DIY Backdrops for Food Photography

[@Toca_Fi_Fi]

Interior Designer here!! we paint those foam boards all the time :) Pro tip!! You have to paint an "x" corner to corner on the back! As the paint dries the surface tension increases and pulls the board in. The "x" equalizes the tension front and back :)

[@JizbellasToons]

Hey Heather, quick question! :-) Would you paint that X on the back before applying the joint compound? Or does this only work if you're just painting the boards, not applying joint compound? Can't wait to try it in any case!

[@vishaln9419]

Can you say this in layman's term please?

[@Toca_Fi_Fi]

@@JizbellasToons Hi Claire, I think I wold start with a touch of the joint compound on the back, for the same reason :)

[@arniecalang4583]

Great tip!!!!!

[@Chuckwagon524]

Perhaps she needs to try thicker foam? Like foam insulation used for roofs and siding?

[@julimoreira]

Here's a tip for a different texture: after the oil spray paint is dry, use a candle to kind of draw around the board. Then, use the acrylic paint. When it is dry, use a sandpaper to remove the wax from the candle. The result is incredible and looks like old wood (I don't know the name of this technique in English, but in Portuguese we call it Patina).

[@TheBiteShot]

Can't wait to try!!

[@kerskind]

I have been ADDICTED to your videos, and have watched for so long, only to see today that I was never subscribed. KZbin just placed you on my feed because I watch your channel so often. I wanted to apologise for that, and tell you that I am so grateful for all your help. you have changed and moulded my photography. thank you from South Africa!

[@AA-bw1xm]

This is creepy how you post and talk about everything I wanted to learn - thank you 💙

[@TheBiteShot]

Ha ha!!! I love it :) Just going off the requests that people have, so seems you're not alone!

[@TheKatiegall]

I have been creatively STUCK for like a year. And JUST started a new cookbook with frustration. But, NOW you have truly inspired me and made a BIG happy SPARK.... so many caps... just so happy. I appreciate you and all you do for everyone! Thank you.

[@charnielandau4655]

Watched this video a couple of weeks ago and now I’m here, paint and brush in hand getting ready to do my very first DIY backdrop! Thanks for creating such easy to watch content!

[@angelao]

Oh my goodness this is proving to be nearly as much fun as the photography itself. Thank you so much for posting this!

[@clivegrant6113]

I love your shows. They are very informative without being intimidated by process. Thank you.

[@AussieJill]

What a brilliant idea, not only for food photography but for any still life/product photography.

[@TheBiteShot]

Good point! They're so much fun to create :)

[@SteveMaskery]

Great advice and NO IDIOTICALLY ANNOYING, UNNECESSARY, DISTRACTING, MUSAK! Thank you very much.

[@GranthamAtHome]

I love your sense of fun and infectious enthusiasm. I'm a fairly experienced photographer ( getting on a bit then!! ) but have never done food so I am learning lots from your videos. Thank you so much for sharing your talent.

[@TheBiteShot]

So glad to have you here!!

[@AtlantaTerry]

If a food photographer would like some wood with a rough texture to use for an interesting surface, buy some Cedar fence boards. (Normally wood boards have a smooth surface.) Here in the Atlanta, Georgia USA area, I go to Home Depot or Lowe's big box stores when I need some rough cut wood. Go to the back of these stores or ask an associate where to find it. I look through the stacks of Cedar fence boards to make sure the wood is not warped, split or discolored. Then I have the store cut the boards into 4 foot lengths (so it will fit on my car's back seat). When you get home, if you like, you can paint the boards in any way you may want. If you thin out the paint, it will soak into the softer areas faster than the harder areas. If you have time, put some of the boards outside for a year or two so the sun, rain, snow, insects, etc. will work their magic on the wood; the softer areas will weather faster. Or ask local fence companies for old weathered wood that they remove when they repair fences for customers. Terry Thomas... the photographer Atlanta, Georgia USA

[@TheBiteShot]

Very cool!!! Thanks for the tip! I'll have to give that a try. Cheers!!

[@evolvingtable]

I just made two boards using your instructions and OMG!! They turned out ah-maaazing. I have always tried using spray paint and acrylic in the past, but was unhappy with the lack of texture. The joint compound totally does the trick. Thank you so much for such a fun and easy-to-follow tutorial. I am now officially obsessed with making my own boards! LOL

[@nancylee1473]

The water droplet technique is BRILLIANT!!! Can;t wait to try it myself!

[@rebeccawood9297]

Instantly obsessed with your channel! You are such a ray of sunshine!

[@MaeThaMare]

I am so glad I found this channel!!! Your boards are so BEAUTIFUL! I'm doing this for my monthly project!

