DIY Photography Backdrop

by randofo

37K26414

Intro: DIY Photography Backdrop

This is an easy removable table-mounted photography backdrop that can be built in roughly five minutes. This came about when it was suggested that my previous ceiling mounted backdrop rig was an eyesore and an impediment to office productivity. To comply with new office-wide zoning standards, I had to create a new rig that was not ceiling mounted, contained within my workspace, and that rose no more than three feet above the surface of my workbench. My own personal guidelines was that it had to attach firmly to my workbench and that it had to be removable.  This solution not only meets everyone's needs, but was quick and painless. I am also particularly fond of the pipe clamp supports, which when not in use as supports for the backdrop can double as - you guessed it - pipe clamps.

STEP 1: Go Get Stuff

You will need:

(x2) 1/2" x 30" pipes
(x2) Pipe clamp assemblies
(x4) 2" x 2" cork pads
(x2) 1" inner diameter copper elbows
(x1) 1" diameter shower curtain rod cut to width of desk
(x1) Roll of photo backdrop paper

(Note that some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This does not change the cost of the item for you. I reinvest whatever proceeds I receive into making new projects. If you would like any suggestions for alternative suppliers, please let me know.)

STEP 2: Pipe Clamps

Put together your two pipe clamps as instructed on their packaging.

STEP 3: Clamp

Place a piece of cork on the top and bottom of the back corner of the desktop as padding. Clamp the pipe clamp to the back corner of the desk (pipe sticking upwards) where the cork is. Repeat on the opposite corner.

STEP 4: Trim (optional)

If your roll of photo paper is longer than the length of your worktable, trim it to length using a chop saw.

STEP 5: Put It All Together

Place an L-bracket onto one end of the shower curtain rod. Pass the other end of the rod through the center of the roll of paper. Attach the other L bracket to the other end of the shower rod.

Place the open ends of the L-brackets onto the ends of each of the pipes. Your photography background setup is now complete. You can disassemble and reassemble this at your leisure.

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14 Comments

MrErdreich 3 years ago

I need this for my classroom, thanks for sharing!

The Electrobot 8 years ago

Looks great! I am going to build one using PVC pipes :)

crnrstndes 9 years ago

I made one similar but instead of upright pipes I hung my background roll from my drop ceiling with two hooks. Also, I used curtain blackout liner that I got cheap from a fabric store. It works well! Thanks for the post!!

le FabShop 10 years ago

haha, the kitchen was busy?

Printy 11 years ago

I hope to build a similar one soon! Thanks for the instructable!

iApple guy 12 years ago

Is this what you use to make the photos in your instructables?

Jayefuu 12 years ago

Excellent. I've been waiting for someone like you or Angryredhead to do an Instructable like this about how you get your great shots. Got anything to add about light other than "lots"?

randofo 12 years ago

If you were to stand directly in front of this setup and look up, there is a very big skylight. Depending on the time of year, depends on optimal hours for photography. Summer gives me the most working time, but it's usually later in the afternoon. Winters hours are very short and best in early morning. The table is on wheels, so I can rotate the whole thing (now that it is not ceiling mounted) to account for the angle of the light.

None of that is probably particularly helpful to you.

We have some photo lights, but they are currently using tungsten bulbs. One of these days I need to figure out a "natural" lighting setup. San Francisco isn't exactly known for sunny days.

splazem 12 years ago

Awesome! I love photography, and this will be something that I need to make!

sunshiine 12 years ago

Thanks for sharing! I love your work space. I need a craft room this big!