DIY Backdrop/background

[joepa150]

I am new to photography and want to take a some pics of my 5 month old daughter but I am tired of always having something in the background. I only have the kit lens (until christmas) so I can only do so much with depth of field.

I want to make some backdrops. Can't i just go buy some fabric and make one or hang it up in the background?

Is there a certain color and material that works well?

Any tips?

Thank you

[John E]

I've thought about buying a painter's canvas at Home Depot and a couple colors of paint and making my own background for cheap.

Otherwise, you can buy a roll of very nice paper from B&H for about $30. A dark paper such as brown, black or gray looks great, and you can gel a background flash to create unlimited colors. Some people like pink or blue paper for children.

[SkipD]

I am new to photography and want to take a some pics of my 5 month old daughter but I am tired of always having something in the background. I only have the kit lens (until christmas) so I can only do so much with depth of field.

I want to make some backdrops. Can't i just go buy some fabric and make one or hang it up in the background?

Is there a certain color and material that works well?

Any tips?What sort of images do you envision?
Would you be using any props?
Would you have other people in the photos?
What sort of lighting do you envision using?

I've seen many folks who are just starting out with a home studio setup make a major mistake. That mistake is having the subject(s) right up against a backdrop. All wrinkles and details in the background are sharp as a tack and they draw the eye to them as much or more than the primary subject. For portrait work, it's normal to have about six feet or more between the subject(s) and the backdrop. That way, it's out of focus a bit and you can light it fairly easily.

Muslin is the most-often used material for inexpensive backdrops. You could tie-dye a muslin to give it a mottled look. Gray is good if you have lights and colored gels to light it with. Even though the backdrop would be gray, the apparent color of the background in images can be anything you want if you have the appropriate light(s) and gels.

[Cosha]

I brought a second hand projector Screen from a charity shop

About 5ft wide by 6ft, still had the mouting bracket so i just put it onto a tripod

Works perfect :D

[SYS]

A simple and economic method.... Black and white seamless paper rolls from eBay and PVC piping from Home Depot...

407531

[SpeedkingXSi]

shoot in front of solid color curtains works too

[tabogues]

I've used a bed sheet before. No matter what you use, be sure the wrinkles are gone (or at least consistent) because editing wrinkles out of your background is no fun.

[Federkeil]

one of my favorite backdrops is a piece of black fabric that I got off the dollar/yard rack at walmart. I got the whole bolt. I even sewed two lengths together to make it wider, as long as you keep your subject at a distance you can't see the imperfections. I also buy sheets at Target after their college back to school sales are over, and can usually get their xt long twin size for $3 or 4 bucks. Anything can be a backdrop.

[automag928]

I just used a large black quilt my brother in law sent home when he was deployed to Korea...We hung it over a old, large slide projector screen. I will probably make something with PVC down the road...
I think it turned out ok - Here's my 6 month old daugher -
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2498/4116919496_000e7af484_o.jpg

[photomom77]

Diddo on STEAM out the wrinkles... most are not visable if subject is 5-6 feet away, however, getting them out before the session ensures a much less tedious editing session afterward!