Have you seen those refreshingly beautiful photos on blogs and Instagram and wondered how to create an equally stunning background for blog photos? Yeah, me too!
I searched high and low and became convinced that I needed to paint my apartment or switch to an upgraded rental with marble kitchen countertops in order to achieve a clean background for blog and Instagram photos.
I desperately wanted to improve my still-life photography skills. But I couldn’t figure out how to create a killer backdrop for my blog and Instagram. Then, one Instagrammer caught my attention. She, like many others, had the perfect background for all the still-life images she shared. Too scared to ask, I tried recreating it and failed woefully.
Frustrated, I decided to ask since I had nothing to lose. If you’ve been in the fashion or blogging scene long enough, you know that many people do not willfully divulge such information.
I put on my big girl pants and sent Jess (@stylizedluxe) and another girl a DM on Instagram not expecting a reply. To my surprise, Jess replied back and she told me what she uses. Her secret?
A foam board.
Really? A poster board for photo background? She used this foam board:
To create this beautiful image:
View this post on Instagram
This post will help you take away the guess work about how to create a killer photo backdrop so your images can stand out on your blog, or Instagram.
HOW TO CREATE A N APPEALING BACGROUND FOR BLOG PHOTOS AND INSTAGRAM POSTS
1. FOAM BOARD
Foam boards are one of the easiest ways to create a clean background and photo backdrop for your images. Shortly after thank @stylizedluxe for the tip, I checked several craft stores before finding foam boards at Michael’s for less than $9 (You can save up to 50% with coupons here).
I made a quick run to Michael’s last weekend and found out that they now carry a two-sided foam board. One side is holographic and the other side is plain white!
The one I use is white on both sides (also available in black). I use one for for my flat lay photos I share on IG and on the blog as pictured. You’ll need two if you want to snap photos of product with a foreground.
For my brand, I prefer to use a white background. If you prefer to use a color that matches your brand, website, or Instagram feed, you can get this set of 10 foam boards from Amazon that is available in 17 different colors.
[su_note note_color=”#FFCC00″ text_color=”#000000″]HINT: Buying in bulk is cheaper than buying individual colors from Michael’s. The foam board measures 20 X 30 X 3/16 inches which is great for small items. An alternative is to use atrifold craft board although they cost a little bit more. As someone who planned to take photos of complete outfit, I needed something larger and found a foam roll.[/su_note]
2. FOAM ROLL
Foam roll is similar to foam board but a foam roll is thinner and more pliable. I use a foam roll for all my outfit flat lay because it is large and can easily be propped on to something (usually my couch or bed) to create a seamless photo backdrop compared to propping two foam boards together. Because of how soft it is, I was able to pin it up to conceal my brown wall in the photo below.
“Wow! I ❤️ these 6 killer ways to create Instagram-worthy photos! Can’t wait to try some of these backdrop ideas. https://bit.ly/1UDh0sZ [Click to Tweet]
This foam roll measures 36 X 60 inches and has ample room for complete outfits flat lays (or shoefies). Also available at Michael’s and Amazon for less than $10 and comes in white or black.
P.S: The roll is delicate so you have to be careful not to puncture holes into it. If you have a room or special area dedicated to photography, you can go all out and get a muslin backdrop background ($15 – $35).
Set it up and forget about it! Depending on how large you go, you can even shoot larger objects and humans. Muslin is the same thing used in professional indoor photo studio.
3. VINYL CONTACT PAPER/SHEET
Vinyl backdrops are a favorite for beauty vloggers and bloggers because it creates the illusion of a marble countertop. I personally haven’t used this yet but images created with marble vinyl backdrops are stunning and add a touch of elegance to the photo.
You can easily purchase a vinyl adhesive sheet or contact paper from Amazon and many more from Etsy sellers. Vinyl adhesive sheets come in a variety colors and styles (wood, marble, tiles…).
[RELATED POST: How to Get Free Professional Photos of Yourself]
4. DIY WOOD PHOTO BACKGROUND
If you enjoy making stuff from scratch, you can custom make your own backdrop. All you need are two pieces of wood (plywood is fairly lightweight) and paint (try acrylic) that you can get from Lowes or Home Depot.
Paint one side a major color that you plan to use often (for me it’ll be white). The second side of the wood you can split into two or three colors. This example from Melyssa measures 2.5 X 2.5 feet and cost her about $25.
The fun part about it is that you get to choose the color you want and two pieces of wood can serve multiple purposes with a limitless color variation to meet your needs. Let’s not forget how durable it is compared to a foam board.
