I’m far from a professional photographer. However, I do take pictures for my family. And friends. And sometimes friends of family and friends. {And of lots of DIY projects too!} Plus my girls and I love fun photo shoots just for fun as well. My camera sees a LOT of action. So I was thrilled to get this lighting kit and backdrop for Christmas because I was a good girl this year.
But honestly, being my thrifty DIY self, if I hadn’t have gotten the above kit, I definitely, would have been making a DIY PVC pipe version like the tutorial shown here. You know what else I’ve considered using? A clothes rack (simple to assemble/store and a nice smaller portable version – you might even have one ‘hanging around’ in the closet or basement!)…
Recently I saw this on on Pinterest by Kim from Easy Peasy Pie…
and I was inspired! Who wants a plain white or black backdrop when you can have a pretty designer custom looking background? Kim uses a beautiful Target tablecloth. Use curtain panels, twin flats sheets – vintage from the thrift shop would be awesome and affordable and both of those options have rod pockets. Or choose a pretty fabric. I purchased 2.5 yards of the fabric below from Joann’s.
Iron fabric.
Iron approx. 3 inch hem. Flip the raw edge under and iron.
Sew close to the edge, creating a rod pocket.
Slide into place on top rod.
Take it a step further with a faux baseboard: I had two 1x4s left over from the guest bedroom makeover (lucky me – one was even painted!). Place fabric between boards. I set the back board on top of the back side of the fabric and made sure the fabric was pulled taut…
Place finished board in front and clamp ends. Clamps were about a dollar for 4″ size at the hardware store.
So like Kim says, I can fool everyone into thinking I have a fancy schmancy house when in reality our family room needs lots of work…
Whenever I need a photography model, I just start placing photo props in place and Lalka jumps right in, makes her self comfortable and claims it as her own. Diva!
“Me not working hard? Yeah, right! Picture that with a Kodak Or, better yet, go to Times Square Take a picture of me with a Kodak”…Give Me Everything, Pittbull
I think this shot is for her catch.com profile…
Single female Ragdoll seeks Casanova.
Works pretty well, doesn’t it? Looks like I have a pretty wallpapered wall in my home.
Thanks so much to Kim for the inspiration!
Like it? Go ahead and Pin It! I’m joining the fun with Kara, Holly, Ashlee, Rebecca and lots of other creative bloggers here:
Let’s see what you’ve been up to!
1. You must use the button above (ADD BUTTON HTML CODE FROM SIDE BAR TO YOUR POST) and link to this post to share the linky love. You post must be recent, shared at one DIY Project Parade only (not continuously) and be DIY related.
2.Include your name or blog name and project title. Add your permalink (not your blog url, but your DIY project post url). Feel free to link a Past Post, just invite your readers in a current post with a quick note.
3.Or email your link to thediyshowoff@gmail.com and I will add it for you.
4.If you notice your link has disappeared -please add the link back to The DIY Show Off to your post today, a button or a quick note to your readers about the party and try again! I love when everyone participates and readers check out everyone’s links, but I think the return favor of linking back is the nice thing to do so everyone plays fair and enjoys all of the projects and links. Also – this blog party is for DIY projects only. Links not related to DIY will be deleted. Please share your link one week only.
5. If reading this in an email or reader, pop over to http://diyshowoff.com to see the inspiring DIY projects linked up!
6. NOW you can “like” the links! What a fun idea! Most liked links may be included in a post of DIY Project Parade highlights later in the week.
7. Visit a few other links to make some new friends, get some creative ideas and feel free to leave me a comment. I’m likely sitting here on the computer and could use a happy distraction!
You are the smartest one! I love this idea and what a beautiful kitty too! Now you must tell us where you’re going to store this! I had one of those hanging racks but don’t know what I did with it.
Thanks for hosting your most fun party.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia
Thanks, ladies! Sheila, it all disassembles easily and comes with a carrying case. So for me, it’ll be packed up and stored under the guest bed while not in use. But for now…since our family room isn’t ‘finished’ anyway, I think I’ll leave it set up for a little bit.
This is a great idea! My newly formed workroom is in the unfinished basement- this would sure beat carrying projects upstairs to photograph, ’cause, well, I’m lazy.
