Photography Backdrops and Floors
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Are you looking for ideas for photography backdrops and floors? You’re in the right place!
I wonder—are you impatient like I am? When I get something in my head, I feel the need to get started and see it through immediately. My daughter Jamie is the same way…. I wonder where she gets it? I had this brilliant idea: I needed a new photography backdrop to stage my furniture pieces.
My friend Catherine gave me the idea to use a drop-cloth backdrop. I’ve been using it for months, and it’s worked well. It worked well to stage my Lego Table, Crib Easel, Bench Dresser, and Painted Wing Chair.
So, I got these ideas for some photography backdrops and floors, but we are in the dead of winter. We had a few lovely days in January, and I ran to Home Depot to buy some 2x4s.
How to make Photography Backdrops
I had never framed a wall before, but it went together quickly. Of course, it would have been easier if I hadn’t had to bend over so much while building it on the ground.
I had to trim one of the pieces of drywall to fit my frame. You will see why in a minute.
Drywall a fake photography backdrop wall
I secured the drywall to the new frame with screws.
Then, I built the portability of my new wall! I used two small furniture dollies and some 2x4s to allow my wall to be moved around. I put 2 gate handles on each side of the wall to help roll the wall around. This is the carport where I usually paint with my Homeright Finish Max.
I must tell you, like my mom used to say, “Do as I say, not as I do.” My wall is a little tipsy and might be prone to being blown over by a big gust of wind. I recommend using the larger ones if you use furniture dollies to build photography backdrops.
Make a plank wall for photography
While the drywall mud was drying, I ripped some thin plywood (underlayment) on the table saw. Because a full sheet is difficult for me to handle, I ripped my pieces a little over 12″ in width. (Plank on the right). After I got all my 12″ pieces ripped, I then ripped those in half to be about 6″ wide. (planks on the left).
I used washers as spacers and my Ryobi Airstrike Stapler to attach the planks.
Portable Plank Wall Tutorial as a Photography Backdrop
Although I could have made each plank extend the entire wall length, I chose to cross-cut some to look more realistic in pictures. I did follow a pattern, working my way up the wall.
I filled the holes, then used a quick coat of diy chalky paint (as a primer) on my new plank wall photography backdrop. You could stain your plank wall if that’s the look you prefer.
Remember earlier when I told you that I had to trim the drywall? This is why. The garage door clearance is right at 8′. However, these trim boards are more like 7.5 feet from the driveway. I measured many times to ensure this portable wall would be as tall as possible but still clear the boards. Of course, I tested to make sure it really would clear the opening as soon as I got the wall secured to the wheels (dollies)
I do not know what that line is that appears to be on the drywall? Maybe it’s a shadow?
Faux plank wall for photography
The wall at work allows me to stage this dresser TV stand. You might want to check out the EASY DIY hardwood floor photo backdrop.
Here’s what it looks like, all set up with the baseboard and the flooring. I’m thrilled that the idea in my head actually became a reality.
The actual width of the wall is 8′; however, the space between the dollies is about 77″, which may cause me to be a little creative with larger pieces.
Even so, it’s considerably taller than the drop-cloth backdrop is.
The drywall side of this portable wall is unfinished due to the snowy winter weather we have been having. I will update this post when it’s finished. In addition, you will see it in use in future projects.
I feel like a little girl at Christmas. I’m so excited to use my new toy!! Could you use your own Photography Backdrops and Floors to stage your “beauty shots”?
gail
Check out Elizabeth & Co. for more great ideas!
Hi Gail! Thanks for such an excellent design. I built the wall for a photo studio with some improvements, like magnetic removable panels. I ran into the too-tall issue during the drywall installation. Overall, it turned out great!
I recorded the build and posted it to YouTube. I linked the notes and in-video to your post here. I hope you don’t mind. You can see it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0Hlz-J7GBg
I totally love this DIY! It is so genius! I am going to attempt this for my Mom as a stage prop/backdrop for her play productions at church. You gave me such a great idea!!!! Thanks so much for sharing!
Ashley,
I’m so happy you found my tutorial helpful! Wishing you (and your mom) all the best of luck.
gail
I think the line in the picture of your backdrop going under the garage door is simply the spacing between the Planks on the plank side.
