DIY Photo backgrounds, Muslin look alike way cheaper!!
Tuesday, January 13th, 2009 | Author: admin
So after creating my own Gel Filters I decided to look for more uses for them. How about “projecting” a texture with a flash to use as a background? its a very simple DIY project and this is what you’ll need:
- A transparency Sheet
- A clear page holder
- A “textured” template
- Laser Printer
I chose an image of twigs/branches and converted it to B/W

Template: Download it here:
Here’s a gallery of sample shots using the projection sheet along with the DIY Gels
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What a great idea! Can’t wait to try it. Thanks for passing it along!
neet idea ! Thanks.
No problem, thank you guys!
Thats wonderful.
Cant wait to print out some patterns!
Go crazy!
is that a fraggle??
It not a Fraggle its a spanish cartoon “Los Lunnis” the charater is “Lupita” they are a big deal in Spain… ColdPlay even has a video with them….
That is super-cool. I’m totally going to try that. Where did you get the plastic stand that holds the transparency up?
Its a “sign” display holder…. Staples and OfficeMax should have them.
Sorry about the vague description, I have to find the actual name for that thing.
Peace!
***HERE IT IS:
http://www.staples.com/Staples-Vertical-Stand-Up-Sign-Holder-11-x-8-1-2/product_665596?cmArea=SEARCH
Ah, so it is. Great, thanks!
Thanks for great tips! It looks great! I am new to these, I have a couple questions. How do you keep the flash stay lighted? Can I use a spot light? What is the different between a light box and strobe? Thanks!
The flash does not stay “on” I have a “master” flash on the camera or a radio trigger which triggers all flashes at the same time. Thats why on the photo you see the flash “On” because it flashed when the cameras shutter open/closed.
I’m afraid the spot light will get over powered by any flash you might have, unless you only use stationary lights and no flash. (You’ll need a lot of power or you wont have enough light)
A lightbox its usually an enclosure that holds a strobe. It softens the look of the light. It can reduce shadows.
Peace!
Great stuff… Thank you for sharing your ideas. The background you use is black? is it a muslin or a sheet?
Thanks, it was a solid dark grey collapsible background.
Just want to thank you for the idea…tried it and works great!
No problem
Just curious if any of you are able to use this idea with studio strobes instead of speedlights?
Yes you can use this method with studio strobes, you’ll just need larger gels.
The inconsistency that I have been getting is driving me crazy.
Can you tell me how far from BG you have it at and the distant between flash and the transparency Sheet? As well I have it set at 24mm on my flash as well.
Pete I did trial an error and was getting a good background about 12″ away. Your strobes my be too bright, dial them down a little and try again