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How to Make Your Own Curtain Backdrop for Photo Shoots

While the person or item at the forefront of your photo is important, the background is equally important to the quality of the image. A proper backdrop compliments the appearance of the image focus without making the image look crowded or gaudy. The curtains add a ruffled texture to your image as well as a frame for the focus of your image.

Things You'll Need

Fabric swatches
Curtains
Sheet
Hammer
Nails
Stud detector
Pencil
Curtain rod anchors
Screws
Drill
Curtain restraints
Curtain rod
Safety Pin

Instructions

- 1
  Stretch a flat sheet with a solid color or subtle color variances that match the look of your curtains across the wall where you want your backdrop. Nail the corners in place and smooth it out to keep wrinkles from ruining your picture.
- 2
  Move a stud detector across the wall above the sheet. Mark the studs closest to the corners of the sheet.
- 3
  Place your curtain brackets against the wall over the studs on either side of the sheet and screw them in place.
- 4
  Thread your curtains onto the curtain rod. Bunch the curtains in the center of the rod and ask an assistant to help you lift it onto the brackets. Install curtain restraints at either side of the curtain rod, halfway down the length of the curtain.
- 5
  Spread the curtains across the rod. Pin the tops of the curtains together at the center of the rod using a sturdy safety pin. Pull the curtains off to the sides, leaving the center clipped.
- 6
  Secure your curtains to the side using your curtain restraints. This exposes the sheet behind the curtain while making the curtains drape gracefully over the top of it.

Photography