DIY Background Stand - DPChallenge Forums

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

08/12/2013 01:48:28 PM · #1

So I decided to create a makeshift background stand. Turned out pretty good (still have to make a couple of adjustments to make it more stable (ie, pick up a couple more T-connectors and another piece of PVC) but other than that, it turned out good (for a first time DIY project).

And it ran me less than $25.

With the velvet backdrop added, and a couple of clamps I picked up, it was close to $40 total for the project. :)

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

08/12/2013 02:12:41 PM · #2

Looks good. Where'd you find velvet that inexpensive?

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

08/12/2013 02:16:19 PM · #3

Originally posted by GeneralE:

Looks good. Where'd you find velvet that inexpensive?

Walmart had a 2 yard section that was precut (a customer didn't want it) for $9. Usually it's $6.97 a yard. So, it's too short for some things, but will work for others. :)

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

08/12/2013 02:21:40 PM · #4

Ah yes, I forgot about the "remnants" bin ... it's been a while since I was in a fabric store, when I was buying 1/4 yard each of several colors of velvet to use as BG for macros ... :-)

Actually, $6.97 sounds pretty good already -- I think it's higher here ...

Message edited by author 2013-08-12 14:22:49.

Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Canon Mount

08/12/2013 02:28:42 PM · #5

Nice job, Denielle! I can't tell if you did this, but you could use a larger diameter pvc pipe to wrap the backdrop around and slide that over the top bar of your stand - makes it easy to roll and unroll. You need clamps or something to secure it and keep it from completely unrolling. I use this method for various backdrops on my (cheapo ebay) stand:

Mike

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

08/12/2013 02:31:16 PM · #6

You ought to run another horizontal along the the bottom to stiffen up the frame and keep the legs from bowing out.

08/12/2013 02:32:39 PM · #7

Originally posted by Art Roflmao:

That's what I did. :)

08/12/2013 02:33:46 PM · #8

Originally posted by Mike:

You ought to run another horizontal along the the bottom to stiffen up the frame and keep the legs from bowing out.

Gonna do that. Gonna pick up another piece of PVC and T connectors to stabilize the middle.

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

08/12/2013 02:34:50 PM · #9

Originally posted by Denielle:

That's what I did. :)

:) Cool! There's also been some threads around here about dying your own backdrops - I did a few and they worked out fairly well.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

08/12/2013 02:36:56 PM · #10

Originally posted by Denielle:

Originally posted by Mike:
You ought to run another horizontal along the the bottom to stiffen up the frame and keep the legs from bowing out.

Gonna do that. Gonna pick up another piece of PVC and T connectors to stabilize the middle.

I've also seen a variant on the T-connector where the bottom two sockets (for the "feet") are also at right-angles, making it more stable side-to-side as well as front-to-back

Originally posted by Art Roflmao:

... but you could use a larger diameter pvc pipe to wrap the backdrop around and slide that over the top bar of your stand - makes it easy to roll and unroll.

Great idea, and easy to have several backdrops, each rolled on their own piece of pipe for convenient storage and wrinkle-prevention.

Originally posted by Art Roflmao:

Originally posted by Denielle:
That's what I did. :)

:) Cool! There's also been some threads around here about dying your own backdrops - I did a few and they worked out fairly well.

There's also a thread around from a DPC member with a new business of selling backdrops.

Message edited by author 2013-08-12 14:38:24.

08/12/2013 02:46:30 PM · #11

Not to diminish your efforts or results, Denielle, but I thought about building my own stand, but when I saw how cheap you can get a good, adjustable metal one on ebay (shout out to Chinese child labor) - it just didn't make sense to spend the time. I think I paid around $100 for my 3 roll, 12' (I only use 3 of the 4 horizontal bars for a 9' wide backdrop). Here's one for $33.

08/12/2013 02:54:37 PM · #12

Originally posted by Art Roflmao:

I do plan on buying one in the future... But I want to get a good one. Besides, it gave me something to do on my spare time, and gave me a sense of accomplishment. So it's worth it. :)