This post is about how to make a photo backdrop with 3-D elements.
Photo backdrops for parties are more popular than ever. Everybody loves them. They add such a fun element and provide a great boost to enhance your party’s theme.
This graduation party backdrop is an oldie but a goodie. However, since this was a few years ago, this is another one of those posts where I do not have photos of the “process”. (I never would have imagined that I would be sharing how to’s, lol.)
But no worries, you too, will soon know how to make a photo backdrop of your own.
How to Make a Photo Backdrop | Let’s Discuss Formats
Of course, the possibilities and ideas for photo backdrops are virtually endless. But I think of the composition in two very basic formats.
Format (1) A flat, solid screen made of some sort of material: canvas, cotton, muslin, seamless paper, vinyl, velvet, velour, plastic, etc.
The material can be solid (think magazine covers where they need it simple so they can put words all over the place).
Or the material can feature some sort of printed image. The image on the “good ones” will appear to be 3-dimensional. (Sometimes the ones featured on Amazon can fool you 😊, please read the descriptions so you know what you’re getting.)
Once you have your printed screen, you can place props in front of the printed “screen” to give it a more realistic appearance.
In a photograph, the camera can’t seem to tell the difference between the “screen” and the props. Look at this great example below from Amazon for how to make a photo backdrop look good.
This is a big 10′ x 12′ fabric backdrop of screen-printed wood planks. (link here) They stretched it to reach down onto the floor. Then they added layers of various props on it and in front of it. Which makes it pretty believable in a photo.
Format (2) A true 3-Dimensional backdrop is made from whatever you can dream up. Typically, this type of backdrop is created with objects and layers attached to a basic “frame”.
Your frame can stand on the ground, or you can create a “frame” by hanging various elements from up above. If your event is outside, hanging elements from trees is another possibility to create a “frame”.
The options for shapes are virtually unlimited: circles, squares, arches, hexagons, hearts, you get the idea. You can leave the center open to reveal a natural background. Or make your backdrop solid.
Then your layers can be almost anything like: flowers, feathers, greenery, branches, balloons, neon signs, lights, streamers, (whatever works with your theme). Depending on what you’re going for, simple layers work for a minimal look. Or layers upon layers help to create a lush look.
The “photo area” ends up becoming a large, fun decorative element. So, you’re getting more bang for your buck 😉 And as your guests interact with your various elements it can create even more interesting and FUN photos.
How to Make a Photo Backdrop | Where to Begin
When I’m thinking of how to make a photo backdrop, I feel 3-Dimensional backdrops are the most interesting. Since you can get creative and incorporate elements from your party’s theme.
In this case, the graduation party theme was obviously pink. And she loves flowers. She also wanted that faux boxwood look that was having such a moment back then.
The fact that she wanted the boxwood look, made it obvious that I would need to build a solid background. As opposed to maybe an arch with flowers all over it.
Additionally, I had to think of all the elements I planned to incorporate before I could decide on the best way to hang and display these items.
How to Make a Photo Backdrop | Let’s Discuss the Main Parts
There are 4 main parts for how to make a photo backdrop that will feature a solid background.
- Basic Framework
- Background Layer
- Decorative Elements (layers) to attach to the background layer
- Props in Front of Your Screen
1. Basic Framework for How to Make a Photo Backdrop
Your photo backdrop Basic Framework is what will hold this backdrop in place. It can be made of things like wood, cardboard, PVC, or various types of metal. (Anything that you can get to stand up straight and tall or hang straight). I’ve seen some fails and some pretty good hacks for making frames.
Some elements to consider when deciding on your Framework.
- How will your Framework stand up straight (or hang straight)?
- Do you need to hide anything in the background that you don’t want in photos? This will help determine size.
- Make sure its tall enough for your intended guests. (A backdrop for a kid’s party could be shorter.)
- The weight of all the items you plan to attach. (A PVC frame can easily bow in the middle if items are too heavy.)
- Will your backdrop be outside, could wind blow it over? (Cardboard might be hard to tie down.)
- Does your frame need to be transported? (You don’t want to build a frame that is too heavy or too big to move.)
- Will you need to use your Framework again, loan it or rent it out to someone else?
- Your overall budget.
Many of the inexpensive photo backdrop kits on Amazon are good. But the frames are not sturdy enough to handle much weight. They are usually meant for Format (1) described above. Please read the descriptions before purchasing.