[@herbslight3596]

Thank you so much for linking absolutely everything in your description box! As someone who is just starting out this is super helpful☺️

[@onlykts]

I love your way and explaining you are a gift to photographers🌺🌷👍🏼

[@carmenpollock]

I am just starting food Photography and I am learning a lot from watching your video. The contents are very helpful. Thank you very much x

[@mikadelacruz1139]

Hola, I love that awesome energy you have. Thank you very much for what you are doing

[@lubenrri]

I love your videos!! they're so easy to listen to and your voice is so relaxing. Of course, you explain flawlessly

[@sakshirao2656]

Your videos are amazing! :) I bake and cook a lot, but I was lost when it came to taking good photos of the food. Your tips are practical and easy to grasp. Thank you so much!

[@thegourmetlens500]

Can't wait to start on mine! Your videos are always such fun.Just love your sense of humour!

[@TheBiteShot]

Sweet! Have fun!

[@taisfogliatokurtz2882]

Oh my oh my!! I LOVED it!! Thank you for sharing it!!

[@angiegophoto]

You are amazing, I LOVE ALL YOUR TIPS, but mostly, YOUR GREAT ENERGY! Keep it up! I'm starting my new journey, I have decided to transition from a graphic designer to a Food Photographer and you (with maybe 2-3 other) KZbinrs, are my "Jedis". MUCHAS GRACIAS AMIGA!

[@jessicatorres2026]

This video is the best food photography hack! Thanks for sharing all your knowledge. Your videos are so helpful

[@ddddddd490]

I was thinking of joining a workshop and bumped into your videos. I don't think anyone would explain the details the way you do. There's no replacement of trial n errors, so will dig right in. Thank you for the videos. Would love to see you grow. Godspeed

[@lunad4751]

honestly... who could dislike this video? I have been waiting for this video for forever!

[@lifefromtheshore7076]

This video was lovely. Love your enthusiasm.

[@MademoiZelle02]

I feel like you're the mentor I've been looking for! These videos are super helpful and I definitely appreciate them!

[@TheBiteShot]

So glad to be able to help! Rock it out

[@XOChristianaNicole]

HOLY MOLY!!! I had NO IDEA that tutorials to make food photography backgrounds existed- this simply showed up in my recommended.. FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY IS SERIOUSLY ONE OF MY MOST FAVORITE THINGS TO DO, EVER!!! This makes me soooooo happy! And you even use my favorite spray paint brand, Rust-O-Leium.. Doesn’t it go on so smooth and clean?! This is such a great tutorial! I am so excited to do these! Thank you, bunches! I can’t wait to see your other videos.. ❤️

[@TheBiteShot]

Hooray!!! So glad! And yeah, that spray paint is like buttah!! New video coming in just a few hours, so more soon

[@colinhengchangjie]

You’re a life saver! Thanks you for sharing all you know about plywood.

[@TheBiteShot]

LOL :) Too much plywood around here!

[@saskiamellows2578]

Love your family out takes!

[@toriscott6393]

Sooo much fun!! Just want to make backdrops now!

[@danrobb5760]

Wow Joanie. This is absolutely unreal. I just found my weekend project. Thanks so much for sharing

[@criskrystal]

This is absurd! Even the photo of the banana was wonderful !! I discovered your channel today and I'm loving it !!!♡ Thanks for all tipes!

[@TheBiteShot]

So glad to have you here! I have way too much fun doing food photography

[@jimsjourney3926]

I have never had a safety brief before watching KZbin, I felt well looked after throughout and enjoyed the video. I would probably give it ago as I've started to Photograph smaller things and a little bit of food but need to get some lights sorted. I have also watched your soft and Artificial lighting. I thank you dearly for a wonderfully presented video.

[@TheBiteShot]

Safety first! :)

[@denissemitchell9891]

You have such a pretty smile! I am rewatching this video bc this weekend I am creating my own backdrop for my blog!!!! God bless youuuu!

[@TheBiteShot]

Awesome! Have fun!

[@shafaata]

@@TheBiteShot What should be standard size /dimensions of these boards /back drops? This basic info is missing in ur video and its important for newbies.

[@brandedwithlea]

This is the tutorial I was looking for so long and I am happy I just found it🤙❤️. Thank you!

Wow. What you do is art. Keep up the good work!

[@ianlaker9161]

Hi, from England! I've only just got round to doing this relative to the date of this particular video. Love your videos and infectious enthusiasm. I have many years of photographic experience but only recently decided to combine being a foodie with both my graphic design and photography background. Making my first surface was great fun and looks really effective I think. Just bought your book too which is excellent and very informative.

