Finding something to use a background or backdrop for photos can be difficult. You want it to be something that is going to enhance the photo and not detract from it. There are a few backgrounds that I use over and over again for my blog photos of small subjects.
The one you see most often is this lovely black bench that my dad made from a head board and a foot board. It works well because it has a flat spot for setting objects, has a tall back and the light from my bright dining room table reaches it. Of course, the photo directly above shows the apple on a piece of paper and the first photo is sans paper.
I also use tag board and foam board for backgrounds. So far I have only tried black and white. Tag board provides a nice even background and it is inexpensive. It can be bent so that the tag board curls up behind the subject and you don’t get a hard line in the background. Foam board is similar to tag board in that it provides an even background but it can’t be bent. Foam board is much sturdier than tag board so it can provide a fairly stable flat surface for photographing a subject.
If I am looking for something with patterns or color, I will turn to my stash scrapbook paper. The scrapbook paper can also be bent up behind the object like the tag board can. Or 2 pieces of scrapbook paper can be used with one piece of paper taped on the background and one piece on the flat surface.
I’ve also taken pictures on my fireplace hearth, counter tops and on these cement stairs. Each of these surfaces provides a different look. Okay, so this one doesn’t count as an indoor photo but it is a photo that was taken without having to drive anywhere! 🙂
These 3 barn wood pieces are from my sister-in-law who got them from her parent’s old barn. I would love to get more weathered wood in different colors and in larger sizes but for now this works with smaller subjects.
I know many people use fabric for backdrops but I haven’t had the best luck with it. So, take a look around your house, your garage and your yard (and your sister-in-law’s) to see what you have available for backgrounds! You might be surprised at what you find. I would love to hear what you use because I am always on the lookout for new ideas!!
What are some of your favorite backgrounds/backdrops?
You can find all of the posts with photography tips here. Next week I plan to talk about some of the outdoor places I use for backgrounds and I want to hear about your favorite spots!
Sharing at Sew Much Ado Sugar Bee Crafts
Due to stolen content, I have found it necessary to only show a snippet of my blog posts in my feed. Thank you for understanding that I want to keep the content I work hard to create on my website where it is originally published: thegunnysack.com
Dear Emmeline says
June 14, 2012 at 4:57 pmgreat post! some of my favorite photos of small items have been taken on a weathered wood ironing board butted up to a white wall!
Tonia L says
April 9, 2012 at 6:00 pmCraftyChic ~ Sorry I don’t have a way to contact you so I am posting your answer here. I have a Nikon D200. You can check it out here:
https://www.thegunnysack.com/2012/01/so-you-think-youre-photographer-because.html Thanks for stopping by!
CraftyChic says
April 9, 2012 at 5:29 pmI’m new to the Blog world and stumbled upon yours and was just thinking how do her pictures look so professional. Thank you for the tip that’s really helpful and also what type of Camera do you use because it takes amazing pictures
flowerbubbles says
March 22, 2012 at 10:34 pmThanks for the photo tips. I have a small etsy shop and am still learning how to make my pictures look better. Things are slowly improving. These tips are great! 🙂
Rose says
March 21, 2012 at 5:48 pmWow. I’m just learning about photography. those pictures are so good. Who knew am apple can be so fun to photograph. I would be so happy if you came and shared this at my link party Sunday Round Up this Sunday @ http://www.arosiesweethome.com/
Thanks,
Rose
SpartanGirl says
March 21, 2012 at 3:35 pmGreat tips! Thank you for sharing!
Christie says
March 21, 2012 at 4:08 amWow, you certainly know how to make an apple look amazing!! Thank you for sharing some of your tips!
Artsy VaVa says
March 21, 2012 at 3:57 amThanks for the great tips!
Jessica Lucas says
March 21, 2012 at 3:49 amThanks for sharing!
Taylor says
March 17, 2012 at 11:30 pmFabulous tips!! Thanks for sharing!!
Holly Lefevre says
March 17, 2012 at 7:40 amYour photos are always so gorgeous! I use poster board a lot…and I have a great weather fence right outside(I keep thinking everyone is going to get sick of that fence soon). Our house is so dark, taking photos inside is really hard…but I will not give up…I am working on it. (I had decent indoor photo success with My Min Room Makeover). Thanks for the tips.
Theresa says
March 16, 2012 at 11:53 pmThis comment has been removed by the author.
Theresa says
March 16, 2012 at 11:53 pmNice! I can’t wait to have a better camera. then I will have to revisit your tips! Have a great St. Patrick’s Day! @ DearCreatives.com
Rachel {BubblyNatureCreations.com} says
March 16, 2012 at 11:05 pmI need a tag board… why haven’t I heard of that yet??? Wow where do you buy them???
Michelle Paige says
March 16, 2012 at 7:16 pmSo needed this post! Thanks so much for sharing your ‘secrets’! I haven’t had much luck with fabric, either!
sherri lynn says
March 16, 2012 at 11:46 amThis is so helpful! I need to get some white tag board! And I didn’t realize that just three separate pieces of wood can work for a good backdrop! Thanks for sharing these tips Tonia!
Anne @ Domesblissity says
March 16, 2012 at 10:42 amOooh, you little bugger Tonia! For so long I’ve been wanting to ask you if you had a photography studio to take those gorgeous photos and ta da! That’s how you do it! You are an absolute genius Tonia. I think, for the very first time, the other day I put one of my favourite vintage linen tea towels in the back of a photo and it turned out ok. I think I’ll be looking for more props now. Thanks so much Tonia. Oh, by the way, did you have the flash on for those indoor shots?
Anne @ Domesblissity xx
Lindsay @ Delighted Momma says
March 16, 2012 at 4:39 amWAhoo these are all awesome little tricks and tips! I love love this series!!
Amy @ As The Bunny Hops says
March 16, 2012 at 3:01 amLoving all of your photo tips! So helpful. Sure you don’t want to go camera shopping with me? 🙂
Lindsay says
March 15, 2012 at 7:37 pmAwesome tips! I love that you help us all out, pictures are kind of a huge part of blogging. 🙂
Ginger says
March 15, 2012 at 5:44 pmI needed this one! Thanks for the tips. 🙂
Jennifer @ Delightfully Noted says
March 15, 2012 at 5:18 pmYep, I agree white and black poster board and scrap book paper has worked wonderful for me with pictures. I did attempt a red posterboard for some Valentine projects and it didn’t work really well for me. Great tips!
Rhonda says
March 15, 2012 at 4:56 pmHi, Tonia
I have trying to perfect my photos in my Etsy shop. Thanks for the awesome tips. I was debating on buying a light box but I am going to try using your tips.
2busy says
March 15, 2012 at 4:48 pmIt is amazing how great you can make an apple look! It’s like the subject kind of changes with the change of the background. Lovely!
Jennifer says
March 15, 2012 at 4:30 pmGreat tips!