Another great back drop is using fleece blankets – they have been on sale lately so you can get them cheaply- they give a nice texture as well as depth for the background
This is such a great idea, my main living area is a merlot color, which does not show well on camera, look neony! UGH! Now I have a solution. You probably notices but you are so close to 6,000 followers girl, WOW, I can’t even imagine that! But you do deserve it! If i join you 23 more time will I get a gift for being the 6,000 (ha,ha). I just had to try.
Hi there, what a fabulous idea and the kitty cat is pretty gorgeous also. Thanks for sharing. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris http://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.com/
And I’m in LOVE. WITH. YOUR. CAT. Hey, they know they’re pretty! What an awesome back drop too, so much better than the ones I try to finagle…. haha! Thanks for hosting the party!
Love the backdrop ideas. We have that same tablecloth and have used it as a backdrop for fun photo booths with silly props. Thanks for hosting the link party too
Love this idea! The clamped pieces of wood really sell this look! And your kitty is the perfect model, too. Thanks for sharing and hosting this party each week.
Oh, Roeshel, I need to do this so badly. I have a terrible time with pics, because I do most of my projects and most of my blogging at MMM’s house, and he is still in the process of remodeling the attached MIL apartment so he can get his mother moved out of the main house (where we’ll live when we get married this fall). She’s not exactly what you’d call a good housekeeper (more like a two boxes away from being a hoarder), and I have to scramble to take any pics that aren’t full of junk in the background. I can’t exactly “keep it real” and still be on good terms. Tell you what – when he and I are married, you’ll see a bunch of Sass posts about re-doing what is going to pretty much be a blank canvas. But a backdrop, for now? Perfect! Thanks for hosting, by the way!
Hi Roeshel – What an awesome idea.Just today as I was taking photos I was thinking I need a nice backdrop and lo and behold – you have provided me with the answer. This is just the best idea. Thank you so much for sharing it.
My kitty is in all of my photos, too. As soon as I start working or taking photos – there he is! I love when I get a good shot of him doing something cute like trying to smell the paint I am using and getting it on his nose
My best- Diane
I love the idea of a photo backdrop. We have an old soccer goal frame that I might try to convert… hmmmm.. now you’ve got me thinking! Just liked up, thanks for hosting! – L
That backdrop is genius! Thank you for sharing it. And thank you for the link party.
I just found you via “A Diamond in the Stuff” and will be bookmarking!
Thanks very much.
David
I recently came across your post! Thank you for featuring my backdrop stand! I love the way yours turned out. And your subject is pretty cute, too! All the best!
I don’t know how I missed the photo backdrop tutorial when you posted it in January, but I came across it today, and just love the idea. Most of the walls in my house are a greige color, which is wonderfully neutral, but they don’t photograph well, especially when used as a backdrop. I have one of those clothing racks in my basement, and will be on the lookout for a curtain or sheet or fabric that I love to use as a backdrop!
Not only is Lalka gorgeous but the props are so cool and really does fool the eye. Your camera and the shooter behind it is pretty great too.
You are the smartest one! I love this idea and what a beautiful kitty too! Now you must tell us where you’re going to store this! I had one of those hanging racks but don’t know what I did with it.
Thanks for hosting your most fun party.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia
Thanks, ladies! Sheila, it all disassembles easily and comes with a carrying case. So for me, it’ll be packed up and stored under the guest bed while not in use. But for now…since our family room isn’t ‘finished’ anyway, I think I’ll leave it set up for a little bit.
This is a neat idea! I love that you can change out the fabric too if you chose. Thanks so much for hosting!
Great idea — yours turned out perfect. However, I have to say, Lalka stole the show and your comments regarding her poses had me belly laughing!!!
I love it. Great idea!
Roeshel, your backdrop is gorgeous! You really could be a professional photographer! Those pictures are beautiful
Have a great week!
Miranda @ Just Drink a Coke.
This is a great idea! My newly formed workroom is in the unfinished basement- this would sure beat carrying projects upstairs to photograph, ’cause, well, I’m lazy.
great upcycle to that lighting kit you got. I’m so envious!
Another great back drop is using fleece blankets – they have been on sale lately so you can get them cheaply- they give a nice texture as well as depth for the background
man, that cat is a ham!! love the personality coming through in your photos. and the backdrop? wow. brilliant. just brilliant!
Wow that’s genius! I have some pvc pipes in the garage I’m going to need to do this with. Thanks for hosting
I love this idea!!!
Dee
Great back drop! The cat is absolutely beautiful! I want one!!
Thank you for hosting!