[@Just-a-bystander]

A DIY story and a helpful hint: I had an old backdrop.. large 12' x 12' backdrop canvas which I had made many years ago by stitching two 12' lengths of artist canvas (6' wide) together. I had used it raw for many years but I wanted a newer smaller (easier to use) and darker backdrop. I split the seam, creating two. I purchased 3 different gallon paints (mistints for $5 each) dark grey, med tauny, light grey (white-ish).. and I began by painting one side. I liked it so much I painted the other canvas one side. They came out great BUT the edges began rolling in like your foamcore. The paint wets the surface, then dries and shrinks causing the curving. I decided, based on a nugget idea from one of your videos on backgrounds to paint the other side of each canvas. Solved the curve edge problem and from one large canvas I now have 4 backdrops that are not as cumbersome and are totally awesome. The lesson: don't ignore the possibility of using both sides.

[@suessosimplesogoodrecipes5410]

Wow! great video.You are multi-talented girl! Thank you...gonna be trying this!

[@sarasantiago2315]

I absolutely love your channel! Attempting my first board today!

[@myfoodforthesoul]

Once again love the video. So many helpful ideas can't wait for our weather to get better so I can start my own DIY backdrop. Thank you for wonderful ideas and tips.

[@saskeleephotography9019]

GREAT VIDEO. The AC is what normally bows the foam core

[@louismacvux]

this is so helpful! I'm in the market for a platform to shoot food on and this might be what I need! Thank you for sharing!

[@hyelimchoi_]

"what's shakin' bacon" omg the cutest most wholesome channel I love this!

[@stepitup5409]

Have fun with this. Ive done it for years. I mix paint with the sheetrock mud to make a first tint coat.

[@hallefaraj]

By far your channel is becoming a new favourite of mine 👍

[@lilyouyang5876]

ahhhhhhh the green highlights in your hair so prettyyyyyyyyyy

[@arniecalang4583]

I just discovered your channel omg you have the best tips! I will definitely try this today!!!!

[@yummibyhalli2488]

Such good ideas! I can't wait to try.

[@sugarcoder]

I just love your personality. It's so awesome! Thank you for explaining the process on how to make your own backdrops. :D

[@simonsheena]

I loved this! Brings back memories of my fine arts days in college. Thanks again Joanie for making this video. I've watched so many video here on how to make DIY backdrops but yours is the most helpful and of course entertaining as well. Outtakes.....yay!!!!

[@TheBiteShot]

Always gotta include those outtakes for ya. And yeah, I felt like I was back in undergrad...Stippling, crosshatch...lol! Thanks!

[@sivec2383]

Love this video! Thank you for all the tips and tricks!

[@rackoflam]

Thank you so much for sharing these great tips! I am a food blogger and there is so much still to learn!

[@NOTANOTHERCOOKINGSHOW]

Love this one. lots and lots of good info here! Thanks Joanie!

[@a_redfox]

Just found out this channel recently. As an aspiring food photographer, the stuff here are really helpful !

[@eastghost8443]

The stuph to use is called KOLCAUSTICO. If you want to mix color into drywall joint compound (instead of using KOLCAUSTICO), the stuph to use for color is called MIXOL. When you spray paint over the top you homogenize it; when you mix the color into the compound you get 3D depth and variations in the color.

[@kerrykurtz7335]

Love how easy you made that look and how awesome it looks in photos too!

[@giulianadp]

How great! I just did my first DIY backdrop before watching your video. I used plywood and chalked white paint from rust oleum. I’m so glad you did something like that. I also used wood and painted it with varathane and it looked cool.

[@karenkumah9401]

I knew I'd find answers on your channel...you are awesome!

[@TheBiteShot]

thank you!!!

[@sunflowerlife5416]

Thank you so much for this vid! I am definitely not an artist or DIY Handy but I'm going to try this because I need some more interesting backdrops for my food pics! 👍

[@John_Lilley]

Super awesome vid, thank you for making this! Happy to have found you, keep up the good work. 🙏

[@connielam7196]

I really want to learn more about food photography and doing some home projects. So glad that I stumbled upon your channel. Will be trying this out. Subscribed and followed your IG page. Looking forward to more videos!

[@GuddisKitchen1]

Awesome sharing 👌 you have explained everything so nicely.

[@evibotaphoto]

OMG I am so happy that I've found you! Everything on your channel is so helpful, and easy to understand! Thank youuu! :)

[@RooBeeScoo]

Hey there! One prop stylist trick to get painted foam core flat is to paint and X on that back side. It'll pull it straight and flat again:)

[@ven1536]

Really ? Humm because trying to find the laminated plywood and looks shiny has a shiny coat to it

[@EliFromSaalt]

i love what you got! been meaning to get into food photography i'm glad i stumbled on to your channel!

