DIY Backdrops for Food & Blog Photography: A quick and simple way to achieve the backgrounds and backdrops that you desire, without having to use your real spaces.

Since starting this blog, back in 2013, I had always wanted a big, beautiful BRIGHT white kitchen, to take all of my photos in. But there was one big problem…
I had a big, beautiful, DARK brown, kitchen. My builder husband, tends to always go in the brown (safe) color pallet for a “resale,” factor. It was time to get creative, and think of how I could pull off the look that I wanted, without having to talk my husband in to remodeling our whole kitchen. That’s where the brainstorming began, and I can’t help but share this with you all, in case you’re sitting in the same boat.
DIY Backdrops for Blog Photography

It began with a trip to Lowe’s, and browsing the isles for ideas. I settled on the following materials for the two different backdrops:
• 2ft. x 2ft. Drywall patching panel
• Backsplash kitchen tiles (I used subway tile, and mosaic tiles)
• Liquid Nails
• Caulk (Color depends on what coordinates with the backdrop.)
• Damp towel for wiping excess caulk

I purchased just enough backsplash that would cover my 2ft. x 2ft. piece of drywall. (Just enough for those close-up shots that I take of my recipes, and dishes.)
When I returned home, I put down the sheet of drywall, arranged the subway tile and pieced it together like a puzzle. Once I found the “look,” that would work on the drywall, I placed the liquid nails in the caulk tool and “liquid nailed,” the tile to the drywall; section by section.





Once all of the tiles were adhered to the drywall, I filled the spaces with white caulk. After applying the caulk, I used my index finger to “push,” the caulk down inside the spaces, and used a damp rage to wipe away any excess.



I let it sit and dry for a few days, before using, just to make sure it would stay put, before I placed the backdrop upright, next to something important that I planned to photograph.

Finished Backdrop “Look”
You can see in the photo I took for a different post below, how the DIY backdrop works great for blog photography!

Second Photo Backdrop Look:
Using mosaic tile, I simply followed the same process, and it was completed in no time!




Now I have a whole new “look,” when it comes to trying to snag a photo with a different background. With just a little “DIY,” and a few dollars, my studio is set up to provide a few different looks.

Have so much fun creating different “looks,” for your blog photos! This little DIY project has been a lifesaver when I’ve really needed to step up my game with my blog photography.
If you’re looking for other blog photography resources, don’t forget my post from a few months back, that shares all of my favorite equipment, software, and tricks for my photography:
Photography Resources
and of course where I share tips for photo editing for blogging.

Mrs Major Hoff says
Love making my own backdrops and props! So easy. Going to the hardware store is so much more fun now, LOL!
Jessica says
Haha!!! I couldn’t agree more! I’m there WAY more often, now that I know to take matters in to my own hands. Lol! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Danielle S says
Love this idea so much! I can’t wait to do some for my invites! 🙂
Jessica says
Yaaaay! Let me know if we need to have a cocktail while I help you make some. Ha! XO
Laura says
This is such a GREAT idea!!! WOW!!! Thank you so much!!!! Genius!
Heather says
Jessica, I’m so glad you sent this post in your email because I had missed it. Amazing idea! It’s one of those ideas where you say, “why didn’t I think if that?” I am starting to love the white kitchens too but have dark cabinets, which I also love. This will let me have the best of both worlds, at least in pictures. ????
Are those just 4 tiles you set your projects on?
Now off to Lowes…
Jessica says
Oh good!!! I’m so glad! Thank you!
Yes! I just grabbed two square tiles for the “counter.” Lol. BUT… at my Lowe’s I couldn’t find the type of marble-counter “look,” in a large square tile, so I had to settle for two. But in my photo editing, I’ll just blend or “fix,” the line in the middle if it’s showing. I hope that helps! 🙂