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Blogging is an awesome hobby and career to have, but it can get expensive fast. With a ton of different classes, programs, hosting options, and products to purchase, it’s quite overwhelming.
One thing that doesn’t have to be expensive is photography. Sure, you could spend a ton of money on an SLR camera, but it isn’t necessary to make a good photo. You can use your iPhone just as well, as long as you’ve got a good eye for photography and some cheap photo backdrops.
So, what are my suggestions for cheap + easy photo backdrops?
1. Poster Board + Scrap Paper
I get a lot of compliments on my Instagram (#thankful), and a lot of people wonder how I get such vibrant backgrounds on my images. Here’s the thing, though: 9 times out of 10, it’s just poster board or scrapbook paper!
I’ve got plenty of scrap paper around from old DIY projects, and they work great as simple photo backdrops. If you want to stick to a simple color scheme, you could even pick out individual sheets at the craft store and use the same ones over and over again! Just put it on the ground / a table by the window and voila! A beautiful photo.
2. Faux Fur
I’ve been eyeing this throw from IKEA for the past several months. It’s so soft and wonderful for your desk… but what about for a photo backdrop? It would be great for winter photos (#winteriscoming) and doubles as a nice place to rest your feet while you work!
3. Contact Paper
My other secret for both Instagram + blog photography: faux marble contact paper. I grabbed a piece of scrap wood from my dad and covered it in some contact paper. It dresses everything up and makes you look super classy! Plus, it’s much cheaper (and lighter!) than an actual piece of marble.
I’ve also got my eye on some other types of contact paper (like this one) for a different vibe. There are so many possibilities!
4. Distressed Wood
While it might not be as easy as contact paper, a distressed wood backdrop can be awesome for Instagram and blog photos. You can use an old pallet or distress some 2×4’s yourself. Here’s an awesome tutorial on how to get a distressed look for your photo backdrop.
5. Your Own Furniture
Depending on what furniture you already own, you might have some awesome photo backdrops already! For example, my dad made me a coffee table out of some old floor boards from my parents’ house, which I use for photo backdrops all. the. time.
Get creative and don’t be afraid to move your furniture around for the perfect shot!
Bonus: Getting the Right Lighting
These photo backdrops aren’t necessarily successful if you don’t have the right lighting. I always take my photos in front of a window (but not in direct light; cloudy days are best!), but sometimes you get weird shadows behind your objects. The solution: an extra piece of white foam board or poster board!
Put the white board opposite the window so it reflects the light onto the opposite side of the object. Voila! A well-light photo. You might need an extra set of hands to get everything right, but it’s worth it!
What do you use for your photo backdrops? Let me know in the comments!
Great tips! I have tons and tons of art papers and haven’t used them to photograph once! I love the contact paper idea, too. Thanks for some easy, practical tips 🙂
You’re welcome! I hope they help!
My office is the best place in my house to take pictures. My enclosed front porch would be too, but it’s only usable 3 months of the year because it is not insulated and very cold out there!
Haha, I’ve definitely made sacrifices in cold weather for photos! I get decent light on my balcony depending on the time of day, and I’ve had to brave the snow a few times. 🙂
This is a such a needed post for me! I really struggle with some of my blogging photos. I have a white tablecloth and a wooden table and that’s all I use! Always looking for more ways to get creative. Thank you!
Glad I could help, Chelsea! Good luck!
I wish my items were small enough for a make shift backdrop! I have to use a GIANT light box.
Oof, that sucks! What items do you photograph?
I love these ideas! My house doesn’t really have any good “natural” backdrops so I really could use some fake ones! These are great! Thanks!
Glad I could help, Emily! 🙂
Ohhh I never considered contact paper!!
Isn’t it smart?! Seriously so helpful.
I love these tips. I’m (obviously) still working on my photography, so thank you for the help.
Glad I could help! 🙂
Great post! I’m not the best at photography and these were really great tips! I never thought of using contact paper…
http://sailseafox.blogspot.co.uk/
Happy to help, Sophie!
I use our hardwood floors, and posterboard all the time!
That’s awesome! I’m jealous of your hardwood floors 🙂