Thanks so much for hosting! LOVE LOVE LOVE your backdrop!!! XO, Aimee
Unbelievable…Is your backdrop/studio available for rent? I love it. Thx for sharing. Heather
The backdrop is beautiful Roeshel. Thanks for hosting another inspirational party.
genius! I mean seriously! It looks just like a WALL. Love it. And your model? oooh la la!
such a ham.
great job Roeshel!
gail
Thanks so much for the party, Roeshell! That Nursery you posted before is AMAZING! Inspring!!!
And I LOVE your photo backdrop…totally pinned it…and your kitty is BEAUTIFUL!
wow, roeshel! that looks awesome!!!
This is such a great idea, my main living area is a merlot color, which does not show well on camera, look neony! UGH! Now I have a solution. You probably notices but you are so close to 6,000 followers girl, WOW, I can’t even imagine that! But you do deserve it! If i join you 23 more time will I get a gift for being the 6,000 (ha,ha). I just had to try.
Hi there, what a fabulous idea and the kitty cat is pretty gorgeous also. Thanks for sharing. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris
http://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.com/
And I’m in LOVE. WITH. YOUR. CAT. Hey, they know they’re pretty!
What an awesome back drop too, so much better than the ones I try to finagle…. haha! Thanks for hosting the party!
Such a pretty backdrop, girl! Love! Thanks a mill for hosting XOXOX
Love the backdrop ideas. We have that same tablecloth and have used it as a backdrop for fun photo booths with silly props. Thanks for hosting the link party too
Very clever!!!
Thank you for sharing and hosting all the fun!
Love this idea! The clamped pieces of wood really sell this look! And your kitty is the perfect model, too. Thanks for sharing and hosting this party each week.
Oh, Roeshel, I need to do this so badly. I have a terrible time with pics, because I do most of my projects and most of my blogging at MMM’s house, and he is still in the process of remodeling the attached MIL apartment so he can get his mother moved out of the main house (where we’ll live when we get married this fall). She’s not exactly what you’d call a good housekeeper (more like a two boxes away from being a hoarder), and I have to scramble to take any pics that aren’t full of junk in the background. I can’t exactly “keep it real” and still be on good terms. Tell you what – when he and I are married, you’ll see a bunch of Sass posts about re-doing what is going to pretty much be a blank canvas. But a backdrop, for now? Perfect! Thanks for hosting, by the way!
Hi Roeshel – What an awesome idea.Just today as I was taking photos I was thinking I need a nice backdrop and lo and behold – you have provided me with the answer. This is just the best idea. Thank you so much for sharing it.
My kitty is in all of my photos, too. As soon as I start working or taking photos – there he is! I love when I get a good shot of him doing something cute like trying to smell the paint I am using and getting it on his nose
My best- Diane
I love the idea of a photo backdrop. We have an old soccer goal frame that I might try to convert… hmmmm.. now you’ve got me thinking! Just liked up, thanks for hosting! – L
That backdrop is genius! Thank you for sharing it. And thank you for the link party.
I just found you via “A Diamond in the Stuff” and will be bookmarking!
Thanks very much.
David
Hmmm…I do believe that’s a brilliant idea! I think I need to get one of those set-ups!
It’s beautiful, Roe!
This is such a clever idea and your kitty is ADORABLE, Roeshel!
Thanks SO much for linking up @ Feature Friday Free-for-All!
~Abbie (www.fivedaysfiveways.com)
Pingback: Pinterest PinFest ~January 2012 | DIY Show Off
Come over and check out my features. You made the TOP 10. http://itssoverycheri.com/2012/01/21/top-10-features-from-1-8-2011-party/
Geab your “I’ve been featured” button.
Cheri
Fabulous idea… love the fabric and the faux baseboard… and your model too!
Pingback: 14 Days of Love…Blue Valentine {ribbon wreath tutorial} | DIY Show Off
I recently came across your post! Thank you for featuring my backdrop stand! I love the way yours turned out. And your subject is pretty cute, too!
All the best!
I don’t know how I missed the photo backdrop tutorial when you posted it in January, but I came across it today, and just love the idea. Most of the walls in my house are a greige color, which is wonderfully neutral, but they don’t photograph well, especially when used as a backdrop. I have one of those clothing racks in my basement, and will be on the lookout for a curtain or sheet or fabric that I love to use as a backdrop!
How beautiful did this come out! Love the ideas!