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How to Create Professional Photo Backdrops

how to create DIY professional photo backdrops for cheap

As a blogger I’ve had a pretty steep learning curve when it comes to A LOT of things, one of the things I am focusing on improving this year is my photography.  You might remember that one of my goals this year is to take a photography class, which also plays really nicely into some of the things I am doing  for my teaching job as well.  One of the things I have been needing to upgrade is the number and kind of backdrops I have.  Now there are some incredible backdrops available out there, but I am a DIY girl to the bone.  I decided to try my hand at making my own backdrops and because they turned out so well I wanted to share my wisdom with you!

The first thing you need to do is figure out what kind of backdrop you want.  I wanted a couple more wooden backdrops so I did a quick Google image search for wood backgrounds.  It is important when you are searching that you make sure to click on the search tools drop down and then filter your search for images that are as big as possible (think over 1000px wide, minimum) and available for reuse.  This will drastically narrow down your results, but you won’t have to worry about anyone getting mad at you down the road.

how to find a background image for printing

Once you have your images saved onto your computer you will need to upload them to your local printing company.  So far I have only found Staples to offer the color engineering prints.  One you get them uploaded and ordered you wait, it usually only takes a day or two to get them printed and ready for pick up.  They are about $12 a piece which is really amazing for ANY image you could want, you are not limited by anything but your imagination.  I also think you could easily take your own pictures of cool backdrops and textures that you want to use and get EXACTLY what you want!

oversized color engineering prints from staplescreating a fake wood background for photographs

While you are waiting swing by your local dollar store and pick up some white foam boards.  They are the perfect size and weight for a portable backdrop.  You will also need some spray adhesive, so if you don’t have any lying around you will want to grab some while you are picking up your prints from Staples.

fake texture photo backdrops

Once you have everything you need, you will start off by spraying the foam board with the adhesive.  Then, very carefully, you will adhere the print directly to the board.  You may want to have someone help you the first time you do this if you are worried about bubbles or creases.  Once your paper is affixed to the foam board you are done!  I do all of mine front and back so that each board has two back drops on it, but you absolutely can use one for each if that works better for you!

photo backdrop comparison

Now, I just need to learn how to use my camera…

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Comments

    • Betty says

      If the image contains a watermark, chances are it is not available for use without permission from the copyright holder.

  4. Jamie says

    Hi there!

    This is amazing, thank you! I am looking for a way to make a backdrop for a “coffee house” themed party I”m planning. I was hoping to make a fairly large backdrop – at least 6 feet tall, and 4 feet wide. How would I do this? Should I put a couple foam boards together to make a bigger one? Also, how do I save the bigger pics to my computer? And what brand adhesive spray do you recommend?

    • Ashley Emmett says

      You could definitely put some of the foam boards together. I have never made a backdrop that large before, you might want to try buying a roll of wood grain paper. I picked up a HUGE roll from Joann’s last summer. It is in the teacher section with the bulletin board papers. I use it ALL the time as a photo backdrop, and I even used it in my classroom. It’s under $10 so it is super economical. Here is an affiliate link. http://amzn.to/1SmOifO

      and I like all the spray adhesives. I am partial to this one, but really they are all very similar. http://amzn.to/1O7qipb

  5. Rafael says

    Hola, me gustaría me aclararas sobre que material en que imprimes no estoy seguro si es papel, ya que ademas de bebes quiero fotografiar niños mayores y con papel se rompería en el piso o solo lo usas para el fondo. Me encanto tu aporte gracias

  8. Nadine says

    Hello! Just wondering what size you get and do you put a few together to get a bigger backdrop? Thank you

  9. Adaline Banks says

    I could not figure out where I had found inexpensive foam board before so I didn’t know HOW I could afford to take decent photos. I am a handmade greeting and home décor crafter and I do an amazing job at taking yellow/ peach photos.
    Thank you for being available to write and share this information on your blog.
    I will be getting my little back drop put together TODAY!!!
    So Excited :)))))

  10. Amy says

    I tried to save the larger backdrops and when i save them they shrunk to way smaller. How do I get them to save as they are on the website?

  11. Heather says

    Thanks so much for sharing! Wondering what size foam board did you use and what size did you print your images?

    • Ashley Emmett says

      I used the foam board from the dollar tree, I believe it’s about 2′ x 3′ and that is the same size I printed my images. There was a little overhang, but not much!

  16. Julie says

    Fabulous ideas, thanks. I would add, don’t make your backdrop too big as well. I thought bigger the better, then couldn’t find anywhere sensible to store my beautiful enormous backdrop and had to give it a trim!

  19. Corinne says

    I would not have known where to even begin to do this and I certainly had no idea it was so easy! I need to do this! Thank you so much for linking it up at the This Is How We Roll Thursday party.

  22. Carmia says

    I’ve been looking for something like this! I can’t believe how realistic those backdrops look. Amazing. Thank you so much for this tutorial!

  25. Jillene@inkhappi says

    I’ve used a similar method but have never ordered the prints. I have also found some cool wrapping paper that is going to work nice with this method. Great idea! these turned out so good!