Inexpensive backdrop/background ideas?

[bella_mia_hairy]

My babies just had their valentine pictures taken the other day and they used a satin lycra material it photographed really nice!!

[BabyGirl Rosie]

I use fleece for a background when I take pictures of Rosie. I think it works great. I don't see a lot of wrinkles in the pictures.

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by lisaly

Whatever background you choose, if you have the space to do this, to reduce seeing any wrinkles there are, place the subject as far away from the background as possible. With a shallow depth of field, you will see less wrinkles.

I wondered about that while I was looking at materials last night. I think what I wound up buying is going to work great this way. Thanks Lisa!!

I was disappointed in the animal prints that they had in fleece last night, but I think it would work well for a solid color background. I did find exactly what I was looking for in the short pile furs though! They had several nice animal prints and it was really hard to choose just a couple of them. The fur was only about $2.00/yard more than the fleece and I was willing to spend that since I wasn't buying a lot of it.

I did find the soft pink felt, but when I picked up the bolt there were only 3 small pieces wrapped around the center cardboard piece. None of the pieces were anywhere near big enough for what I wanted. And that was all they had of that color.

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by bella_mia_hairy

My babies just had their valentine pictures taken the other day and they used a satin lycra material it photographed really nice!!

I found some really pretty thicker satiny material in their remnants section last night (about 2 yards of each color) for cheap!! I think this will be nice to drape on the sofa or bed for a more elegant background.

Now I just need to get all of the bathed, groomed and get my photo area all set up then I'll be ready to start taking pictures!! Whew, I'm tired already just thinking about all that work.

I have an extra bedroom that's just going to waste, so I'm going to set up some of these backdrops in there and have a permanent little studio area. It'll be nice having it all ready whenever the picture taking mood strikes me!

[Cha Cha]

Originally Posted by BonBon

I looked at the muslin backdrops but I never thought about painters canvases.....they're probably a lot more economical than the muslin! I'm really liking the idea of them being on a rod where you can slide them around and just use whichever one you want. I'm going to check into that - I already have sort of a setup that might work for that. Thank you!!!

Great ideas!

Couldn't you paint a painters canvas? If you use a mix of colors to give it a textured feel it might help hide the wrinkles too. I love the idea of having a hanging backdrop you can interchange.

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by Poochieheaven

I am by no means an expert, but here is a picture of Piper that is unedited, but you can see how smooth the background is.

Besides adjusting some coloring, I don't have to worry about the background being bumpy, wrinkly, etc.

I've been thinking about this paper backdrop - do you just have yours laying on the floor or is part of it on the wall? I want to hang mine on the wall with some of the paper on the floor. Do I just let it make a gentle curl from the wall to the floor, or do I crease the paper? It doesn't seem like creasing it would look very good.

What kind of flooring is your paper on? Carpeting or a smooth solid surface?

Thanks for all the input everyone.....my brain can't stop thinking about all these great ideas!

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by Cha Cha

Great ideas!

Couldn't you paint a painters canvas? If you use a mix of colors to give it a textured feel it might help hide the wrinkles too. I love the idea of having a hanging backdrop you can interchange.

Kjcmsw mentioned spray painting them, which sounds easy enough to do. What colors would you think of combining for a nice background? That's where I have a hard time making a decision - I just can't picture things easily in my head.

I love the idea of an interchangeable backdrop, too! I've been thinking about this and I think just an inexpensive curtain rod and a couple of rod holders mounted to the wall might work. I worried at first about it holding the weight of a variety of materials, but my backdrops don't have to be very big or heavy to work for my little gang. I'm getting so excited - I really think this is doable!!

[Armani Alexis]

Originally Posted by Poochieheaven

I am by no means an expert, but here is a picture of Piper that is unedited, but you can see how smooth the background is.

Besides adjusting some coloring, I don't have to worry about the background being bumpy, wrinkly, etc.

Gorgeous picture!

[Mom2Kobe]

Anyone who wants to try the 72 inch wide felt, its on sale until monday 21Feb11 @ Joann's for $2.50 a yard, that's 50% off the regular price.

[lisaly]

I don't remember the cost of it, but you can put plexiglass over paper on the floor. It looks beautiful because it creates a reflective surface. I've seen great portraits using plexi on the floor. It's just something to think about in the future.

I can't wait to see your photos of your babies!!!

[RONLYNN]

Originally Posted by lisaly

I don't remember the cost of it, but you can put plexiglass over paper on the floor. It looks beautiful because it creates a reflective surface. I've seen great portraits using plexi on the floor. It's just something to think about in the future.

I can't wait to see your photos of your babies!!!

That's a good idea. I never thought of doing that!!

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by lisaly

I don't remember the cost of it, but you can put plexiglass over paper on the floor. It looks beautiful because it creates a reflective surface. I've seen great portraits using plexi on the floor. It's just something to think about in the future.

I can't wait to see your photos of your babies!!!

Now that's a neat idea! I'll bet that really looks nice. Thanks Lisa!

[marcie]

Originally Posted by Poochieheaven

I am by no means an expert, but here is a picture of Piper that is unedited, but you can see how smooth the background is.

Besides adjusting some coloring, I don't have to worry about the background being bumpy, wrinkly, etc.

That is a great photo

[yorkietalkjilly]

I got a huge paper backdrop roll and hung it in my little studio which was okay for my dolls and teddy bears pictures but my Yorkie's feet always wrinkled the sheet. You can Photoshop the wrinkle out but I am looking for something else to use.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by BonBon

I've been thinking about this paper backdrop - do you just have yours laying on the floor or is part of it on the wall? I want to hang mine on the wall with some of the paper on the floor. Do I just let it make a gentle curl from the wall to the floor, or do I crease the paper? It doesn't seem like creasing it would look very good.

What kind of flooring is your paper on? Carpeting or a smooth solid surface?

Thanks for all the input everyone.....my brain can't stop thinking about all these great ideas!

I had a little waist-high stage made with smooth carpet on the top and draped my paper down over that from the rollhanger attached to the wall but it still wrinkled with Jilly's feet. Took the carpet out and it wrinkled. I tried shiny material but it reflected in the picture. I'm looking for answers for backdrops for Tibbe when I can ever get back to photography.