Creating Sky Backdrop / Background for an Animation
 

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

the second option you had is very popular technique. Try to turn off everything in the rendering stats for the sky sphere except for primary visibility. This way it will not affect your model.

The depth of the image plane is adjustable....