Having an attractive backdrop can elevate your photos and really make them pop. However, backdrops can be expensive to purchase and some types like fabric or paper backdrops can be easily damaged. Luckily, there are many inexpensive, DIY options for creating photo backdrops on a budget using materials you likely already have at home.
What to Consider for Your Backdrop
When deciding what type of backdrop to create, consider the following:
- Color – Solid colors like black, white and gray work well for bold backdrops. Softer or patterned colors can create nice variety.
- Style – Smooth, textured, painted, printed etc. The style impacts the overall look and feel.
- Size – Standard sizes are 10×24 ft for full body shots. For headshots and portraits 4×6 ft can suffice.
- Portability – If traveling, portability is key. Some DIY options pack up easier than others.
- Durability – Backdrops get a lot of use. Durability often correlates with cost. DIY can be disposable.
- Subject – Like people, products, cars? A complementary backdrop draws focus to the subject.
- Lighting – Backdrop color and material impact how lighting is reflected. Light colors reflect, dark colors absorb.
Consider what look you’re going for, the subject matter, where it will be used and budget when selecting a backdrop option.
Cheap DIY Backdrop Ideas
Here are some budget-friendly DIY ideas for creating photo backdrops:
Fabric Backdrops
Fabric can make for elegant looking backdrops and there are several cheap DIY options:
- Sheet – Plain solid bed sheets work great for simple backdrops. Tape, clamp or tack to background stand.
- Shower Curtain – Plastic or fabric shower curtains provide color at low cost. Can also tape up.
- Tablecloths – Reuse plastic or fabric tablecloths to create seamless backgrounds.
- Tapestry – Affordable tapestries provide colorful patterned backdrops.
- Scrim – Very lightweight gauzy curtains diffuse light nicely. Let some wall show through.
- Muslin – Thick, durable cotton material. Can dye or paint for custom looks.
- Felt – Stiff felt won’t wrinkle. Best for small photography setups.
- Foam Core – Cover board with fabric using spray adhesive for sturdy, rigid backdrop.
With fabric backdrops, ensure there are no wrinkles or creases showing. Lightly ironing can help create a smooth, professional look.
Paper Backdrops
For disposable, temporary backdrops, paper and plastic are great cheap choices:
- Bulletin Board – Cover with colored paper. Tape edge seams to smooth out.
- Construction Paper – Tape sheets together for solid color.
- Butcher Paper – Sturdy and comes in long rolls. Good for product shots.
- Wrapping Paper – Use as is or tape together for a mosaic effect.
- Photography Backdrop Paper – Affordable and available in colors and patterns.
- Poster Board – Comes in white and colors. Lightweight and portable option.
- Foam Core – Spray adhesive can attach paper for smooth, rigid surface.
Paper backdrops are thin so require a wall or support to hang in front of. They are vulnerable to creases and lighting shadows.
Painted Backdrops
With just some paint and brushes, you can hand paint an original photo backdrop.
- Canvas – Staple or nail untreated canvas to wood frame to create a taut surface.
- Pegboard – Paint colored designs right on the board. Lean against the wall.
- Wood – Paint plywood, MDF or acrylic sheets in bold colors.
- Brick – Create faux exposed brick wall with red and white paint.
- Mural – Paint landscapes, patterns or scenes freehand right on the wall.
- Ombre – Gradient color effect. Transition dark to light or vice versa.
- Stencils – Use disposable plastic or paper stencils to create shapes and patterns.
Protect floors from paint drips and splatters when painting. Let paint fully dry before using backdrop.
Natural and Household Backdrops
Take advantage of household items and outdoor settings for free, readily available photography backdrops:
- Wall – Use painted, wallpapered, brick, stone or wood walls in home.
- White Wall – Crisp, bright backdrop. Hang or lean boards against wall.
- Wall Mural – Paint a decorative mural or focal wall as backdrop.
- Trees – Position subject in front of trees, shrubs or foliage.
- Fence – Wooden, chain link or metal fence makes an interesting backdrop.
- Brick – Photograph subject in front of brick or stone architecture.
- Windows – Let natural light stream in. Use curtains to frame.
- Archways – Create a focal point. Position lights to highlight arches.
- Textures – Capture close ups of weathered wood, rusted metal etc.
Natural backdrops integrate well with subjects and often need minimal additional lighting. Get creative with your surroundings!