The only downside is that if you like to take complete outfit flat lay then you’ll need a bigger size of wood. Also finding where to store it may be a problem for those (like me) that live in a shoe box, literally.
5. CARDBOARD OR FELT
I was out of town on vacation and bought some pretty cute shoes. I decided to share the shoes on Instagram. I had neither my foam board nor my foam roll with me so I needed an alternative. I dashed to the nearest dollar store and bought cardboard.
I was unsure if it would work but the pictures turned out great. Cardboards can be a little flimsy but if you don’t have to do complex manipulations (like propping it up) you should be fine. Cardboards come in a plethora of colors too!
I love to try out new ways of doing things. After the experience of not having a portable foam roll/board with me, I went back to Michael’s to peruse through their selection of crafts. I came across felt fabric.
I wanted it in white but grey was the closest color I could find and measures 36 X 36 inches. I found some more colors when I went back recently. The only caution with felt is that it gets crease along the folds.
How I get rid of the crease is by ironing it underneath another fabric. P.S: If you want a bigger size, try this.
6. TEXTURED FABRIC
Taken on my black rug
Textured fabric is another method I have used to create a cool background or photo backdrop for my photos. I used my faux fur rug for the longest time and when it finally gave up, I switched to my black patterned rug.
The faux fur adds a unique texture to the image instead of the classic plain white background. I am considering getting this faux fur rug for less than $30 as a replacement.
You can also use fabrics with design like a scarf, a towel, a pattern rug, or a tablecloth… the options are endless and the best part is that you have many of these in your living space.
PHOTOGRAPHY TIP: Tip if you live in a basement (I know the struggles) or in a place with minimal lighting, you should consider getting a softbox light (and a reflector). Optimal lighting is essential to getting the best images.
To solve this problem, I got this set of two softbox light from Amazon and used it for most of the photos above. You can also DIY one to but Lord knows that that’s outside my league. Still need more photo background ideas? Check out this YouTube video:
I hope you found this post about how to creat great backdrop for blog photos helpful.
How do you create awesome background for your blog or Instagram photos? If you found this helpful, don’t forget to subscribe below for great blogging tips like this one.
i love all the things tha I saw!
Please visit my Blog!
https://www.alessabernal.com/
Alessa Bernal 🙂
Thanks Alessa!
This is really good! Thank you so much for all the tips.
My pleasure!
Wow this is pretty amazing post.Love them all! Thanks for sharing!
Happy Monday!
Much love, Len
https://www.lenparent.com
Thank you Len! I'm happy to share 🙂
I love the colored wood idea! thanks
xoxo
Nicole
Blog – https://www.photogenici.com
Instegram- https://www.instagram.com/queenici/
Totally, I think it's a genius idea.
Really good tips. I saw this pack of Origami papers at a book shop so I bought it. Lots of patterns and textures. Will experiment soon!
Oh that's a really cool idea! Would love to know how your photos turn out.
An excellent post with some very useful tips! I've got a roll of sticky backed paper which has a nice white wood effect, but I'm looking for some other backgrounds too.
Hello Nikki-ann, I hope you were able to get a few ideas from this post 🙂
Such a great post! You can actually get the foam boards at the dollar tree (although they might not be as sturdy as the other ones you mentioned) I love using the vinyl sheets too! 🙂
Sure thing Cara! Vinyl gives a nice touch to photos.
The colored board is a good idea for sure! I needed this to help me improve my photography, thank you! Going to Michaels for some goodies now!
Ah my pleasure! I'm glad you found this post helpful.
Ugh such a good post!!! I use a poster board but I really would like to a get a faux fur rug.
For sure Chelsea and the faux fur will serve more than one purpose 🙂
These are some great tips! I shared a post like this earlier this year as well. I also like to buy the big rolls of bulletin board paper, they work great and are so large!
Oh that's an awesome idea. Aren't they thin? They may wrinkle easily but if it's a big roll then we can always use a fresh sheet on the next shoot 😀 Thanks for sharing!
These tips are everything!! So useful. Thank you so much for sharing because I would have never thought of this myself.
LiveLifeWell,
Allison
My pleasure Allison 😀
Shit yo! Instagram photography is an ART to you! 🙂 You're an artisttttt!!
Hahaha thanks!
Great ideas!
How about for those beautiful and bright outfit photos!?
Lisa
http://www.theeverydayelevated.com
Thanks Lisa. For my outfit photos, I shared how I get most of my photos taken for free IN THIS POST
Great post! I so needed this as I've been trying to step it up on IG!
Thanks lady! I'm happy this post is helpful to you.
What great suggestions for pics! Thank you.
