Fabric vs Fleece vs Lunara — Which Backdrop is Right for You?
Let’s face it, picking the right backdrop material can make or break your session. Lighting, tone, texture, mood — it all changes depending on what’s behind your subject. But not all materials are created equal. So how do you decide between fabric, fleece, and the premium Lunara?
Here’s how each backdrop stacks up, straight from the studio floor.
Fabric: For Everyday Versatility
Material: Lightweight matte cloth (cotton/poly blends)
Vibe: Soft, minimal, natural
Best For: Families, kids, lifestyle, headshots, on-location
Pros:
- Portable and lightweight
- Steams easily for a clean look
- Low-glare and flexible in small spaces
- Ideal for Westcott X-Drops (great for on-location headshots)
Cons:
- Can wrinkle if not stored properly
- Less texture and depth than canvas
Use This When: You need a solid go-to backdrop for day-in, day-out work.
See Fabric In Use:
Image © Photography by Kasey Duvall
Image © Anj Portrait Studio
Image © Julia V Photography
Fleece: For Clean, Matte, High-Volume Shooting
Material: Synthetic fleece with flat, even surface
Vibe: Clean, even, no-glare
Best For: Mini sessions, school photos, high-volume portrait setups
Pros:
- Wrinkle-resistant
- Even surface and soft shadow control
- Easy to hang and swap quickly
- Also ideal for Westcott X-Drops
Cons:
- Minimal visual texture
- Less luxurious feel compared to hand-painted muslin or Lunara
Use This When: You need efficiency, speed, and consistency.
See Fleece In Use:
Image © Anj Portrait Studio
Image © Photography by Kasey Duvall
Image © Anj Portrait Studio
4. Lunara: For High-End, Light-Controlled Studio Work
Material: Exclusive Intuition material with blackout and slip-resistant backing, and matte surface
Vibe: Luxurious, controlled, professional polish
Best For: Beauty, fashion, headshots, editorial branding
Pros:
- Matte finish eliminates glare
- Blackout liner blocks background bleed
- Consistent color reproduction
- Looks premium in every shot
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than fabric
- Should be stored rolled (not folded)
Use This When: You need a backdrop that makes you look like a top-tier pro.
See Lunara In Use:
Image © Kelsey Freeman Phootography
Image © Salvatore Cincotta Photography
Image © Andre Brown Photography
Final Thoughts
Each material has a job — and when you pair the right one with the right client, magic happens:
- Fabric: Flexibility and daily use
- Fleece: Simple, fast, repeatable sessions
- Lunara: Consistent, commercial-grade results
Still unsure? Start with fabric or fleece and add Lunara when you’re ready to level up.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Backdrop?
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