DIY Alcohol Ink Coasters {Tutorial} Gather your supplies. I used these alcohol inks, blending solution,…
How to Make a Photo Backdrop
I am by no means an expert on how to take better photos. However, I've seen some really shitty photos floating around, so I'm here to give a few tips. I'm going to teach you how to make a photo backdrop, so your photos have a more professional feel to them.
The supplies are inexpensive, and the possibilities truly are endless. From napkins (seen above), to scrapbook paper (below) and fabric (below), you can create a photo board back drop for any occasion.
First, gather your supplies! You'll need:
— blank canvas (size doesn't matter as long as it's 12×12 or larger)
— fabric (enough to cover the front of the canvas, times however many you want to make)
— hot glue & hot glue gun
— scrapbooking paper (optional)
How to Make a Photo Backdrop
Cut your fabric to fit around the front of the canvas. I bought each piece of fabric for $.97 at Walmart, and it measured 18×21 I believe. It covered the canvas, and then some.
If you're making ONE backdrop, place dots around the entire canvas, one small section at a time (it dries quickly), and attach the fabric.
If you want to make SEVERAL backrops on one canvas, just place the glue dots on the top of the canvas. You can then flip through the fabrics and take photos on different backdrops with ease!
Set the canvas down outside if you can. Natural lighting is best! I took photos inside today because it's raining. See how this looks? Kinda crazy. But wait…
Get up close, crop it a little, dress it up in PicMonkey, and you have a decent photo – ready for your blog!
I usually airbrush the background a bit to make it blend in.
If you look at my kitchen right now, it's a wreck. I'm baking, taking photos, blogging… doing everything at once, as usual. But, nobody has to know that (unless I tell them.. woops).
I just used a plate and a leaf to dress this one up.
Scrapbook paper — you could even take some book pages and glue them together onto a canvas to make a nice backdrop.
This is one of my favorite scrapbook papers! Frosting and sprinkles! I bought it in a pack at Walmart.
You remember my On Top of Ole Cupcake recipe, right? Yep.. you guessed it, scrapbook paper!
If you were wondering how to make a photo backdrop, I hope this short tutorial helped!
Like it? PIN IT!
Bertha Brown says
Great info! Thanks! No more crappy photos for me :)
Kerri says
I was just thinking of this for an upcoming post. Love your backgrounds. I was going to buy an white canvas to have a neutral background. Your cupcakes look so awesome with the whimsical designs behind them.
Mitch says
You put me to shame, my backdrop are the chairs behind the table that I take the pictures on!
Emily says
Why haven’t I ever considered making a fabric backdrop before?? I have SO much fabric odds and ends laying around for sewing projects that I could use.
Jennifer Medeiros says
You can also get white and/or black foam board from the craft store :) thanks 4 the tips
Jenny says
Great ideas!! I so need to improve on my photos and this is awesome!
Terry (My Journey With Candida) says
You must have been on my blog looking at my crappy pictures. I have to admit… yours are great. I love the football backdrop and the cupcake.
Growing Up Madison says
You’ve helped more than you realize. I’ve always seen the beautiful photos and wondered how they looked so good. Now I know. I might have to experiment myself with a few. Thank you so much.
Viccy H says
Wow, why have I never thought of this before! D’oh! Thank you for showing me the light, heehee xx
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
Brilliant idea. I have taken SO many pictures for different things on my site and you can ALWAYS see the mess in the background LOL.
Dawn ~ Spatulas On Parade says
Those are the cutest cupcakes. Love the back drop.
Brett says
Love the glue dot idea. Awesome. I need to get some more backdrops!
Katherine Bartlett says
You gave me some great ideas! Thanks!
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
I have a huge selection of scrapbook paper just from being a scrapbooker, but I hardly ever use it for my photos. I should!
Melanie says
I have been wanting to do this for awhile, I normally use whatever is behind, blur it out. Food is my focus so background hasn’t always been a thing to think about …until lately. I really want to step it up a notch! Thanks for the tips
melanie says
wow seriously, this is so simple I don’t know why I never thought of this! great ideas! I love these. Backdrops is what I struggle with. I find myself going all around my house, outside, trying to get a simple backdrop, i’ve used sheets, blankets, the top of my washer. lol but i never thought to use fabric, i have fabric from other craft projects i’ve done in the past. And i also have a TON different of cardstock paper designs! thank you for the tips. I will def be using them.
Kristen @ kristenione says
I’ve been using place mats and stuff but never thought about fabric and paper. Brilliant!!
Melanie a/k/a CrazyMom says
OMG… I love love love.. your tips.. did I say I love them?? I’ve been wondering how some of these amazing pic’s get a backdrop .. haaa now I know.. SOOO thankful for your post and so gonna give it a try soon. Will pin it so I won’t forget; THANK YOU
Tough Cookie Mommy says
Thanks for these great photo taking tips. My food photos never come out so great so I will definitely be taking these tips into consideration.
HilLesha says
Those are great backdrops! I know Michaels has an overwhelming amount of scrapbook paper, so I might check there sometime. :)
Debi says
Your pictures always look beautiful. Thanks for the DIY tutorial.
Healy Harpster says
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing your tips and ideas.
Areeba says
Woohoo! I always look forward to get photography tips! Thanks for sharing these, it’s awesome!
Jenny says
yummeh~ i’m not really big on cake and cupcakes and such but there are those times… :P
Lisa L. says
Thanks for the post. I thought it was really helpful!
Shari says
Great ideas! Another way to show your creative flair. Thank you!
MzBaker says
Those are awesome ideas for backdrops and I may just get me some material and do that. Love this!
Caroline Adenan says
Amazing idea. Thanks for the information :)