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 just feel the need to get started and see it through immediately. My daughter Jamie is the same way…wonder where she gets it? I had this brilliant idea that I needed a new photography backdrop for staging my furniture pieces.
My friend Catherine gave me the idea to use a drop cloth backdrop, and 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 a 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 couple of nice days in January, and I made a run to Home Depot to buy some 2×4’s and such.
How to make Photography Backdrops
I had never really framed a wall before, but it went together really 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 2 small furniture dollies and some 2×4’s 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 normally do my painting with my Homeright Finish Max.
Now I have to tell you like my mom use 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. If you choose to use furniture dollies to build photography backdrops, I would definitely recommend using the larger ones.
Make a plank wall for photography
While the drywall mud was drying, I got busy ripping 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 length of the wall, I chose to cross cut some so that it would 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 make sure that 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
Here is the wall at work allowing 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 really thrilled that the idea in my head actually worked to become 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.
As of now, 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!! Do you think you could use your very own Photography Backdrops and Floors for staging your “beauty shots” ?
gail
Check out Elizabeth & Co. for more great ideas!
Em says
July 26, 2018 at 3:31 pmI love this idea! Do you have an estimate on how much this project cost you to complete?
Gail Wilson says
July 28, 2018 at 8:03 pmYou 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
Jennifer says
March 27, 2018 at 3:46 pmThis 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!
girlfromwva says
March 26, 2018 at 9:35 pmwhat a great photography backdrop. it is beautiful.
dc says
January 31, 2018 at 8:34 amWhile 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.
david says
April 5, 2016 at 2:02 pmThat looks awesome! So smart and very versatile.
Suzan says
March 10, 2015 at 8:44 amThis 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
gail@myrepurposedlife.com says
March 10, 2015 at 9:13 amSuzan,
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
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says
March 10, 2015 at 8:21 amLove this so much! Can’t wait to see it in use. Featured you at our party this morning. Thanks so much for sharing!
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says
March 8, 2015 at 7:59 pmWow Gail, that is a genius idea and just the perfect backdrop for all your fabulous projects!
Brenda Young says
March 6, 2015 at 9:35 pmOh 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!
Tracy@www.bluridgevintage.com says
March 4, 2015 at 9:20 pmThis 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.
gail@myrepurposedlife.com says
March 5, 2015 at 9:24 amTracy,
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
Amanda says
March 4, 2015 at 1:12 pmAhhh I love it, both the wall and floor are bloody genius and I’m totally borrowing this idea, thank you!
Pam says
March 4, 2015 at 12:31 pmNow you are really getting into the photography end of things! LOL…..Great idea.
Debbie says
March 4, 2015 at 12:33 amGreat idea! You are so smart 🙂 Pinned it!
Happy Birthday,
Debbie
Suzanne says
March 3, 2015 at 7:17 pmThe perfect backdrop for your beautiful creations!
Catherine says
March 3, 2015 at 1:42 pmIt 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
Mindi says
March 3, 2015 at 10:49 amThis 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!!
Laurel Stephens says
March 3, 2015 at 10:24 amIncredible 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!
Stephanie@cre8tive says
March 3, 2015 at 10:21 amNothing 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!
cassie says
March 3, 2015 at 9:47 amwe are having a couple plank walls built for the barn so we can move them around! love this! and happy birthday, gail!
terry hayes says
March 3, 2015 at 9:04 amSo creative! I love how you saw a problem and found a way to solve it.
Julie @ follow your heart woodworking says
March 3, 2015 at 8:01 amWonderful, Gail, it’s so professional and can be used for so many of your creations!
Susan says
March 3, 2015 at 7:02 amThat 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!