Gaffer Tape for Photography Backdrops

Every photo studio has a roll of gaffer tape within reach. It is the fastest way to tame a backdrop, keep a set tidy and make sure the shot looks the same from the first frame to the last. Here is how to use it well.

5 ways photographers use gaffer tape on set

1. Hanging and holding seamless paper

Roll the seamless paper down, then tape the bottom edge to the floor with a few strips across the width. This stops the paper from curling and gives you a clean sweep. On a fabric backdrop, tape the bottom corners to the floor to pull out wrinkles.

2. Hanging backdrops on walls

No backdrop stand? Gaffer tape can hold lightweight paper or fabric to a wall for a short session. Tape the top edge in several spots, not just the corners, so the weight is spread out. Test on painted walls first, and take the tape down after the shoot.

3. Securing stands and cables

Tape cables flat to the floor so nobody trips during the shoot, and tape the legs of light stands to the floor if the set is busy. This is where black gaffer tape works best, since it disappears against stands and dark floors.

4. Marking positions

Small marks on the floor show the model where to stand and keep camera and light positions consistent across a session. White tape stands out on dark floors; tear it into narrow strips to keep marks small. See gaffer vs spike vs console tape.

5. Quick fixes

Blocking a light leak, holding a reflector at an angle, flagging a light, taping a gel to a barn door. A matte tape will not throw reflections into the shot, which shiny tapes can.

Which color to use

More detail in black vs white gaffer tape.

Tips to avoid tearing paper

• Use several short strips instead of one long one.
• When removing, peel slowly and low, pulling the tape back along itself.
• Remove tape soon after the shoot. The longer it stays, the stronger the bond.
• Avoid tapes with aggressive or hot-melt adhesives, which can tear paper and leave residue. See natural rubber vs synthetic adhesive.

Frequently asked questions

What tape do photographers use for backdrops?

Gaffer tape. It holds seamless paper and fabric firmly, has a matte finish that does not reflect light, and peels off without tearing paper or leaving residue.

Should I use white or black gaffer tape for a white backdrop?

White. It blends into white and light backdrops, so any tape that ends up in the frame is easy to hide or remove in editing.

Can I tape a backdrop directly to a wall?

For lightweight paper or fabric and a short session, yes. Spread the weight across several strips, test on painted walls first and remove the tape after the shoot.

Will gaffer tape tear seamless paper?

Not if you remove it slowly at a low angle and soon after the shoot. Good gaffer tape with a natural rubber adhesive releases cleanly from paper.

Related: tape for weddings and events

Bottom line

Keep white gaffer tape for backdrops and marks, black for stands and cables, and remove both soon after the shoot. See Wow white gaffer tape, made for studios and backdrops, 2 in x 50 yd.