DIY Backdrop

[Swisstony10]

Well, I just finished building it, and it only took me a few hours. I had to make a few small adjustments to allow for the transatlantic shifts and time difference.

I couldn't get the exact bore of tube, so I ended up using UK-spec overflow pipe which is 21.5mm - 7/8" or thereabouts, and because the fittings were a slightly different size and depth, I had to alter the lengths of the pieces that make the braced section at the bottom, although all the rest I was able to leave as they were. Another thing for any other Brits who attempt this to take into account is the cutting plan. It doesn't quite work, because the tubing here is sold in 3-metre lengths, although I still managed to make it out of four lengths, thanks to the adjustments I made on the bracing section.

Also, because the fittings to make the back corner of the base section were quite expensive, I just extended the back of the base by another couple of inches, and brought the bracing pieces down into a couple of t-joints instead of the corner pieces used in the original.

All in all, I'm really impressed with the results - thanks for the original post, not only did I quite enjoy making it, but I now have a pretty sturdy and stable, easily-dismantled, portable, and above all, cheap backdrop stand.

Oh, and because I waited until now to make it, I was able to go and get a grey AND a black sheet for under a tenner, and coupled with some old muslin curtains which I had in the loft, and a piece of muslin which I'm going to dye using the method from one of the links posted on this thread, that'll give me a choice of five different backdrops to use.

Thanks again! This is a brilliant project!

Russ.

[gtchickadee]

While I haven't made a backdrop stand yet (its coming eventually...), I have started thinking about how to hang backgrounds. My idea is either using shower curtain rings (since they are designed to hold fabric), or Binder rings (Binder Rings. If the stand is sturdy enough, you could leave 2-3 backgrounds on it, and just flip them over the top to get to the one you want. Each background would probably need to be on its own set of rings. Has anyone tried something like that?

[JoesPhotos]

Originally Posted by gtchickadee

While I haven't made a backdrop stand yet (its coming eventually...), I have started thinking about how to hang backgrounds. My idea is either using shower curtain rings (since they are designed to hold fabric), or Binder rings (Binder Rings. If the stand is sturdy enough, you could leave 2-3 backgrounds on it, and just flip them over the top to get to the one you want. Each background would probably need to be on its own set of rings. Has anyone tried something like that?

Backdrop Clips is what the wife got me for Christmas & they are FANTASTIC!

Russ, Glad to see my design has gone International Glad you like it!!!

[Queenbrownshuga]

Originally Posted by JoesPhotos

In your first and second pictures, I don't see how the connecting piece you used on the corners on the bottom to connect A and D, actually connected A and D. The T's don't work cuz they aren't rounded like an elbow, so what else did you use besides the 3/4" slip x 3/4" slip x 1/2" thread?

[AnneWynne]

If you look closely at the first picture, A does not connect directly to D. There is a t-joint to piece H below it (a short piece of PVA), with H connecting with a t-joint to D (in the back) and E (in the front).

Gotta love tinker tubes...I made this background stand a few weeks ago and love it: Studio Lighting - Home Made Cheap DIY Backdrop Stand | DIYPhotography.net

I like it because it is versitile...can expand from 5 feet wide to about 8 feet wide, and can go tall or relatively short. Heavy because it is mostly 2" pvc, but I can haul it around ok and it fits in the car. I hold everything together with bungie cords for transport.

Anne

[JoesPhotos]

Originally Posted by JoesPhotos

Pieces of Pipe
4 - 66" 3/4" PVC Pipe labeled A
2 - 49" 3/4" PVC Pipe labeled B
2 - 29" 3/4" PVC Pipe labeled C
4 - 24" 3/4" PVC Pipe labeled D
2 - 12" 3/4" PVC Pipe labeled E
2 - 6" 3/4" PVC Pipe labeled F
4 - 4" 3/4" PVC Pipe labeled G
2 - 2.5" 3/4" PVC Pipe labeled H

I never said A connected directly to D. I put the pipe size chart in the description and it does say, H is 2.5" long.

[m.c.adams]

Right now, I have my backdrops hanging on a peice of pvc, hung from ropes connected to pulleys, hung from the ceiling in my garage. That way, I can drop them down to change colors or pull them up out of the way when not in use. I have 3 different color backdrops that I made myself, hung on shower curtain rings. I connected 4 rings per backdrop at the same distance on each backdrop, then strung them all at once on the pvc so I can flip them over the top to change colors.

Heres the link for the diy backdrops. Instead of muslin, I used 6' x 9' canvas painters dropcloths from Wal-Mart.
Cheap DIY (Homemade) Muslin Photography Background | DIYPhotography.net

Mark