Cheap Photography Background Ideas

Photography backgrounds do not have to be expensive.

Professional photography studios have access to a wide array of different backgrounds, and they often spend considerable money investing in these materials. Smaller photo businesses and independent artists on a budget must sometimes devise more creative ways of photographing their portraits. Creating your own photo backgrounds can save you substantial amounts of money.

Bedsheets

If you can't afford muslin (the fabric of choice for photo backgrounds), bedsheets can be an inexpensive alternative. Use sheets with as high a thread count as you can afford, so they block more of what is behind them. Choose flat sheets over fitted ones, and look for solid colors or muted, monochromatic designs for best results. For a neat effect, try soaking a white sheet in coffee or tea to give it a stained, vintage look, or tie-dye the fabric with your choice of colors.

Clearance Fabrics

Fabric stores usually have a clearance section where you can find fabric bolts listed as low as $1 per yard (you may even find muslin here). With an artistic eye and a little imagination, it's easy to see some great potential for photography backgrounds in these unwanted and discontinued fabrics. Stay away from bright colors and designs that are too busy.

Nature

For completely free photography backgrounds, consider shooting your portraits against a natural background. There are plenty of beautiful settings right in your neighborhood parks. You can even use natural light instead of artificially lighting your subject, and everything but the camera is provided for free.

References

• Better Photo: How to Make Your Own Backdrop