I am loving the warmer weather and beautiful light for taking pictures this spring. It’s always a challenge to photograph one of my children, trying to coordinate their mood with available time, perfect lighting, cooperating weather, and a great location. Spring weather definitely works better than winter weather! However, it’s not always possible (rarely, actually) to get the pictures I need at exactly 1.5 hours before sunset outside with the right backdrop. My main living area has direct light coming in from the west all afternoon and evening. It’s my favorite place to be and it provides great lighting for a longer period of time than if I’m trying to take pictures outside. BUT, I don’t have any empty walls where the kids can stand and pose. I have been contemplating various solutions and have a few ideas for DIY backdrops. Today I thought I’d show how I made a backdrop for several of my recent photo shoots. It is so simple!
I picked up a cheap clothing rack from Home Depot – just $17 – to use for hanging the baby layette at my cousin’s shower last fall. I was able to come up with a more decor friendly solution for the shower, but I held on to this rack for experimenting. I spent some time looking at vinyl backdrops online, but they are pretty pricey and they all looked so nice, I couldn’t decide on just one that I’d use forever. I like the idea of being able to switch out the backdrop and have some variety. Then I looked at my stash of fabric.
With a couple yards of fabric and two clamps out of the garage, I just clamped up the fabric that I want in the background and I have an instant backdrop behind the girls. So simple! And then you can change out your background however you want. Use a sheet, use a curtain panel, use a fun quilting cotton design. Since the clothes rack can be expanded about 5 feet wide and 6 feet high, it really gives you quite a bit of space to work with. You can also drape your fabric out on the floor in front of the clothes rack if you wanted your subject to stand on the fabric, too. And you can snap your pictures no matter what the space looks like around/behind the backdrop. Here are a couple recent pictures I took with my instant fabric photo backdrop:
Then, there are days like Monday when the weather and the kiddo did cooperate and the perfect backdrop was waiting just outside. Head over to Alida Makes today to hear all about Grace’s photo shoot and her new skirt I made for the Calling All Kids series. Go here!
I’m also over at Project Run and Play today answering a few questions for the designer introduction interviews. Fun!! Come say hi!
Comments & Reviews
Creations By Cindy says
Great photos! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
zoeope says
Thanks for sharing. 🙂
trish says
Your pictures are so sweet and what a clever idea for a backdrop!!
Sweetbug Studio says
Super inexpensive and WONDERFUL idea! Great work. Every blogging mama should see this and use it if they have not yet had the idea!
Angelina- JoJo & Eloise says
Great Post!! We love coming up with creative ways for back drops especially when weather is not permitting us to go outside 😉 Beautiful Fabric, by the way!
xo
Angelina
Angelina- JoJo & Eloise says
Great Post!! We love coming up with creative ways for back drops especially when weather is not permitting us to go outside 😉 Beautiful Fabric, by the way!
xo
Angelina
Angelina- JoJo & Eloise says
Great Post!! We love coming up with creative ways for back drops especially when weather is not permitting us to go outside 😉 Beautiful Fabric, by the way!
xo
Angelina
Charity says
Clever! I didn’t realize a clothing rack like that could be found so inexpensively. I’ve tacked a sheet to the ceiling before, but this would be SO much simpler. =)
Melissa {polkadot chair} says
Okay,
I’m seriously having a DUH why didn’t I think of that. I’ve been trying to get some new backdrops and was looking at building one out of wood. This is sooo much easier!
Pam @Threading My Way says
VERY clever idea and one I’ll be trying out!!!
Shannon says
Ooh, great idea!
Kate Giovinco Photography says
Love it. As another cheap add on to a background. I always grab a piece or trim from the local building store. You can paint it or stain it and clip it to the bottom with the clips you used at the top. It makes it look like a wallpapered wall.
I love your tutorial and your site is full of beautiful creations.
semina says
hi I stumbled across your page whiles trying to find ideas for my daughters princess bday party, I have picked up lots of great ideas (crowns, how to make princess dress, photo back drops ect) jus want to say a great big thank you. oh and by the way I took your photo drop idea I got some free samples or wall paper from the local decorating shop so I can have a range of different backgrounds and even use some of the pictures to make the birthday invitations for the party. thanks again
girlinspired says
Hi Semina, Thanks so much for your message – it thrills me to hear how you’ve liked some of the ideas! I bet your daughter’s princess party will be incredible. Love the idea to pick up wall paper samples – I’m going to have to scout some out! Have a wonderful weekend!
rachel of OddModicum says
Ok, this is handy!!! I do jewelry and tiny items, so I’d have to ammend it some to a ‘flat’ backdrop, but so going to pin this for my buddies who do wearables and are always looking for new and unique photo ideas. Thanks for inspiration! Seriously clever and just ludicrously simple!
Hugs & Hope,
rachel of OddModicum
http://www.OddModicum.etsy.com
maria says
Wow, fabulous idea! I have a 1-year-old daughter who is usually a good sport in front of the camera. A DIY backdrop would be perfect for her! I love taking pictures with my iPhone (camera+ app takes crisp photos that are saturated with color and a breeze to edit). But I’d like to get a nice camera. What do you use? Thanks for sharing your idea!
zieana85 says
Never thinking of this idea. Awesome!!!
Amy N says
I love the blue pleated skirt but can’t find it on the other blog. Do you have a link, please?
Thank you!
girlinspired says
Hey Amy, I updated the post with the specific url over at Alida Makes. It should take you straight there! Thanks!
Amy N says
Thank you!
Dee says
I love your back drop hanger!!! I built one out of pvc and it is to bulky. I use flat sheets for my back drops. Lots of choices there.
Constance Owens says
Hello, i love the idea of your backdrop stand. I am looking for creative ways to set up backdrops for a startup photography business. I like the idea of one on wheels. I have looked at traditional stands and have not been sure that is what i want to do 1) they are expensive and 2) the supports for the legs are usually teipod style and take up room around the shoot site not to mention tripping over them. I have wished they come with wheels instead. Could you send me something showing me how you made it? The only drawback i can see is the heighth is not adjustable. However, that might not matter in the long run. Wondering how easily it comes apart in case i want to travel to photo shoot sites.
girlinspired says
Hi Constance, I purchased the coat rack from Home Depot and then just used big clamps to drape it with a piece of fabric. The height and width are adjustable a little bit and it would easily condense to slide into a vehicle for transport. Hope that helps!
Liz says
I love that damask fabric you used. Do you happen to remember brand / name of it?
girlinspired says
Hi Liz, I just checked the selvage and it has no label, BUT I think I actually got it from Jo-Ann in their quilting cottons section, so it might just be a Jo-Ann brand. It’s a nice cotton. I love it, too!
Krystal says
Great idea! Thanks for sharing!
Erlinda Lopez says
I am so happy I found your post. I have been using a clothes rack for sometime now, but was struggling with the backdrop. You have given me the solution to my problem. Now to find the clamps. Thank you so much.
Laurie says
I LOVE this! I need to create an inexpensive backdrop for my party and this looks like what I need. Thanks!
Hairstyles says
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like this before. So nice to search out someone with some unique thoughts on this subject.