How to Make Vintage Photography Backdrops

Drape a velvet curtain for the old Hollywood look.

A cost-effective way to create vintage photography backdrops is to use vintage materials. Whether you want the look of old Hollywood glamor or a classic Victorian theme, vintage materials will help achieve the retro look without costing a fortune.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• No-sew tape
• Iron
• Ironing board
• Push pins
• Chalkboard
• Chalk
• Bricks
• Wood
• Crates

Instructions

Velvet Curtain

1. Visit your local fabric store for red velvet fabric, or a color of your choice, to create an old-fashioned theater look. Crushed velvet catches the light for a marbled effect, while cotton velvet provides a smoother backdrop.

2. Choose a fabric size that will fit the subject you plan to photograph, and purchase more than you think you will need so you won't run short. A common dimension for backdrops is 10 by 20 feet.

3. Iron on no-sew fabric tape along the edges of the fabric to create clean lines if the fabric has been cut unevenly.

4. Secure the top of the fabric to a wall using push pins. To create curtain waves in the backdrop, gather a few inches of excess fabric for each wave and place the push pins in between the waves.

Chalkboard

1. Check with neighborhood schools for old green chalkboards to use as interactive, quirky vintage backdrops.

2. Draw designs or patterns around the subject on the chalkboard, using chalk in any colors.

3. Write clever messages or thought bubbles around the subject.

Bricks and Wood

1. Assemble old bricks or wood to use as vintage backdrops, as advised by Digital-Photography-School.com. The color and texture of the materials stand out in photographs and can deliver a wide range of vintage looks, from urban to country chic.

2. Layer the bricks or wood against a stable wall. For easier assembly, use wooden crates stacked on top of each other.

3. Utilize vintage wallpaper, fabrics with Victorian patterns or retro 1960s prints, glass bottles or painted tiles. Drape fabric over furniture or boxes or attach it as a wall hanging.

References

• Digital Photography School: Creating a Photography Backdrop Using Vintage Materials