Creating a Storybook Scene: Choosing Fantasy Backdrops for Children’s Portraits
WITH BETHANY ELLEN
I’m basically a giant child. No, really. I’m all about going back to the childlike wonder I had when I lost myself in books as a kid. As an adult, I still crave immersive experiences—but as a child, everything was ten times more magical. Capturing that magic through photography is an art in itself, and one of the best ways to elevate a children’s portrait session is by crafting a whimsical, storybook-like atmosphere. A well-chosen fantasy backdrop can transport your subject into a dreamy fairytale setting, bringing a whole new level of wonder and enchantment to your images.
When it came time to create a storybook scene, I knew I wanted to use my adorable, redheaded niece, Charlotte, to bring the vision to life. Due to some studio scheduling conflicts, we weren’t in the usual studio space, but we created an amazing storybook portrait right in the front room with the help of the right children’s portrait backdrop, great wardrobe, and an immense amount of imagination.
Choosing Fantasy Backdrops for Children’s Portraits
The backdrop is the foundation of your scene, setting the tone for the entire shoot. When selecting a children’s portrait backdrop, consider:
- Depth & Realism – High-quality photography backdrops with detailed textures and soft depth create a more immersive feel. A well-designed fantasy backdrop can make a simple studio session feel like an enchanted world.
- Soft Color Palette – Pastel hues and muted tones tend to work best for a whimsical, dreamy aesthetic. This soft children’s portrait backdrop had a painterly, fairytale-like quality that worked beautifully. I played around with color grading—normally, I love matte finishes for painterly images, but this scene also inspired some punchy colors and vibrant sunsets.
- Theme & Mood – Do you want an enchanted forest, a castle in the clouds, or a dreamy floral wonderland? Match the fantasy backdrop to your story. I’ve been on a massive faerie kick after finishing Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries. If you know me, you know I’m always reading something. Books that truly transport me into another world make all the difference. The descriptions, the fantasy, the magic—it all had me wanting to frolic in the forest and avoid all adult responsibilities. So… I found a way to do that. We used The Meadow from BackgroundTown to set the scene.
The Meadow
Beige Floral Backdrop for Photography
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We also used giant silk flowers from Belgium—something my studio collective pulls out every spring. I knew we had them in storage and wondered how well we could create a 3D effect with a fantasy backdrop like The Meadow. Even in a tight space, we added so much depth with this setup.
Ideally, I would have added a second light behind the backdrop to create a false sunset or hair light. However, our space was tight, and working with toddlers means plans often go out the window. We can always add details in post later!
Bringing a Storybook Portrait to Life with Props & Wardrobe
While props can sometimes feel overdone in photography, children’s photography is the perfect genre for them—especially when creating a storybook scene. Adding dimensional elements like props make the portrait feel more immersive and makes the backdrop feel more real.
In our session, we used oversized silk flowers, which helped blend Charlotte seamlessly into the setting. It made her feel like she was in an enormous forest—so much so that I think she was a little nervous!
Prop Ideas for a Fantasy-Themed Children’s Portrait:
- Faux trees, oversized mushrooms, or floral arrangements for a nature-inspired fantasy backdrop.
- Floating lanterns or fairy lights for a magical glow.
- Vintage furniture like a tiny wooden bench or a storybook for interactive posing.
And then, of course, the outfit. I mean… who doesn’t love an outfit that makes them feel like a superhero or a princess? Costuming is key to transforming a little model into a storybook character. I wish I had taken a photo of Charlotte’s face when she saw the dress I picked out. Her eyes got so big, and she started tapping her tiny feet, saying:
“My fairy dress! Daddy! My fairy dress!”
Honestly, I was a little jealous they don’t make fairy dresses like that in my size.
What to Wear for a Fantasy-Themed Children’s Portrait:
- Flowing Dresses & Soft Fabrics – Tulle, lace, and airy fabrics enhance the ethereal feel of a storybook portrait.
- Whimsical Accessories – Flower crowns, fairy wings, or a delicate cape can bring the story to life. A magic wand never hurts, either.
- Coordinated Colors – Ensure the outfit complements the children’s portrait backdrop while allowing key features (like Charlotte’s red hair) to pop beautifully and not blend into the background too much.
Creating a Dreamy Lighting Effect
Soft, diffused lighting is essential for achieving a fantasy-like glow. Because of limited space and time, I used a 36 inch soft box to camera left. In an ideal world, I would have added a hair light with a sunset colored gel and a reflector.
Tips for Posing and Editing a Magical Children’s Photoshoot
Children naturally bring a sense of wonder to a photoshoot, so the key is to let them explore. I always give them a few minutes to get comfortable in the scene. Charlotte is one of my more timid little friends, and she needs ample time to get acclimated to her surroundings. Don’t overwhelm them, let them explore at their own space.
For fearless kids, capture candid moments as they interact with the fantasy world—those tiny, genuine expressions make for the most enchanting portraits. Encourage them to take charge. The best expressions come when they’re truly immersed in play, which adds magic to your children’s portrait photography.
Here’s what worked for us:
Ask fun, imaginative questions:
- “What would you do as the queen of fairyland?”
- “What do you think this giant flower smells like?” (Charlotte was convinced it smelled like chocolate!)
- Have them twirl in their dress or show their outfit.
- Let them show off how fast they can run in their magical shoes.
Editing Tips for Fantasy Photos:
Post-processing can enhance the magic even further:
- Soften harsh edges for a dreamy blur.
- Enhance colors to bring out the backdrop’s depth and mood.
- Add subtle overlays like floating petals, light flares, or soft bokeh for an extra fairytale look. I’m a sucker for a good light flare, especially when adding a dreamy haze.
Bringing Your Magical Storybook Scene Together
It really is as easy as a game of pretend when creating a storybook scene. Start with a children’s portrait backdrop that sets the scene. Add your subject. Choose the right costume and props. Suddenly, you’ve created a storybook world—and fine art portrait that parents will cherish forever. What’s your favorite way to add fantasy to children’s photography?