I love this idea! Do you have an estimate on how much this project cost you to complete?
You would need approximately
10 2×4’s
2 sheets of drywall
2 sheets of thin plywood
2 small furniture dollies (or large caster wheels built out to steady the backdrop.wall)
Off the top of my head, I don’t know the prices, but it would approximately cost between 60-75 dollars.
gail
This is so fun! I’m putting together a list of ideas for builders to showcase the things they make and I’d love to include a photo from this post as well as a link to this post so people could come here to see how to make it. Would you be ok with that? If not no worries, I just know I looked for ideas of how to make something like this when I built furniture and it would have been so helpful!
what a great photography backdrop. it is beautiful.
While this is a great idea as a backdrop for pictures I think a new use could be for shading areas that get too much sun. I wish I had seen your idea a few years ago when the Arizona sun was keeping my living room much too “sunny” and hot. Using PVC pipe and outside fabric means that this backdrop is mobile for any window or door as the need arises.
That looks awesome! So smart and very versatile.
This is so freaking genius !!!
Unbelievable !
Just a quick question – if you were going to put planks, why did you need to use dry wall – and even mud it?
Was it for extra strength?
Could it be made just securing the planks to the studs, do you think?
( I’m always looking for the lazy way LOL )
It’s fabulous – really just the perfect backdrop and with the floor as well?
Really, you’re a genius !
xox
Suzan,
I’m sorry that my post was confusing. This wall has 2 sides. I did put the planks directly on the studs on one side, and I did drywall on the other side, so I can have at least 2 looks for my projects. 🙂 The drywall side is still not completed. The snow melted yesterday, and I was able to get another coat of mud on the drywall seam. I can’t wait to get that side finished. 🙂
Thanks for your enthusiasm about my project. It makes me smile!!!
gail
Love this so much! Can’t wait to see it in use. Featured you at our party this morning. Thanks so much for sharing!
Wow Gail, that is a genius idea and just the perfect backdrop for all your fabulous projects!
Oh my….. I so need to do this as of yesterday! Hey you can always do the reverse side with another look as well….. now if we could only get the sun to cooperate on shooting day!
This is a great idea and you have really placed the back drop and floor from an earlier post to a whole new level. I agree that the planks look much better staggered than straight across. Like others….I my have to borrow this idea as well.
Tracy,
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment about my faux plank wall photo backdrop. If you make one, please share it with me via email or on the facebook page. I LOVE to inspire others to do their own DIY projects. I’m anxious to put this bad boy to use as soon as the winter weather goes away. 🙂
gail
Ahhh I love it, both the wall and floor are bloody genius and I’m totally borrowing this idea, thank you!
Now you are really getting into the photography end of things! LOL…..Great idea.
Great idea! You are so smart 🙂 Pinned it!
Happy Birthday,
Debbie
The perfect backdrop for your beautiful creations!
It looks pretty awesome!
It’s going to FABulous!
I’m probably gonna have to build one too now–this will make things look SO much better in pictures! I hate seeing my chaotic back grounds and torn up work space in all my pictures. I’m always hoping people will just focus on the project! : /
Catherine
This idea is just brilliant, I LOVE it!!! I loved seeing how it came together too. I could totally use one, which I have already told you. 🙂 You are so smart to do planks on one side and drywall on the other, very versatile! It really adds a professional look to your pieces, you rock Gail! Of course I am pinning! Happy Birthday!!
Incredible project, Gail. You could make sets for movies and theaters now! I bet you’ll use the heck out of this backdrop. It’s really cool!
Nothing better than having an idea come to life! What a super great idea, especially for you who photographs a lot of of stuff. Smart lady you are. Happy birthday!
we are having a couple plank walls built for the barn so we can move them around! love this! and happy birthday, gail!
So creative! I love how you saw a problem and found a way to solve it.
Wonderful, Gail, it’s so professional and can be used for so many of your creations!
That is a great idea and goes perfectly with the flooring. I need something like that in my house because I don’t have an inch of space to photograph anything… luckily I don’t do too many large pieces LOL… Great work as usual my friend!