Changing up the scenery is a great way to get images from ho-hum to awesome! I am a big outdoors-y gal when it comes to portraits, but every once in a while, I get a hankering for the backdrop set up. I still use all natural light, so I have to situate my backdrop in a room near a window for that optimal light. There are some beautiful fabrics out there, and I see many photographers using just that–fabric for a backdrop. Because fabric is more narrow, it may only be used well for headshots or babies.
But quilts, sheets, duvets, even shower curtains offer the width you will need for a child or even an adult. I recently purchased 2 fabric shower curtains at Target for $10 each and used them here:
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great ideas!! I used a large piece of black craft felt for my backdrops at Christmas. It was SUPER cheap!! I also bought some white craft felt, but I really had a hard time getting it to look white and not gray. Any easy fixes for that? I did only use a manual setting on my camera… I don't have much confidence in my abilities yet :P
thanks,
amy
I'm looking forward to reading about your photography ideas. Thank you for being willing to share with us all. LOVED your peony headband. Just ordered it this morning. Thanks for the backdrop idea. I need to figure out my camera and get shooting! Have a great one.
Those are great ideas. Love the pictures that show the "how".
~Kimberlee
http://www.TheSpunkyDiva.blogspot.com
Thanks for the great ideas! Love them!!
JC Penney has some sheets (search for "splash sheets" and they'll come up) that are mottled like a painted photographers canvas. They work great! I've found similar "crackled" prints at Sears too – once in the $20 bin for a whole set. I removed the elastic from the bottom sheet and sewed it to the top sheet – made those king size sheets into a full length backdrop!
http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTyp=STY&ItemID=18410d2&submit%20search.y=0&Ntt=splash+sheets&SearchString=splash+sheets&Ne=840+4+877+878+5+961+6+29+3+598+11+15+12+506+10+23+585+596+1031+8+18+904+903+969+949+833&hdnOnGo=true&submit%20search.x=0&Nao=0&N=4294959029&SO=0&PSO=0&CmCatId=searchresults
I love your ideas!!
GREAT tips today Kristen!!! I LOVE that quilt! It makes me want to quilt a cute one just to use for pictures! :) I have a curtain that I used. And I am just editing some pictures where I covered a wall with sheet music (it was for a professional violinist – i'll send you a link when I get finished editing them!!)
And oh my how I LOVE those headbands! WOWzers!
I love these ideas! I have always wondered what I would do if I absolutely had to shoot indoors. I think I could find a place in the house that I could bring in enough light by window and use a fabric backdrop! Question though – what do you attach the fabric to the wall with?
Thank you for sharing these ideas! It really gets me thinking that I dont need to spend tons of money on getting my kids pictures taken at a studio. I can try it out myself first!
I L.O.V.E the newspaper. That is soo cute. I may have to make me my own backdrop with that.
Thanks.
If you want to sell the duvet cover, I would LOVE to buy it from you! We are about to redo our bedroom and I LOVE that pattern and color!
I should have mentioned the black/white backdrops…black is MUCH more forgiving than white. Unless you have a light set up, it is difficult to get a truely white backdrop. With black, I'll often take my burn tool (in photoshop) and burn the lighter edges. You can use the dodge tool for white, but it doesn't give the same effect.
To attach the fabric, either tape or thumb takes or drape it on something like hooks or a couch/chair(got it on ebay). I do have a backdrop stand, but I am often too lazy to set it up.
Rhonda, can't wait to see the sheet music images!
Popes–tempting…I love it, but rarely use it. Email me, let me think about it:)
Amy–I bet you have some fun quilts around your home. I want to buy so many quilts, but can't justify it for one photo shoot.
Kristen, you are an endless source of inspiration. Thank you!
I have this long picture ledge in my living room, 2 of them actually, and the lower one is just below eye level. The other 3 walls in the room have windows, so it's a fairly okay s lit pot. Anyhow, I've used painters drop cloth and different fabrics, just tacked them up on that photo ledge. But most recently when I attempted indoor photos, I used a couple of shower curtains I'd picked up on clearance here & there.. It actually was a lot easier just having the thumb tacks spaced on the ledge & putting the large grommets of the shower curtains on them. (made for quicker change than trying to tack fabric up each time.)
I'm with you – I mostly stick to outdoor photos. But in northern Minnesota we have this thing called "harsh winter" that is really long lasting. I'd like to get more comfortable shooting indoors from time to time.
PS: I love the photo of your daughter with the light aqua background!
Love it!
We just love your blog!
Love the newspaper idea. Think I am going to have to borrow that one.
Love the newspaper idea! I go to a discount store like Big Lots and buy panel curtains or draperies (usually around $5-8) for my backdrops. Most of them are synthetic, so just tossing them in the dryer with a damp towel, and hanging immediately, gets out all of the wrinkles. I like them because I can clamp them tight for a totally “flat” backdrop, or gather them a bit and let them hang loose for a softer look. Sheer panels and “scarves” work really great for adding dimension and softness, especially when shooting babies or small children….or pregnant mommies!
Thanks for all your great tips.
how do i get backdrops that could have an adult stand or lay down not sure what size id need also how do u hang them and what do i do about indoor lighting when i have a cannont2i so it tech had auto flash? plz help
You can buy backdrops on line, or look for long tablecloths or fabric. I don’t use my flash, but natural light, and you need to learn how to use your camera correctly for that to work out well. Hope that helps!!
I like also using curtains and wrapping paper.
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