DIY instructions:
Backdrop
Quality fabric ain't cheap, but it's still a lot less expensive than a muslin backdrop. Make sure the to select fabric that:
- Is thick enough that it's not see-thru
- Doesn't have a sheen that will reflect light
- If it has a pattern, make sure it's BIG...small patterns will look mottled and confusing
I got this one @ the local Jo-Ann Fabrics. It was on sale for $11.99/yd. This piece is only 5x7, which is just barely wide enough for a single person, yet tall enough that I could use it for a 3/4 adult shot.
$35
Baseboard
This is just a 6ft section of primed white baseboard from Menard's. You don't need a long piece because any fabric you buy isn't going to be any wider than that. I forget the height on this, but I'm thinking it was around 3 3/8", which is taller than most. Just like with the fabric print, you want to be able to see it, so it has to be larger than average.
$6
Flooring
A single box of laminate flooring does the trick here. You want flooring with character and complements the backdrop color. I could use dozens of backdrop colors with the floor I chose, but I will probably pick up a darker colored flooring as well. Prices range widely on this stuff, depending on the quality. Pictured is
Shaw Nature's Elements - Camden Hickory
$31/box
Hanging
I already have a backdrop stand. My horizontal hanging pole is in 3 sections and is 8 ft wide, which is too wide to clamp down the fabric on the sides to keep it taut. I bought a 10ft piece of 3/4" PVC pipe and cut it in half. After measuring and drilling holes 1" from the ends of the PVC, I could hang it on my stands, and viola...problem solved for just a couple bucks.