I am trying to create a sky backdrop/background that will exist constantly as I do a fly through animation og my model and environment. Ive already tried a couple of techniques that I have researched and have not had good results.

I first tried to create an Image Plane in the cameras environment setting, but the image always comes out too close to the camera and covers up the model. Besides, I think this technique is only good for still renders? Or would it look ok for animations too?

I also tried creating half a sphere to go over my model and put a sky texture on it. However I keep getting this weird rectangle shadow on my model that I cannot figure out where it is coming from. This shadow only disappears when I remove the sphere.

What else can I try that would produce good results for a flythrough animation around a model?

Thanks