backdrops non-glare?

Absolutely! Don't buy backdrops that have glare. You won't pull off any kind of realistic look if the camera picks up glare.  See this video for more on the subject.

Are your backdrops 3D?

Our backdrops include the floor and background portions printed together on the same piece, using forced perspective to draw the subject into the environment.  So if that's what you mean by 3D, then the answer is yes!  For a closer look at what these backdrops look like in action, watch this tutorial

Does it wrinkle?

Our InspiraCloth and JerseyCloth are virtually wrinkle free as the textile industry uses the term.  If you have any fold lines, throw it in the dryer for a couple of minutes and it will pop right out.  The CreativeCloth is not wrinkle free, but still very resilient.  When CreativeCloth comes shipped to you, it will be folded. Before first use we recommend using a steamer on the backside to remove wrinkles from shipping.  After that, if properly stored and transported, you may never have to steam it again.  On the CreativeCloth, gentle rounded folds seldom result in wrinkles. If you give the backdrop a hard pressed crease like you would a piece of paper, however, then it will likely wrinkle, but our experience has shown us that it is very easy to fold and transport it in a way where it wrinkles do not occur.  For more info on these two cloths, watch this quick video.

How do I store it?

The InspiraCloth and JerseyCloth can be stored practically any way you want.  As for the CreativeCloth, we recommend using gently rounded folds, or putting it on a roll.  We recommend asking your local carpet store for a free 12ft carpet roll (they’re going to throw them away anyway), and storing the backdrop rolled up.  If you do this properly, you may never have to steam the background ever again after the first steam job.

What are the prices for custom sizing?

JerseyCloth does not have custom sizes, but InspiraCloth can be custom as long as one of the two dimensions is 9ft or less, and CreativeCloth can be virtually any size without limitation.  Any custom size rounds up to the cost of our standard sizes (ex: a 10x17 would be the rate of a 10x18, a 11x20 would round up to the price of a 12x22, etc). If you would like to order a extra large custom size above those standard square footages above (see chart), then the cost will be $1 per square foot for CreativeCloth and $2.50 for InspiraCloth (prices subject to change).  Please use this link to upload your file and this link if you would like a standard size.  Feel free to email us at more.info@photopie.com for a custom purchase link for custom sizes if that is what you're wanting.

Can you guys print our images on the background?

Absolutely!  Just send us your high res file and tell us the size you want.  We'll print your custom image for no extra charge! Please use this link to upload your file.

Because we can print custom images, this makes Photo Pie backdrops useful for a wide range of usages like theatrical backdrops, studio sets for videography or any kind of special photography, or even just special events where photography is not the focus.  You can even use our backdrops for interior design!  Whether it's the studio, theater, special events, or just your original ideas for interiors, let us bring your custom designs to reality.

How big of a file do you need? What kind of file?

At 300dpi at a length or width dimension within the range of 12-24 inches should produce a quality image.  This is not a specified format that you must format your file in, but rather an example of a recommended range of optimal clarity.  Also, remember that it’s not meant to be examined right in front of your face, but rather from several yards away, much like the principle in which are used in billboard printing. Another thing you can do is zoom your computer image until it reaches about the size it will be printing, and if you like how that resolution look on your screen, then it should be fine.  Please send us your files in CMYK since this is what we print from and it will give you the most accurate representation of what the color will look like.  Please click here to upload your file (56mb limit) or email it to us.

 

Tips For Better Backdrop Shots

Click here to view a short tutorials on how to make make the most out of your backdrop photography.