DIY Photography Backdrop Stand
To hang and support backdrops, you can easily make your own backdrop stand at low cost. Here are some options:
PVC Pipe Stand
This is one of the most common DIY photography backdrop stand designs:
- Materials – 3/4″ PVC pipe, corner elbow joints, T joints, endcaps
- Cut – (2) 8-10′ long pipes for vertical sides. (2) 5-6′ pipes to connect top. (1) 5-6′ horizontal for bottom.
- Assemble into a large square or rectangle frame using corner elbows and T joints.
- Add elbow joints to top corners to create feet. Cap ends.
- Drape and clamp backdrop fabric to top and bottom pipes. Lightly weight bottom pipe.
PVC pipe is inexpensive and components are widely available. Larger diameter pipe provides more stability. Can disassemble for storage.
Wooden Backdrop Stand
For a more permanent sturdy stand:
- Materials – 2×4 stud lumber, screws, heavy duty corner brackets.
- Cut – (2) 8-10′ long 2×4’s for vertical sides. (2) horizontal supports for top and bottom.
- Assemble into rectangle or square frame by screwing lumber together at corners.
- Add corner brackets for reinforcement. Can paint or stain wood.
- Hang backdrop from top 2×4 using clamps. Weight bottom lightly.
Wood stands are bulkier but very sturdy for frequent use. Easy to install permanent grommets or hooks for backdrops.
Retractable Backdrop Stand
This style allows the backdrop to raise up and down:
- Materials – 1 1/2″ PVC pipe, shower curtain liner, curtain rings, rope/cord.
- Cut – (2) 6-8′ 1 1/2″ pipes. (1) 6-8′ 1 1/2″ bottom pipe. (2) small pieces for feet.
- Drill holes in top of vertical pipes. Thread rope through holes down length of pipe. Tie ends together.
- Attach shower curtain rings sporadically to bottom of curtain liner. Hang rings from rope.
- Raise/lower curtain by pulling on rope ends. Can roll up.
Retractable stands allow backdrop to be hidden when not in use. Helpful for spaces with permanent photography setups.
Hanging Backdrops
Once you’ve created or purchased a backdrop, you need to properly hang it. Here are some tips:
- Iron/Steam – Remove any wrinkles from fabric backdrops.
- Attach to Stand – Use clamps, hooks, grommets or ties to attach backdrop securely to stand.
- Elevate Bottom – Loosely weight or tie bottom of backdrop to keep taut.
- Smooth Edges – Tape down edges of paper backdrops. Keep floor under stand clear.
- Face Printed Side Out – If backdrop is printed, have image facing the camera.
- Ceiling Mount – Use hooks on ceiling to hang background. Allows floor space.
- Level It – Use a level to ensure top pipe is even for uniform appearance.
Properly hanging the backdrop avoids shadows, wrinkles or unevenness that can disrupt the shot.
Lighting Backdrops
Backdrops require proper lighting for optimal results. Here are lighting tips:
Background Lights
- Position lights behind and above backdrop aimed at the background.
- Use diffused light or reflectors to evenly light backdrop.
- Brighter lit background separates subject from background.
- Darker/underexposed background makes colors appear more saturated.
Hair/Rim Lights
- Add small accent lights behind and above the subject aimed at their head/shoulders.
- Creates separation between subject and backdrop.
- Avoid overpowering rim lights. Subtle is ideal.
Reflectors
- Place white/silver reflectors opposite any lights to redirect light onto backdrop.
- Use black reflectors on either side of subject to absorb, not reflect light.
- Gold/orange reflectors can add warmth to a cool backdrop.
Experiment with light placement and intensity. Take test shots and adjust as needed to properly expose backdrop.
Editing Backdrop Photos
Use photo editing software for finishing touches:
- Crop Out Distractions – Remove surrounding objects/background.
- Correct Colors – Adjust brightness, contrast, hues to be accurate.
- Blur/Darken Background – Use a gradient tool to subtly darken edges.
- Touch Up Backdrop – Minimize wrinkles, stains or imperfections.
- Remove Shadows – Eliminate any backdrop shadows or flaws.
- Add Graphics – Layer graphics, text or shapes over backdrop.
Refine your backdrop even further with photo editing. This can really take results to the next level.
Conclusion
Creating inexpensive DIY photo backdrops is a great way to produce professional looking shots without spending a lot. With some common household materials and a little creativity, you can construct temporary or reusable backdrops tailored to your photography needs. Properly hang and light the backdrop to complete your setup. Don’t forget to edit the final images to perfection! Having an appropriate backdrop helps highlight your main subject and makes for engaging, memorable photographs.
