Easy and Inexpensive DIY Photography Backdrops

Photography Backdrops | Erica Robbin

Servings: As many as you want
Time: 30 mins
Difficulty: Easy
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An easy way to make photography backgrounds.

I enjoy all types of photography and I especially enjoy photographing books, foods, crafts, and beauty products. Backgrounds are one of those simple, yet important things to consider when showcasing the subject and enhancing the look of your photos.

I came across a video DIY Backdrops for Food Photography by Joanie Simon from The Bite Shot on YouTube and decided to give it a try.

It was a fun project and much easier than I thought it would be, so here is what you’ll need.

Credit: ericarobbin.com

Ingredients

PHOTOGRAPHY BACKDROPS

Wood boards, with long dimension (ask your local hardware store for any scraps or errors and keep in mind that a better quality wood will require less sanding)
Medium grit sand paper
Indoor/outdoor paint (any desired colors)
2″ paint brush
Top coat, matte is preferred as it will be less reflective when photographing, but gloss is fine especially if you are planning to sand over the top of it

Directions

PHOTOGRAPHY BACKDROPS

Sand, paint, and spray with top coat as desired.

I made some with natural wood and staining, single-colored sides, and a few with a variety of vibrant colors roughly painted on and lightly sanded again for a more textured background.

Recipe for Sour Cream Pear Pie using a plain light blue background.

Book photography cherry-stained background with Watership Down by Richard Adams using vegetables from my garden for contrast.

Recipe for Maui Onion Avocado Toast with a white background, lightly sanded for a shabby chic, undone look.

My crafts header using a light yellow background to compliment the matching tones of items in my craft supply flat lay.

Recipe for Macadamia Nut and Harvest Peach Pie Açaí Bowl using a blue hued, multi-tonal, dry brushed background to contrast with the peachy tones.

A simple light, grey background for my books header.

Natural wood for displaying the Anastasia Beverly Hills Riviera Eyeshadow Palette from my Summer 2019 Beauty Favorites – Makeup post.

I was even inspired by the book cover of Midnight at the Blackbird Café. If you haven’t read this one, be sure to check it out!

Let me know what backgrounds you have made for your photography in the comments below, I’d love to see! And be sure to check out food photographer, Joanie Simon she has so many helpful tips!