Over £800 of prizes

Win one of three bundles of pop-up backdrops along with stands to get the outdoors look in the comfort of a cosy studio

WIN! £830 TOTAL prize value

The biggest problem with portrait photography, whether taken in a studio or at home, can be finding

a great background. Without this key element, your people pictures can look somewhat sterile, or worse, suffer from distractions behind your subjects. What is needed is a realistic-looking background to provide interest – yet one that isn’t obtrusive, thus ensuring that your subject stands out in the shot – such as a Lastolite by Manfrotto Urban Collapsible pop-up backdrop.

As demonstrated in issue 117 (see Project 5) these backdrops are supersimple to set up and can instantly improve your portraiture. You can use them in the studio or on location to spice up shots, and give indoor portraits that contemporary urban outdoor feel. Using a Lastolite stand and the handy Lastolite Magnetic Background Support, you can unfold the backdrop and attach it to the stand, ready to shoot in seconds. They are also just as quick to collapse and fold away for another day.

We’re offering you the chance to win one of three Urban Collapsible Derelict Wall/wooden Fence backdrops, complete with magnetic arms and stands. The crease-resistant fabric pops out to provide a smooth, wrinkle-free surface that will give your portraits an instant creative boost. Measuring 1.5x2.1 metres, they’re large enough for three-quarter-length shots, or you can turn them on their side for an artistic composition that leaves space around your subject’s head and shoulders. To win this great prize, simply enter our competition on the right.