5 Inexpensive Ideas for Photography Backgrounds

Finding the right background for photographs can be overwhelming. While finding the exact lighting is important, what your object is set in front of is important also. When I first started to write my blog posts, I did not grasp the tiny subtleties of photography. The lighting was poor, but more importantly, my backgrounds did not reflect the desired end result that I had intended. Listed below are 5 ideas for inexpensive photography backgrounds.

Inexpensive background ideas

Contact Paper

The picture above is of contact paper that was purchased from our Dollar Tree store. I repurposed the poster board I was using as a background. I cut the poster board in half and I wrapped this contact paper around the poster board. Now, I have a new background for photography. At approximately $1.50 for this project, you can create several different backgrounds with the many different designs of contact paper that are offered.

Foam board or poster board

White poster board and foam board is another background that will make your subject pop. When you want to make your object stand out and be the focus of the photo, use a foam board. My Dollar Tree sells foam board for $1.00 and poster board sells at 2 for $1.00.

Scrapbook paper

As the base for this photograph, I used a cutting board. However, the background that looks like cork is actually two pages of scrapbook paper. At my local Joann Fabric and Craft store, I am able to purchase single sheets of scrapbook paper for $1.99. Often the large bundles of scrapbook paper is on sale for half off of the original price. 

Flooring Tiles

These self adhesive floor tiles are sold individually at your Lowes or Menards stores. They range in price from 68 cents to $1.19 for the single floor tiles. I purchased the floor tiles, pictured above, for 88 cents apiece. These floor tiles are also sold in a variety of different designs.

Your backyard

I have used my neighbors fence as a background for many of my photos. I have also used my flowerbeds as a background. Look in your own backyard for natural backgrounds to enhance the object. This simple trick has no cost.

I hope these inexpensive photography backgrounds have given you a few new ideas to enhance your photography skills. When looking for new ideas, think "outside the box" and you will find many creative ways to make your photos stand out with minimal expense.

“ Beauty can be seen in all things, seeing and composing the beauty is what separates the snapshot from the photograph. – Matt Hardy

Please let us know what inexpensive backgrounds you have used to enhance your photos?

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