Tips For an easy portable DIY backdrop?

[Former_Member]

I'm always on the go and I find it hard to get a perfect background that is always the same, or even the same style. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on easy backgrounds that can be set up anywhere?

[DonnaKallnerFiberArt]

I hope someone else responds, because I mostly shoot in the same location all the time. But you might try putting together a kit with a few pieces of white foamcore board (for background, cutting glare, bouncing light), a couple of clamps, and some 3M Command strips for hanging your tiles. Good luck!

[TheSchickiMicki]

I use the back of gift wrapping paper or packaging paper for my backgrounds. I tape it to my front door and it gives me a nice continuous background :)

[Former_Member]

I just did this and am working on updating all my photos. A friend of mine is a pro photographer and he suggested we go to Hancock Fabrics and get tablecloth foam fabric in a mid grey. So we did. I've updated all my scarves and will continue with other sections this weekend. I think it gives unity to the shop. When you get the fabric, take along a lint roller and make sure you have a cardboard roller and a plastic bag for it to keep it clean.

[Former_Member]

I got some discontinued tile at the flooring store. . .

[ElainaLouiseStudios]

I use a half a yard of quilters cotten that looks like stone. It's very portable and can be used as both ground and backdrop. I have also wrapped it around books to add height or a lift to items. I usually photograph with a light box so I stapled a couple of pieces of velcro to the corners so I can attach it to the inside of the light box. But, it also comes out easily if I want to photograph someplace else.

As Meg said a lint roller comes in very handy. If the fabic gets a few wrinkles and you don't want to iron it just throw it in a dryer with a damp cloth for a few minutes.

[Former_Member]

I also use fabric duct taped to a couple of frames above my worktable. I also cover the table w/ the same fabric. Having been in retailing/marketing for years, I take some seasonal/theme appropriate props that add height if you need it, and I can always pin the back of the bib/burp cloth to them also.

I don't necessarily agree w/ the all white backgrounds. I use something pastel that won't clash w/ the item but something that has some texture.

[Former_Member]

I know my photos aren't the greatest, but I use a lightbox made from a box copy paper came in. I spray painted the inside white and can move it around my house to catch the light.

[hopeandjoyhome]

I usually use a 4x4 piece of white beadboard. The reverse is covered with vintage blue floral wallpaper because sometimes white items (like lately,vintage white baby dresses)show up better when not against a white background. I can either display items against it or lay it flat and photo things on it ( such as wreaths in my handmade shop or small things) I usually take pix in my bay window but I can take it outside too.

[hopeandjoyhome]

I use vintage blue ticking in front/under it. It sort of provides a scale reference and helps convey size a bit.