I prefer an aluminum pipe and drape frame because it can handle a lot of weight. Yet the frame itself is lightweight. These come in various sizes. They are not crazy expensive. But you can also rent them from your local party supplier.
The one I use is a fixed height of 7’10” and expands from 8’ to 10’ wide. I like that the bases are heavy and don’t create a trip hazard like tripod-style stands. But you would still want to use sandbags or stakes to tie it down if its windy outside. It’s also easy to put together and take apart without the need for tools.
2. Background Layer for How to Make a Photo Backdrop
The Background Layer for your photo backdrop plays a critical role. This is the layer that everything else will be attached to. You have many options. Just to name a few: fabric, paper, plastic, cardboard, faux plant panels that attach to one another. Some elements to consider when deciding on a Background Layer.
- How much of the Background Layer will be seen?
- If you choose fabric or plastic, wrinkles could show up in photos.
- How are you going to attach this Background Layer to the Framework? (Zip ties will usually work for most applications but you might also need washers or small pieces of cardboard to keep zip ties from going through sheets of cardboard.)
- The weight of all the items you plan to hang or attach. (Plastic or fabric could tear.)
- How are you going to attach your Decorative Elements to this layer? (hot glue sometimes will not stick to plastic)
- Is the size of your Background Layer large enough to cover the Framework?
- If this layer is sheer, what will you be able to use to make it more opaque?
I used faux boxwood panels. This style comes with built-in “connectors” around the edges. You simply “snap” them together to achieve the overall height and width that will cover your Framework. Once I had the correct dimensions, I “hung” the faux boxwood from the aluminum frame with strong zip ties. For the top and sides, I curved the boxwood around the frame before applying the zip ties. This was to make sure that none of the silver frame would show up in photos.
Depending on the time of day for your event and what you are trying to cover up, you may need a dark solid sheet or dark plastic tablecloth from Dollar Tree on the backside. Even though it looks opaque in this advertising photo, this faux boxwood is a bit “see-through”. So I attached black plastic tablecloths to the backside of the entire backdrop with additional zip ties.
ALTERNATIVE TIP: Inexpensive Background Layer for Faux Ferns and Tropicals
In the example below where they’ve used faux ferns and tropicals, I would hang a simple, solid dark FABRIC sheet from the Framework. Then attach whole silk plants with zip ties. And attach individual plant stems with hot glue and/or zip ties. (Your silk plants might need several connection points to make them hang right.)
Another option is green-painted cardboard attached to the Framework with zip ties. Then make holes to poke the plant’s stems through. However, this could cost more unless you already have the cardboard and paint.
3. The Decorative Elements (layers) for How to Make a Photo Backdrop
With the Background Layer secured to your Framework you can now attach all the fun stuff, aka Decorative Elements. You can make thin layers and/or thick layers. High layers and low layers. Add neon signs, string lights, etc.
Some elements to consider when choosing your Decorative Elements (layers).
- Lights and signs are fun elements but be sure they are placed high enough to be seen around the people that will be standing there.
- Do you need extension cords to reach the power source?
- How will you hide the power cords?
- Do your signs or other layers need hang hooks on the back?
- How will you attach your Decorative Elements?
For my photo backdrop I used a combination of large foam flowers and silk flowers. I first attached the large foam flowers with zip ties through the boxwood. Then I hot glued the smaller elements like palm fronds and small flowers to the large flowers – instead of gluing to the boxwood. (Hot glue can melt the plastic boxwood.)
For a GREAT tutorial on DIY giant foam flowers (photo below) using your Cricut, check out The DIY Designer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWmfgugj1To
4. Props in Front of Your Screen
My photo backdrop was on a raised deck which unfortunately didn’t have room for props (like chairs and/or sofas). But if you have the room, this is your opportunity to have fun with your backdrop and make it interactive for your guests.
Create places for people to sit at various heights. Add big plants and/or floor arrangements to really frame your subjects. Perhaps a lamp on a table. Whatever works to expand your party’s theme.
Materials Used
Dark plastic tablecloths from Dollar Tree
Large paper flowers from Hobby Lobby
Silks from Hobby Lobby
Tools Used
Zip tie tightening/cutting tool
Take Away
Plan for a photo backdrop at your next party or gathering. You’ll be amazed at how much fun these are. And even if you don’t have the budget for a professional-style backdrop, you can still move around some furniture pieces and place them outside. Or hang some thrifted open frames from the trees and let people stand behind them.
Here’s to making it fun for your guests and Making it Fabulous!
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