Backgrounds are very important for photos. With the right choice, it can help you create an original image, or even make it perfect. This is why professional photographers spend hundreds of dollars on backgrounds to shoot food, portraits, or still lifes.
However, not everyone has large sums to spend with ease. If you are among those people, don’t feel bad! Today we’re going to tell you how to create DIY photo backdrops. Believe me, they will be no worse than their professional counterparts! By the way, if you want to learn more about photography, like how to remove a person from a photo, head over to Skylum’s blog! There are answers to all the questions you might have about photography there.
The painted canvas backdrop
Such backgrounds are not inferior to those used in glossy magazines. It looks very sophisticated, so it is often used to photograph still lifes. It’s very easy to make. Just follow our tips:
- 1. Go to a hardware store. There you will need to find canvas drop cloth. It is very inexpensive. If you don’t know what this fabric looks like, ask the salesperson to show you the fabric to protect walls or floors when painting. Remember, it is usually sold in large rolls. This is only a plus for you, as you can lay out the fabric, cut a large piece into smaller pieces, and make several different backgrounds.
- 2. At the same hardware store, you will need to buy fabric paint. The same colors of different shades will look best, such as emerald and turquoise.
- 3. After returning from the store, lay out the fabric in a well-ventilated room and apply the paint to it. We recommend using a special roller. In order to get different textures, you need to move it chaotically in different directions.
The ceramic flooring tile
This option is also often used by professional photographers who do not want to spend hundreds of dollars. Ceramic tiles are quite inexpensive, so they are often chosen to create photos. You just need to remember a few rules for its selection:
- Look for matte tiles. If it will be glossy, unnecessary glare will appear on the finished photo, which will have to be corrected by a photo editor;
- Avoid bright colors. Give preference to solid colors (black, beige, brown, gray);
- Pay attention to the size. Tiles are great for creating small pictures, but they are not suitable for huge compositions at all. You will have to spend time expanding the background in a photo editor.
Cloth
This DIY background is very popular because of its versatility. It’s great for photographing food, still life, and food. The versatility also lies in the fact that you can use any cloth: tablecloths, clothes, and towels. You can use it in two ways: to cover part of the background or as an entire background. If you choose the second, it is better to make two layers. This way the background will look denser.
A single rule applies when choosing colors. The background should not distract the eye from your subject. Most often it is recommended to choose neutral shades, and this is not surprising. However, you can also use a bright fabric, if it will seamlessly complement the composition.
Colored paper
The main advantages of colored paper are the large selection of colors and low cost. You can use it for anything from whimsical portraits to colorful food photos.
Another plus is that colored paper is easy to buy. Just walk into any office supply store and you’ll have a background for a small picture. If you’re interested in large rolls, however, go to Amazon.
The wooden cutting board
Often a cutting board is used as a prop to make perfect food photos. It provides an opportunity not only to decorate the picture but also to tell an interesting story. However, it can also be used as a background.
We recommend choosing a cutting board according to the type of composition you want to create. If it is delicate, then use a board in light shades, if capricious – then the color of cappuccino. If you already have a board, but the color doesn’t suit you, there is a solution! You can easily repaint it in the shade you want. You can also always add texture with sandpaper.
The painted wooden backdrop
If you are creating a large painting, the painted wooden backdrop is the best solution. In order to make it you need to buy plywood sheets at your local store. If they offer you larger boards than you need, don’t feel bad! You can always cut them into several parts and make different backgrounds. Paint of different shades of the same color is better to buy in a construction store, as they are specially designed for this purpose.
When you have all the materials ready, pour the paints onto the surface and smear them with a sponge. You will get interesting stains with the transformation from one shade to another.
Conclusion
As you have already realized, not all amazing backgrounds require a lot of money. So, you can try the ideas we suggested, or come up with your own. And if you want to improve your photography skills, visit Skylum’s blog! There are answers to how to remove a person from a photo, how to change the background, or what photo editor to use.
