How can I make a backdrop for photography?

Do you want the backdrop to be permanent, or temporary?

I am assuming it is going to be indoors?

Hi Betty,

Use an old sheet and either hang it on a pole or staple to a frame. You could Tie dye it or paint it - treat it like an art canvas. You could do large size decoupage on it and even paint of that to for texture etc...... Rather depends on what you are looking to achieve.

Is this for people or stuff (like an etsy shop?) Rolls of paper work. You can even buy them in wider widths. You could also build a wood backdrop.

Shower curtains, sheer drapes, burlap, shower curtain rods, nature, white flat bedsheet, ....

A backdrop is only one part of a photography setup. The type of fabric that you choose will effect the light metering, due to the color, hue, nap, and sheen on the fabric. Using a surface like a shower curtain for example, because of the plastic coating, will most likely cause too much glare.

Lighting, with shadow-free bulbs at the requisite heights and angles are just as important as the backdrop.

You can buy a ready-made background at a photo store. But if you want to make one out of handicrafts, you can use a white sheet or glue together a few large pieces of absorbent cotton neatly. My husband and I did this when we did a home photoshoot for my Instagram profile. It turns out great if you adjust the light. But sometimes we do photoshoots together, and then we hire a Universal Studios photographer who does all the professional shots for us. He knows how to make the shots look good.