Introduction: DIY Plywood Photo Backdrops

By plus.google.com/1018114587715734
About: Creative Design Enthusiast

I love sharing pictures of my projects but always struggled to make them look aesthetically appealing. Still a lot to learn when it comes to photography and lighting. But one of the important features that ties up a picture is the background. There are plenty of beautiful backdrops and photo flat lays available or sale online but some are expensive. So I decided to make my own using plywood sheets and see if I can create some textured surfaces.

In this instructable, I am going share how to make your own photo backdrops/flat lays with easily available inexpensive materials. I have shared two backdrops that I made:

  • Black Slate Finish Backdrop - This would go well with almost everything you put on it.
  • Ocean Blue Backdrop - This will enhance objects with a pop of color

Step 1: Supplies

Materials needed

  1. 1/2" Sanded Plywood - 4' x 2'
    • Surface - I used plywood as are they are easily available and sometimes if you’re lucky, you can find them on sale at at Home Depot. Certain unbranded non-sanded plywood come at much cheaper price and can be smoothened by using a sanding paper.
    • Size - I used a 4' x 2' that allows for lot of room for placing objects. But a 2' x 2' would work just fine.
    • Thickness - An 1/2" inch plywood is a bit more sturdier specially if it’s a 2' x 4' board. For smaller board, 1/4" shouldn't be a problem. It'll be much easier to carry and store.
  2. All Purpose Joint Compound - This is also available a any home improvement store. This is optional but I used it to to create textures.
  3. Joint Knife (Spatula)
  4. Sanding Paper 80 Grit
  5. Foam Roller
  6. House Paint - Flat Sheen (I used Behr - Black, Mammoth Mountain and White)
    • Hope Depot sells sample size paints ( 8 oz.), most common color is shades of white/grey. But they also offer to make you a sample of any paint shade and they cost about $4 roughly. Be sure to chose a Flat Sheen as this will prevent creating glossy surface. We want matte surface that absorb light and not reflect it back
  7. Protective Spray Enamel Clear - Matte
  8. 1 1/2" Rough Surface Brush Sponge varieties (Sea Sponge, Foam, Daubers)
  9. Foam Cups
  10. Plastic Spoons
  11. Water
  12. Drop Cloth

Step 2: Black Slate Finish Backdrop

This board took 2 days to complete.

Day 1

  1. The first step was to spread compound mixture onto the plywood board to create texture. I used the compound knife (spatula) and try to apply thin layers of the mix spreading it as much as I can. Initially I added too much of the compound mix and had to scrape it off.
  2. Once I was able to cover most of the plywood board with the joint compound mix, I decided to go diagonal. I held the knife by its end and gently glided over creating diagonal strokes. The goal is to not over do it and create free lines and grooves.
  3. I let the plywood board dry for 24 hours.

Day 2

  1. Some of the compound mix solidified along the sides and back of the plywood board. I smoothened it out by using a 80 grit sand paper.
  2. Using a foam roller, I applied Black paint all over the plywood board. I used Home Paint, Flat Sheen. A chalk board paint or flat/matte black spray paint can also be used.
  3. Once the first coat dried, I applied another coat. I was happy to see that the slate finish texture started to appear.
  4. Finally, I sprayed a clear matte protective enamel coat. This step is optional but helps prevent stains or oil getting onto to the plywood board from accidental food spillage.

Step 3: Ocean Blue Backdrop

This backdrop took less than an hour to complete. I did not using the joint compound mix this time and created textures simply using sponges and paint.

Steps

  1. Using a 1 1/2" brush, I applied a base blue color all over the plywood board. I used the Shade - Mammoth Mountain in flat Sheen. As this is the base color, I went ahead and diluted with water to help spread it easily.
  2. While the blue paint was still wet, using a foam wedge, I added some strokes of White Color. This was also a home paint in flat sheen I did not dilute this time. Using the foam, I blended the base blue layer with white.
  3. In a foam cup, I mixed some white and black flat sheen home paint to create my own shade of grey. Using s sea sponge, I dabbed the grey paint all over the board.
  4. Tip: I ripped the sea sponge to expose more uneven area. Then I dipped the sea sponge and squeezed excess water. Using this wet sponge, I picked some grey paint and dabbed it, that way it was not too concentrated. The wet sponge helps pick excess paint away from the plywood board
  5. Lastly I used another foam wedge and dipped it in water. I dabbed some matte acrylic paint in dark blue shade onto the plywood board, filling gaps as needed. I was happy how the base blue cover was still hidden but help create texture with overlaying specks of white, grey and dark blue.
  6. Finally, I sprayed a clear matte protective enamel coat. This step is optional but helps prevent stains or oil getting onto to the plywood board from accidental food spillage.

Step 4: Photography

I really enjoyed creating these backdrops and the most exciting part was to use them in photography. It is best to place these plywood backdrops near a bright window with Natural light and try different angles/placement of the subject as it appeals to your eye.

I took some photos outdoors on a cold cloudy day and was quite pleased with it. I will definitely create these backdrops in different colors and different textures, the possibilities are endless.

Thank you for checking out this instructable and if you try it, please do share :) I am entering this project for the plywood contest, please give it a vote if you like it.