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How to Make a Photoshoot Backdrop

Backdrops are used by professional photographers to complement the subject of the photo, not to compete with the subject for the viewer's eye. Many photo retailers sell fabric and paper backgrounds. You can, however, easily make a backdrop at home that will save you money and give you the opportunity to customize the color.

Things You'll Need

Garbage pail
Fabric
Dye
Portable clothes stand or backdrop stand

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the space you plan to cover with a backdrop to determine the amount of material you will need.
- 2
  Choose a color of dye for the backdrop material. If the backdrop is large you may need two boxes of dye. Take the package with you when you go to the fabric store to buy your backdrop material. This will help determine which material will work best.
- 3
  Mix the dye according to the directions on the package. If the backdrop is large you may need a garbage pail for dying the fabric. Dip the fabric into the dye and stir it to ensure the dye covers all of the fabric. Let the fabric sit in the solution for five to ten minutes.
- 4
  Remove the fabric, squeeze the excess liquid out of the backdrop and lay it out to dry. This is best done on grass or a place where the dye will not stain.
- 5
  Measure 2 inches along the top of the fabric, fold it in half and stitch it to create a 1-inch loop where you can insert a pole to hang the backdrop. Your photography backdrop is ready to be used.

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