I’ve been wanting to make a studio backdrop for portraits for a long time now. Ideally I’d make a huge 2x5m to drape from floor to ceiling, but you’ve got to start somewhere. I figured I would start with a very neutral grey with just subtle structure, and I think it turned out all right, although I think I’ll try to add just slightly more texture. I should have found a more flat floor though, I ended up causing a few creases…
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What is it made out of? Fabric? Could you not iron out those creases? And whats that pulley system?
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It’s actually an old 100x195cm IKEA roller shade that found no other use since we lost the mount for it. I just hold it up with a simple spring clamp by the metal tube it’s rolled up on. I’m thinking about adding another color on the other side so I can switch. I used old leftover matte ceiling paint which I dyed using small parts of artist’s acrylic paint.
The clamp is actually the base of an adjustable phone holder, and I’m going to try to see if I can use the arm to position a small accent light for the hairline on it.
That’s a good idea. I’m planning on making more. I’ve been thinking about replacing the fabric with longer canvas, so it can drape over the floor as well.
Popped in the local fabric store while waiting for the commute train just to find they were having a sale on old stock, ended up with 15 meters of good quality cotton canvas for just 30 EUR, that’s going to become full length backdrops that drapes over the floor, eventually
I’ve also made a pink one on order by my daughter, this time I tried using a more diluted paint on an old bed sheet, which turned out great too. I’m not convinced you need heavy canvas to get started with painting your own backdrops.
Using acrylic paint makes the backdrops quite stiff and only suitable for rolling up for storing though. I want to make one that I can fold and bring with me, so I’m going to experiment with dyes on cotton later.
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