Wednesday, April 29, 2015

5 Inexpensive Ideas for Photography Backgrounds

Finding the right background for photographs can be overwhelming. While finding the exact lighting is important, what your object is set in front of is important also. When I first started to write my blog posts, I did not grasp the tiny subtleties of photography. The lighting was poor, but more importantly, my backgrounds did not reflect the desired end result that I had intended. Listed below are 5 ideas for inexpensive photography backgrounds.

5 inexpensive ideas for photography backgrounds
Inexpensive background ideas



Contact Paper

The picture above is of contact paper that was purchased from our Dollar Tree store. I repurposed the poster board I was using as a background. I cut the poster board in half and I wrapped this contact paper around the poster board. Now, I have a new background for photography. At approximately $1.50 for this project, you can create several different backgrounds with the many different designs of contact paper that are offered.



Foam board or poster board

White poster board and foam board is another background that will make your subject pop. When you want to make your object stand out and be the focus of the photo, use a foam board. My Dollar Tree sells foam board for $1.00 and poster board sells at 2 for $1.00.


Scrapbook paper

As the base for this photograph, I used a cutting board. However, the background that looks like cork is actually two pages of scrapbook paper. At my local Joann Fabric and Craft store, I am able to purchase single sheets of scrapbook paper for $1.99. Often the large bundles of scrapbook paper is on sale for half off of the original price. 



Flooring Tiles

These self adhesive floor tiles are sold individually at your Lowes or Menards stores. They range in price from 68 cents to $1.19 for the single floor tiles. I purchased the floor tiles, pictured above, for 88 cents apiece. These floor tiles are also sold in a variety of different designs.


Your backyard

I have used my neighbors fence as a background for many of my photos. I have also used my flowerbeds as a background. Look in your own backyard for natural backgrounds to enhance the object. This simple trick has no cost.

I hope these inexpensive photography backgrounds have given you a few new ideas to enhance your photography skills. When looking for new ideas, think "outside the box" and you will find many creative ways to make your photos stand out with minimal expense.

“ Beauty can be seen in all things, seeing and composing the beauty is what separates the snapshot from the photograph. – Matt Hardy

Please let us know what inexpensive backgrounds you have used to enhance your photos?




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18 comments:

  1. Great ideas, Kathy. I used to be a designer for the Bowdabra Bow Maker and they wanted all white backgrounds. I bought two very inexpensive paint boards (panels) and used one under my project and one behind. They were super sturdy and I would photograph on my stove under the florescent light...no shadows!

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    1. I looked into the panels. But I needed my husbands help with those. I loved the look of them for photographs. Plus, I can cut the panels down to my desired sizes. Great idea. Thank you, Kim. :)

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  2. Those are all great ideas, Kathy, and I will take all the tips I can get. My photography skills go from bad to worse. lol xo Diana

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    1. Lol Diana, photography is so difficult. You have to do a lot of staging for your photos. Who knew!!

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  3. Thanks, Kathy. I am always looking for backgrounds. I love the scrapbook paper one. I couldn't even see a seam where the 2 sheets came together. Great ideas!!! Linda Crafts a la mode
    Pinning also.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by and the pin is greatly appreciated. :)
      Have a great day!

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  4. I got some poster board at our Dollar Store and noticed that they had the trifold poster board and some brown bag paper on a roll, I think I will go pick them up to use as backdrops, and I will check out the contact paper while I am there. Love it when bloggers share their tips, it helps make life easier, Thanks!

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    1. I need to check my Dollar store for the trifold poster board. I do have the brown bag paper on a roll, what a great idea. Bonus, I have that in my closet!! Thank you for sharing! I am always on the lookout for new backdrops. :)

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  5. I tend to just use for food - a chopping board and our checked tablecloth. For others, the summer's great becaus eI can take photos outdoors against the honey coloured stone of the house, or the fence, but I do need to look up some of these ideas

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    1. I am happy when the weather warms up and I can take photos outside. The best lighting and backgrounds at no cost. Score!

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  6. Thanks for this awesome tip. Wrapping paper is another great backdrop for pictures. Thank you for linking up at #HomeMattersParty this week. Looking forward to seeing what you link up next week.

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    1. Another great idea. I have gained more ideas in the comments. This is exciting!
      Thank you for stopping by. See you next week. :)

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  7. I'm just starting out on blogging and trying to get my pictures to look better. Your tips will be so helpful as I try out new things! I went to Wal-Mart last week and got a huge piece of foam board for .89! I did buy a tri-fold board too, but it was a little over $2. I was thinking of draping fabric (my fabric stash is so huge my kids call it the "mini-JoAnn's") over the tri fold. I love your idea of contact paper and scrapbook paper!

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    1. I like your idea of using fabric. I have a small stash of fabric with a few different colors. Another great idea!

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  8. I've got a tri-fold board which I covered with gift wrap and use quite often for blog photos. It's in need of being replaced now. I love all of your ideas so much, I'm going to Feature this post at the next Merry Monday party which starts Sunday night. I'm so glad you shared this with us! We appreciate good tips!

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    1. I have been hearing a lot about the tri-folds. I will go and buy one. Seems many bloggers use them.
      Thank you for the feature. I will see you at the party!

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  9. I have quite the stash of wrapping paper, and I dig through that to use for backgrounds often! Great ideas here! I would love for you to come link up over at our #HomeMattersParty if you haven't already! We'd love to have you! http://theroadtodomestication.com/2015/05/08/home-matters-linky-party-36/

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    1. Thank you for the wrapping paper idea. I needed to use this for my last picture!!
      I will see you at the party! :)

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Comments are greatly appreciated. I read every one.