My pleasure, Susan!
I actually thought all the photos were taken with white boxes and have been begging my husband to make me one. I LOVE the idea of the white board much better. Thank you for sharing your inspiration!
You are very Welcome Winter! Who knew it was this easy?
I won't even down-play this, I've always wondered how instagrammers got these perfectly cute images with white backdrops. I thought they had some sort of pure white wall or small in home studio. lol thanks for this.
http://www.oliveneedspopeye.com
Me too girl. Now you know the secret for those of us without white walls and marble countertops 😀
Nice tips!!! I'm probably going to try!
xx
DeeVine Anonyme
Thanks Diane. You totally should 🙂
Thanks so much for this post!
My pleasure!
This is amazing! I've just gotten into styling my photos with backdrops. I've been playing around with it this week so this is super helpful. I think i'll make some like you talk about with the plywood and paints! Fun!
You're welcome Leslie! I have fun with these too.
Amazing ideas for backdrop. Thank you for the share. They are definitely high contrast to your images and you need to be specific with the colours.
Very true Marty.
oh my gosh! This is so unbelievably helpful! I had the worst pictures when I started blogging and just recently bought marble tile slabs at a local home depot… they changed my Instagram game but I LOVE all of these tips. Pinning! 🙂
Oh thanks Kara for sharing your tips as well. These are total game-changers 🙂
Love these ideas! Very beautiful!
Thanks Jill!
This is super creative. I love it. I've purchased marble floor tiles from Home Depot for $2 and that's what I use to take pictures on them. I would love to add more colors to my instagram feed. So I think I need to do the painted wood.
Absolutely Jasmine. Marble tiles are a great option.
Thank you for the amazing backdrop ideas. I'm definitely going to check them out. 🙂
My pleasure Glenda!
This is a great idea! I need to hit up Michael's and get a couple of boards for Instagram backgrounds!
Laura | Laura Aime Vous
Sure thing Laura 🙂
I love marble vinyl!
Me too!
These are really fantastic ideas! I did the marble contact paper and I LOVE it, such a genius way to make your photos so much better for so little cost.
Totally agree and it is so affordable!
I love all these different ideas! Right now I use a white poster board if anything at all. I need to switch it up a bit!
Thanks Ashley. Sometimes we just need to spice things up a little.
Love this list! I have a food blog and finding cheap backgrounds is always a struggle.
Thanks Lalaine!
Wow this was so helpful!! I've been having the same struggles with my own backgrounds in photos and I'd always wondered how others got such perfect ones. I never would have guessed foam boards– but that's a fantastic and affordable way. Thanks so much for sharing this!!
The pleasure is mine Hannah. I'm happy you found this helpful.
Foam board is keyyy! I also use the marble contact paper, and like to try other textured backdrops as well 🙂
So true, the key is foam board and good lighting.
Great post! I love my foam board. I have marble contact paper on a wood board and I use it ALL THE TIME!
Haha mine is on constant rotation with the foam roll.
These are awesome tips! I need to up my photo game. do you use your phone for photos?
I mostly use my dslr camera but also use my phone sometimes.
Always looking for new ideas for backdrops, this is great.
Thanks for sharing this. I’ve always wondered but have never been brace enough to ask
Marble contact paper is such a good idea – I need to pick that up! I used to use a plain white bristol board but I found it was kind of plain!
These are such great ideas! I truly have barely even given my backgrounds much thought. But your post has inspired me to do better!
I always have a white foam board from the crafts store on hand for my backdrops!
great ideas…need to get some foam board!
White foam board is the best! You can use it for everything.
I like using contact paper. I even use the wood on my balcony for shots. I’ll probably look for foam boards too.
Contact papers are amazing!
These are some wonderful ideas to get beautiful pictures for a blog. I use foam roll – a black and a white because they do not have a size restriction 🙂
Thanks for these helpful tips! I’ve started to use foam boards, and have been looking for rolls of contact paper or similar for bigger things. Such great suggestions (and I really appreciate you showing what they look like in store, too)!
My pleasure Amanda! Glad you found this post helpful.
These are great ideas! I use the foam board and a vinyl backdrop. I’m going to have to try some of these other ideas!
Awesome idea! Love the marble contact paper, I never would’ve thought about that!
This is so timely…I just spent an hour browsing through the flooring section of Lowes last night! I bought a couple of ceramic tiles, and a few vinyl tiles to play around with. I have some pieces of foam board that I use to bounce light as well. I haven’t gone the Amazon or Etsy route yet, but I definitely will take a look online
Thanks for sharing this!! I love this idea and am all about some cheap frugal ideas!!
