Easy DIY Photo Backdrop Idea: Simple Cardboard and Fabric, Easy to Use and Store

Right now I'm in the midst of re-branding, taking photos for my new project and doing other product photos for a client. (If you need product photos or web work, contact me, I'd love to help!) I'm loving the idea of having a bunch of photo backdrops to select from on-hand and ready-to-go for taking pictures. Ideally, I'd have a huge industrial warehouse to spread and work in, but since I work from my apartment, I need to make backdrops that are easy to fold up and put away after use. Etsy has a wide selection of beautiful ones that I'll likely invest in eventually, but making your own is free or close to it and keeps your photos unique! Here's what I've been experimenting with behind-the-scenes.

It's pretty much as simple and glueing your fabric to cardboard. You can use foam core, or even poster board. I make them so they fold in half so I can hide them behind my expedit unit in my work area until needed.

I cut the cardboard in half, then duct tape the back so I can fold it and go. It helps to iron the fabric, but in most cases you can smooth it out with glue. Elmer's glue was perfect for my (50 cent yard sale!) burlap but spray adhesive like 3m Super 77 would be better for thin fabric.

It's fun to have a variety so you can stage photos with different colors and textures and see what works best for a story or editorial/branding style. I'll be here constructing a whole bunch of these!

I love using what I have for business. This may be a reductive idea but I hope it helps you brainstorm on creative photography and crafting! What do you use to take photos? Any unique tips or tricks to share?

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