DIY Canvas Backdrop for Portrait Photography

DIY Photography  •  Photography Tips  •  Portrait Photography

Backdrops play an important role in studio photography. They complement the subject. Backdrops also help you in developing a signature style. But canvas backdrops can be expensive. Photographers David J. Fulde and Giancarli Pawelec from The Creative Contrast have a DIY solution:

What You’ll Need

Here are some supplies that Fulde and Pawelec got from their local Home Depot for their DIY canvas backdrop:

• 1 gallon can of white primer
• 4 different color paints in small quart cans
• stipple sponge attachment for rollers
• 8 x 12 ft drop cloth canvas
• 5 XL plastic liner for the floor
• stipple sponge
• disposable paint tray inserts
• 3 roller packs (2 sets)
• paint roller

How to Make Your Own DIY Canvas Backdrop

Before beginning, make sure that you are in a well-ventilated space. Open up the doors and windows, and turn the fans on to get some airflow going. Once done, follow these steps to make your DIY canvas backdrop:

• Lay down the plastic sheet and lay the canvas sheet over it. Tape them together and then onto the floor to make sure they don’t move.
• Mix the primer and water in a 2:1 ratio and paint two coats on the canvas.
• Once done with the primer, paint a base color over it. It can be white, grey, black, or whatever you like. Be sure to start with thin layers of paint and then build up if needed. Spraying water on the paint helps blend colors together.
• Next, using the stipple brush and sponges, add texture to the backdrop. To get varied textures and patterns, Fulde suggests cutting and shredding the sponge.
• When done with the paint job, let it dry for about 24 hours. Be sure not to roll the canvas up before the paint is dry.

And that’s about it. When the paint dries up a day later, the canvas is ready to be used in your studio. The results look absolutely amazing and no less professional.

If you’re on a budget but want a canvas backdrop, you now know what to do.