One of the easiest ways to make your photos look more professional is to use unique backdrops and photo props. This step-by-step tutorial will teach you how to make a DIY stained wood photo backdrop that is perfect for all of your photo needs!
I started with some pieces of wood from Lowes that I had them slice in half lengthwise. They are about 1/2 inch width which is perfect because it makes it the photo prop super light even though it is wood.
The first step to making the wood photo prop is to put wood conditioner on the panels and let it dry. I never used to bother with this step until I attended the Minwax demonstration at Snap last year and saw firsthand the difference it made in the finished product. The wood conditioner will leave with you with a smoother final product with less streaks.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have a paint stirrer so I had to improvise. If you find yourself without a proper paint stirrer, you can easily use a ruler or tape together a bunch of small dowels or pencils.
Once the wood conditioner was dry, I added two coats of stain to each board. I let each coat sit for about 5 minutes before wiping them off.
The stained boards, after all the coats of stain were put on, dried overnight. Then, I added a quick polycrylic coat over top of the stain to protect them.
Once everything was nice and dry, I had Mathlete use the finish nailer to attach two pieces along the back to connect all of the planks together. I love how small the nails are so you can barely even tell they are there. It was so much faster than using the wood glue and waiting to let it dry.
This tutorial is super easy to follow so I hope you give it a try and make your own stained wood photo backdrop. If you do, be sure to share your experience with me in the comments or on social media.
I’ve been trying to improve the look of my food pictures and was bemoaning the fact that I had an ugly table… what a perfect solution! Love the pumpkin bowl too! I definitely need to be on the lookout for some more interesting dishes and bowls as well!
Julie@teachinggoodeaters recently posted…Update: What’s for Breakfast? Two Years Since I Kicked Cereal to the Curb
Haha…I get so bored with my table.
Oh, I really like this idea! I’m not so great with food photography but I know several people who are passionate about it. I love learning about where they get their props or how they make them. It just goes to show that a little creativity goes a long way!
Ashley B. recently posted…Gifts for the Hard to Gift Gals.
Photography is so tough. I always end up taking 100s of pictures in hopes of getting the few I will need for a post. Practice still hasn’t made me perfect.
Love it!
Thanks! I am using it a TON.
Great idea! Photography is definitely something I want to improve on my blog!
Erika @ Figuring Out Fabulous recently posted…Vintage Labels, Cute Tables!
What a SMART idea! I might need to do this myself. Can’t believe I’d never thought of that. I’m hosting a pillow cover giveaway that you should enter. http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/11/michelle-dwight-designs-pillow-cover.html
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THIS is such a fabulous idea! Thanks for sharing. Sometimes it’s hard to find an attractive background when I photographing objects for my blog. Great solution. Glad I popped over from the Work It Wednesday link party.
Tasha @ Designer Trapped in a Lawyer’s Body recently posted…How to Create Your Own Monogram Gallery Wall A step-by-step tutorial
I so need one of these!! Thanks so much for sharing it on Made in a Day!
Kim
Kim~madeinaday recently posted…Quirky Wire Hanger Holiday Card Holder