If you want to add a unique touch to your photographs, why not make your own backdrops?
In photography, the background is the canvas where you stage your image. Therefore, the choice of backdrop is key to a succesful result.
Some types of photography use the backdrop as a key element that complements or highlights the subject. This is the case with still-life pictures.
In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to make a photo backdrop using a technique I like to use for my still-life compositions. Of course, you can use it for any subject – you can even build it big enough for portraits.
I’ll also show you a few variations along the way so you can see how versatile this technique is.
Are you ready? Let’s get crafty!
More fun DIY photo projects:
Materials
Wood/MDF board
Multi-purpose/plaster paste
Paint
Brushes
Spatula/palette
Matte spray/Mod Podge Matte (optional)
Process
Here’s one technique for making your own photo backdrop. However, there are tons of options that will create a different mood and fit a variety of needs.
I’m creating a dark and moody backdrop for my still-life photographs. Feel free to make variations to fit your artistic style.
Step 1
Using the spatula, cover the wood board with the plaster paste. The thickness and movements you make will create different patterns and textures.
In the photos above, I’m showing you two very different effects using the same materials. On the left side, I left the plaster thicker.
Then, I’d gently press with the spatula and pull upright quickly. This created small peaks due to the plaster’s sticky texture.
The picture on the right shows a different effect I achieved by spreading a thinner layer of plaster with curved movements across the surface.
These are just a couple of examples. You can create many different textures – you can also use other tools and materials to spread the plaster and get even more creative results.
Once you find a pattern you like, keep on going to cover the entire surface.
Then, leave it to dry. The time it takes to dry depends on how thick you spread it and the weather – it may take anywhere from 3 to 24 hours.
Check the instructions on the package for specific advice about the product you bought.
Step 2 (optional)
Once the plaster paste is dry, you can use sandpaper to flatten the surface a bit. This is useful if you’re planning on using your backdrop for flat-lay photos – where you need to put dishes on it, for example.
If the backdrop is going to be in the back of your still life, then you can keep it as rugged as you want. In fact, I’m leaving mine as it is.
Step 3
Once the plaster paste has the texture you want, you can start to add some color to it. Again, the tools you use and the movements you make can change the results.
Since the plaster paste has texture, it won’t be the same if you paint it moving the brush from left to right as it will if you move it up and down.
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You can also experiment with other tools such as sponges, bubble wrap, cloths, etc. Give free rein to your creativity.
Step 4
After your base color is dry, you can add a second coat of color. The intention is not to cover the base color but to blend both coats.
This will add more visual interest than using a single solid color and will make your backdrop unique.
I’m mixing the original black paint with some reds. Then, I’m using a sponge to apply it with little taps – this way, I’ll only stain the backdrop instead of covering up the base color.
You don’t have to do it exactly as I’m doing it – experiment as much as you want.
For example, I also tried using chalk and rubbing it against the texture of the plaster. You can see in the photos above how I can get different effects from the same base.
As you can see, you can achieve very different results. The good thing about this is that you can always give it a coat of the base color and start over in case you don’t like how it’s looking.
Step 5 (optional)
Depending on the type of paint you used, you might need to give your background a coat of matte sealer. This is only if the paint is too glossy and it creates glare as you light it.
If you didn’t give your DIY backdrop a matte finish and you’re struggling with glare, you can use a polarizing filter. Keep in mind that this will darken the exposure, and you’ll need to compensate with the shutter speed, aperture, or ISO.
An Alternative Method To Make a Photo Backdrop Without DIY-ing
If you don’t like DIY-ing or you have to make a photo backdrop quickly, here’s an alternative option with easy-to-find materials on a budget.
Find a rigid surface – it can be a foam board sheet, but you can also use a piece of wood or MDF like the one from the first method.
Then, buy a self-adhesive shelf liner. You can find these at many shops or order it online, and there are countless styles and colors to choose from. You can also use tile stickers to simulate a kitchen or bathroom wall.
Simply apply the liner to the sheet and you’ll have a photo backdrop ready to use.
These are just a couple of options for your photography backgrounds. You can also use draped curtains, paper decorations, balloons, a chalkboard with drawings, wallpaper, and more.
For more ideas, check out this guide: 60 Creative DIY Backdrop Ideas for Photographers
