These are probably better described as “use-what-you-have” photo backgrounds than “DIY photo backgrounds.”  I’ve talked before about a different kind of DIY photo backgrounds.  Those photo boards were about $2 each, took 15 minutes each, tops (probably less than 10), and you see them all the time around here (since they’re pretty much all I have right now).

The Easiest DIY Photo Backgrounds

But I’ve discovered since working on my gift guide that scarves make great DIY backgrounds.  Maybe everyone else had already thought of that, but it hadn’t occurred to me. Of course, these backgrounds are all relatively small, so we’re talking about photographing relatively small items.  But scarves and any other large expanse of fabric can serve as a background.

This is photographed on a scarf:

So is this, although in a completely different way:

Variations…

On a towel:

(I especially like that one, because if you don’t look closely, it just looks like sand!)

Placemats, table runners, tablecloths, sheets, baby blankets…all of these are, essentially, flat pieces of fabric you can photograph something on or against; or fold, scroll, or scrunch to add dimension and interest to your picture.

(I’ll be the first to tell you I’m not photography expert.  Some of my pictures come out amazing and I’m super-pleased with them.  Others…well, not so much.  If you’re a better photographer than I am, you’ll be able to do even more with this.)

If some bunching  or draping of the fabric will work for your purposes, you can even use items that aren’t flat expanses of fabric.  This is photographed on a dress:

DIY Photo Backgrounds, Fabric-Free

Non-fabric items will work, too.  What do you have that’s big enough around, largely flat, and sufficiently even in color/pattern/texture that it won’t detract from your subject?

The ground works.  Dirt, grass, asphalt, gravel, a bed of autumn leaves, sand…all of these are just variations on the ground that will give you very different looks.  At one time or another I’ve used most of these! (Of course, be sure it won’t damage your item to be placed directly on the ground.)

Another variation on this is the floor in your house.  Just make sure it isn’t something that’s going to gross people out, like photographing a stack of cookies sitting on the carpet.  Hardwood, especially, makes a nice neutral background.

Paper works.  Scrapbooking paper, wrapping paper, tissue paper, packaging paper.  (Yes, I have actually used packaging paper — that came to me in a package already used — as a background before.  I need something and it was handy, and neutral.)

Anything flat and wooden (within reason) can work.  Tables are obvious, and I’ve mentioned hardwood floors, but there are other options, too.

GREENER CHEF XL Bamboo Cutting BoardWalnut Cutting Board, Large ReversibleSKY LIGHT Cutting Board, BambooLarge Organic Bamboo Cutting Board

Do you have a shelf you could remove from its bookcase for a few minutes?  A clipboard?  The back of a bulletin board?  (The front of a bulletin board can work, too, if it’s empty.  The cork makes a nice background.)  A piano bench or park bench?  An old cabinet door?  Cutting boards make a fabulous moveable background surface.

3 Piece Thick Cutting BoardsGlass Cutting BoardGranite Cutting Board

The point is, if you’re photographing something small, from up fairly close, you can easily crop enough edges out of the frame that no one needs to ever know what that thing was that you used in your background.  (Unless, like me, you blog about it. 😉 )  Just find something big enough, even enough, and with sufficient contrast against your subject and give it a whirl!