Ideas for a Cheap Backdrop for an Amateur Photographer

Hanging a Backdrop

• Hang a backdrop in a well-lit area of your home or photography space. Use walls and adhesives inside and trees and benches outside. Thumbtacks and self adhesive hooks are relatively cheap and work well to hold cloth to an inside wall. Heavy rocks, bricks or books help anchor an outside backdrop hanging from a tree branch, bench or other outside surface.

Bedding

• Bedding works well for a backdrop. A solid colored sheet or blanket placed in bright lighting provides mood and setting for photos. Use a sheet with a high thread count; if you don't have high thread count sheets, buy the highest count you can afford. Higher thread counts allow for less light to pass through the fabric, which will keep unwanted shadows out of your photographs.

Muslin

• Muslin is available at many craft stores and is a versatile backdrop option. It is a thick cotton cloth and adheres well to dyes. Use natural white or off-white muslin or purchase fabric dye to create different colors. Even out the edges and make sure there are no overlaps in the hanging backdrop; these overlaps will be evident in the photo.

Other Fabrics

• Other fabrics include any type of fabric found around the house. Tablecloths, curtains or fabric covers all make strong backdrops. The backdrop will hang or lay flat and capture the available light. Look for fabrics around the house in pastel colors, light colors or soft colors. The light will reflect and highlight the subject of the photograph.

Seamless Paper

• Seamless paper is available per yard at many craft stores. Purchase a few yards within your budget and line a wall or outdoor flat surface with the paper. Store the paper rolled around a tube to avoid wrinkles between uses. The paper is available in a variety of colors; choose a color that works well for the type of photography you prefer.