Oh yes! All about saving a pretty penny!
wow, such amazing tips. I love your shoes so much!
Aww thanks Jessica!
These are some really great tips, thank you!
Glad you found it helpful Rachel!
I love finding new photography tips! What do you use for lighting? I love DIY photo backdrops, but I feel like I can never get the lighting right.
I’m glad you found this post helpful Torri.
Thanks so much Louisa. I’ve been taking my photos on my bedspread which
didn’t look so professional. I didnt know what to try until I saw your pin on
Pinterest and clicked through. Very, very helpful!
I’m glad you found this post helpful, Valentia 🙂
THANKS BEW! I CAN DEFINITELY USE THE LIGHTING TIPS ON MY BLOG AD BRAND REBOOT AT MILLIFEMME.COM.
You’re most welcome, Milli!
GREAT tips! I have a few go to backdrops that I use but that marble contact paper is new to me and I will definitely have to find some and use it.
I have a marble slab I bought at a home furnishing store and I use it for most of my recipe posts
Marble contact paper makes it super easy to achieve a clean background for photos for sure. And it makes total sense to use a marble slab for food shots in case of any spills that happen during the shot.
I love using foam board for backgrounds when I take pics for my blog. Great suggestions.
Foam boards and foam rolls are just amazing!
Always nice when someone is willing to help out. Nice simple easy back drops tonuse
Glad I could help 😀
These are some great ideas for showcasing products on the blog and for instagram. I have a white board but your tips are worth trying for future campaigns.
Let me know how it goes. Best wishes 🙂
Great ideas if you post photos like these!!! So easy and you’re right, inexpensive too!
These 6 backdrop ideas are so cheap, you’ll feel like you’re cheating haha
I love these ideas. I have used foam boards before, but I’ll try some of these other ideas. I’m always trying to improve my photos!
Same Amber! I love trying new things and look forward to trying other genius backdrop ideas for blog photos. Thanks for stopping by.
I really enjoyed this post. These are all wonderful ideas. Thanks for including the video.
You’re most welcome, Tasheena!
These are all such great ideas. I’ve been meaning to pick up some of these items for backgrounds myself. I love the overall look of a white background. I think everything stands out nicely.
Gotta agree with you Kathy! A clean background truly makes an image stand out.
These are great tips for creating amazing blog backdrops! Thanks for this!
You’re welcome, Ricci!
Having a good backdrop can make or break a photo. I’ve never thought of using foam board.
Ooh, glad I let you in on the little secret: foam boards for blog posts and IG images 😀
Foam boards are awesome. I have a few of them, in different sizes. They make great backdrops.
Me too, Heather! I placed a marble contact paper on one side of a foam board so I can alternative between marble and plain white backdrop #genius haha
Great tips! I go to Hobby Lobby for my background stuff, especially for surfaces. It’s so easy to find marble looking paper. 😉 Or that outdoor rusty wooden table look for your recipes. No need to upgrade at all. 😉
I know, right? No need to upgrade or buy furniture pieces to get the perfect background for blog photos and Instagram posts 😀
Great tips! I love using different scrapbook papers as background. It gives the photos a little “busy” without being too much.
This is one I never thought about. Gotta try this scrapbook paper as photo background soon.
I love your stylish images. They’re Instagram perfect. 🙂
That’s the whole idea. Glad I passed 😀
Such a great suggestions and I am sure it will be a big help to all bloggers most especially to the new ones.
I still use these cheap background options today and looking forward to trying out a few more suggestions. Thanks for stopping by, Gervin.
I need to try the foam board idea with my food pics. I need that nonglare surface.
Best wishes, Terri! Let me know how yours turn out.
Wood photo background looks really nice. I would like to pick that from the list. I think that will be wonderful for my food photography.
For sure! A wood texture background would be a great backdrop for food photography.
Thanks for all these tips. I struggle with photos in general, so these are all very helpful.
Glad to hear that you found these tips on getting the perfect backdrops for photos. All the best!
Hi Louisa,
Great tips on creating backdrops! Love how you provide lots of examples and tips on how to recreate them. This is such a creative post and it shows how we can be creative with using the items we have in our home. Very inspiring and will be looking to create some of these backdrops.
Thank you!
Sandy | Beauty, Bliss and Chaos
Hi Sandy, I’m glad you found this post helpful. All the best ~ Louisa
Thank you!!!
My pleasure, Andrea!
The colourful board idea seems so obvious but yet i have never thought of it. I’m going to try that as soon as I get chance to go to the craft store with the current virus situation. Many thanks for the time you took to create the suggestions.