DIY Food Photography Backdrops (for less than $10)

Lately, I’ve been trying to learn more about food photography to make my content a little more quasi-professional. However, backdrops can cost anywhere from $45 to upwards of $200! Instead, I decided to make some of my own DIY Food Photography Backdrops. (Psst … They came out to less than $10 each.) All it took was a trip to Home Depot and borrowing some things from my dad.

Keep reading to find out how to make these yourself!

Materials

2 Pieces of Hardboard: I got mine from Home Depot for $4 each! Common dimensions for food photography backgrounds are 24″ by 24″ (60cm by 60cm) or 24″x36″ (60cm by 90cm). Buy hardboard that is at least 1/4″ (6mm) thick so it doesn’t warp as easily. Plywood works too, but is more expensive.

Drywall Spackling: This is optional, but is used to provide some cool texture to add interest to your backdrop. I used this one. One 237mL container should be enough to cover two boards on both sides. I’ve also seen people achieve similar effects with joint compound.

Putty Knife: Used to apply the spackling. I used the large knife for spreading the spackling on the board. The small one was just to get the putty out of the container. You can also use an old credit card or other stiff, flat material.

Matte Paint: Use as many colours as you like. I used a mix of Titanium white and Metropolitan grey. Wall paint or acrylic/craft paint will work, just make sure it has a matte finish. A glossy/shiny finish won’t look as great in photos. Try making different boards with different colours!

Paint Brushes & Sponges: I used a 2″ brush for my pure white backgrounds, but found that using a sponge was the best option for mixing and blending colours on my grey-white backgrounds.

Optional Materials

Sealer: Applying a matte clear sealer/varnish will help protect your backdrops from spills and stains, and make them last longer. I used this one. If using a wood finish, get a water-based finish. It won’t yellow over time, unlike oil-based finishes. You can also use a spray-on sealer like this one or this one.

Old Clothes/Smock: This can be a bit of a messy process. Make sure you’re wearing old clothes that you don’t mind getting paint on.

Gloves, Face Mask, & Eye Protection: Drywall spackling can irritate your skin and eyes if it makes contact. It’s also a product that can generate a lot of dust during the application and drying process, so a mask can protect you from inhaling those particles. Gloves will also help if you don’t want to get paint on your hands.

Tablecloth/Newspaper: Protect the surface you’re working on from paint.

Paint Tray: If you’re using paint from a can, it helps to pour it into a tray to make it easier to access and use. If you’re using paint from a bottle you can pour right onto the board.

Directions

1. Clean the hardboard of any dust or debris with a dry cloth.

2. Start applying the spackling with your putty knife. Don’t think too much about it! More putty = more textured surface. Less putty = smoother surface. I opted to apply the putty in the same direction, but you can make the application more random if you wish.

If you want a smooth finish without texture, skip this step and start painting directly on the board.

3. Wait for the putty to dry before continuing.

4. Start painting! This is where you can get creative. I started with a white base coat, then used a sponge to apply grey paint on top. I kept adding more white and grey in different areas until I liked how it looked.

5. Let the boards dry overnight.

6. If you wish, apply a clear matte sealant to help protect your boards from stains or spills. Make sure the sealant is completely dry before you use your backdrop boards.

Using your backdrops

Here’s how I set up my backdrops to create a mini studio setup. (Beautiful results from my first “shoot” in my mochi recipe coming soon!)

First, I select which backdrops I want to use for the base and for the “wall” background. Here I’m using both of my grey/white textured boards.

Next, I grab a chair with a backrest. If shooting with natural light, I’ll set it next to a North or South-facing window with bright, indirect light. The bottom (aka my fake “counter” surface) goes flat on the seat of the chair.

Next, the vertical backdrop sits right on top like so, using the backrest for support. Finally, just grab your subject and your camera (or your phone) and you’re ready to go!

I hope this was informative! Let me know in the comments if you have any questions, or if you try making your own backdrops too. Tag me in your own quasi-professional food or product photos @houbakes! <3

Sending all my love and good vibes,