[@TheBiteShot]

thanks so much! So glad to have you here!

[@ericarobbin]

This was so helpful, thank you so much! I made a few and I really like how they turned out!

[@JonathanMiguelMabini]

i should do this sometime sooner. awesome video. thanks for sharing this to us.

[@MistFirefly]

I wish I discovered you earlier!! I am binge watching everything

[@Fidi987]

I have only used three things for food photography backgrounds: Acrylic paint (great, dries quickly, you can paint over the surface anytime you want with a differnt color), wall papers depicting painted boards or tiles, and chalkboard paint. Apart form the colors I use crinkle laque, but have also gone the easy road by painting a board and then just sprinkling some spots in a different color on top.

[@AtlantaTerry]

Here in the USA, you can find sample bottles of all kinds of paint at both Lowe's and Home Depot. Look around in the area on the back side of the area were the clerks work. The samples are usually marked for less than US $1. Over the years I must have collected 20 or 30 that are sitting stacked up in my garage for use with projects such as these. Both stores also carry a very cheap quality line of spray paint.

[@resurrectionfitness5711]

Great video! lots of cool ideas, Thanks :)

[@SolAV257]

Thank you so muck for this video! I live in New Zealand and it's so hard to find good options. Massive thanks!!!!

[@stellaruth4755]

Thank you so much for your videos. I'm working on a cookbook and wanted to do my own food photography. I wanted unique surface that I didn't have to pay an arm, leg and 3 toes for it. It came out great. My pictures are gorgeous.

[@TheBiteShot]

That is so fantastic to hear!!! Congrats on the cookbook!!!

[@luisaferreira5374]

Gonna do it tomorrow! I'am from Portugal but I see already online and I think they have everything I wil need, on the store. Maybe the Robin´s egg color is gonna be the challenge.

[@elinmansson5535]

Wow love your energy!

[@TriniCookingwithNatasha]

Omg love this , I need to make my own boards. I.love this blue board.

[@mathildemahe2120]

Tellement émouvant !! 😢

[@megacubeful]

That gorgeous mug you have!

[@cookingwithalittlespice]

Great video I think I’m finally ready to make backdrops. Love your end screen music I find myself dancing lol

[@olgajimenez3713]

Thank you, Joanie. Could you share how and where you started to learn photography? Your videos are fantastic! 🐓

[@LetsCookMitJulian]

Awesome video, helped me so much. Thanks a lot!

[@HistoryByGPS]

You need to paint both sides of the foam core. Same thing with Masonite. That prevents differing expansion through moisture expansion and shrinkage. Results... the sides balance each other. 👍🏼

[@FOODBYCOOMBS]

This looks awesome I'm going to try this for my next shoot next week! Thank you.

[@khalilemir]

I love your energy ❤️

[@saberur66]

getting ready to up my game on taking pictures of my food products, as well as starting to build up my soc media/blog game. these tips are really great! going to the lumber yard to get a few sheets of plywood, and michaels is having a sale right now! cant wait to try these out.

[@TheBiteShot]

Have fun!!

[@Rari1022]

Definitely a helpful start for some backgrounds. Super excited to go to the store now! Lol

[@rhadondasedgwick3580]

You are adorable!! I can't wait to try this when it is warmer outside to paint!

[@sergiocalu]

I love your channel, congratulations for the monetization 😘

[@marieemmanuel4909]

Wow fabulous tutorial! I’m curious as to why you used an oil paint for the peak through colour

[@shannserrao8690]

I've been looking for a tutorial exactly like this! Thank you for putting so much effort into the production and making it so easy to follow!

[@teocrawford]

niiiice tips :o creating these surfaces look gooooody👊👊

[@divinigraceful]

I'm excited to create DIY backdrops for my food thumbnail for my channel. Gonna try this cool things. Thanks for the tips. 😘

[@WingN]

just found you and loved the way you present and the creativity! subscribed!

[@stuartdoyle99]

Thanks for a fantastic video, I use the DC-Fix adhesive transfer sheets applied to a large square of thin MDF. I found this to also be very cost effective and easy to produce when wanting a range of different fake looking wood and stone backgrounds

[@TheBiteShot]

Very cool!!!

[@ItsRainingFlour]

Wow!! These boards are incredible!! Thanks so much for the tutorial! I plan on making a few of these boards when I move to New York this summer. I have a few homemade boards at home in Florida, but I'm not going to bring them to NY. This is exactly the tutorial I needed!! Thanks a ton!!

[@TheBiteShot]

So glad!