Building your own backdrop out of pvc?

Brian L · 12-05-2009, 04:10 AM

Hello everyone. I need to find some info on building my own backdrop stand. I want to build something that will be can be mobile. Can you guys give me some info or projects or materials at that matter for less then 50 bucks say or ball park it. Also what are cheap but good looking backdrops some people use? Thanks.

I am not really sure where else to put this except here due to it will be for the bizz. Let me know.

**KmH** · 12-05-2009, 12:03 PM

I've seen 10 or more DIY projects for building portable PVC backdrop support, so I know they are out there if you're willing to do some Internet searching.

pvc backdrop stands - Bing

Brian L · 12-07-2009, 04:15 AM

Alright well figured I would post here due to maybe someone liking a certain setup or what not. I will do some searching.

**Big Mike** · 12-07-2009, 10:12 AM

DIYPhotography.net | Photography and Studio Lighting

Brian L · 12-07-2009, 11:44 PM

Awesome. Thanks for the extra post here. I was finding some things online but not what I wanted....lol

mJs · 12-08-2009, 12:28 AM

You may want to check out this site:

collapsable backdrops

if you scroll down a bit, there are some in the $50 ballpark... not sure exactly if it's what your looking for (size, color, portability...)

rachlynn17 · 12-09-2009, 12:22 AM

I have a stand that my husband put together out of PVC. But honestly, we could never get it as sturdy as we would have liked. In the end, I ended up just watching ebay for low pricing trends on a professional background stand, and I got something excellent for less than what we spent on the PVC. ($80). Also, the stand that we made took quite a while to put together and take a part each time. The stand that we bought, I can put together by myself, and it would take only about 3 minutes to set up.

Johnboy2978 · 12-09-2009, 08:21 AM

You can build your own out of PVC with just a little effort. I've been through that and produced similar results as rachlynn. While it worked for the purpose, it wasn't as stable as I would've liked. You mention that this is for the "bizz". If you are going to use it in a professional setting, i.e., you are charging clients, what do you think their first impression is going to be when they see a PVC background stand? While it may work, it still looks like sh*t on a cracker. I used mine only with my family and once or twice was long enough to decide that it is much easier to just shell out a few bucks. The first time you are paid for a shoot in the "bizz" it will pay for itself.
I ended up w/ one similar to this:
DPFSBGSPKT Photoflex First Studio BackDrop Support Kit, with BackDrop Crossbar Pole, 2 DP-LS933 Stands, & Carry Bag
Very stable, goes together very quickly and doesn't look ghetto.

SpeedTrap · 12-09-2009, 11:48 AM

I went with the Manfrotto background stand after thinking about building my own.
I could not see how I could make it as stable as and of the models out there.
One thing I did do for a 2nd one in a pinch was to use a colapsible closet rod and 2 inexpensive light stands.
I think the whole rig cost $60.
But if you are going to use this in a pro situation, just get the right thing the first time and save money in the long run with replacements and repairs.

**Big Mike** · 12-09-2009, 11:53 AM

I agree with SpeedTrap.

I bought a backdrop stand 'kit' for $100. It has two heavy duty stands, a 4 section cross bar that can be as long as 12' and it comes in a nice travel case. Not bad for $100.

Mike_E · 12-09-2009, 03:36 PM

This is one where it's cheaper to buy than to build.

**KmH** · 12-09-2009, 05:17 PM

A homemade backdrop support system is a liability lawsuit looking for a place to happen.

JamesMason · 12-09-2009, 05:29 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by KmH

A homemade backdrop support system is a liability lawsuit looking for a place to happen.

Uh huh. Been there done that

Derrel · 12-09-2009, 05:37 PM

I went with the Bogen/Manfrotto Auto-Poles system, with the accessory stabilizer legs, which allows me to set up anywhere, pretty much. I bought half the system new, and half used.

The $150 PhotoFlex brand system linked to above is priced in the ballpark with other similar two-giant-lightstands-with-crossbar setups.

I would never dream of showing up with a PVC or wooden dowel backdrop support system on a payed shoot...it's just too cheesy-looking.

Phranquey · 12-09-2009, 08:04 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Big Mike

I agree with SpeedTrap.

I bought a backdrop stand 'kit' for $100. It has two heavy duty stands, a 4 section cross bar that can be as long as 12' and it comes in a nice travel case. Not bad for $100.

I built a light tent with PVC for close-up/macro photos, and at 3' square, that can be pain in the butt to set up & tear down. When it came time for a backdrop stand, the first thing through my mind was "3 x 10' pieces of PVC sticking out of the back of the Jeep...NOT". I spent the $120 and bought a 3 piece set-up....2 heavy duty stands that go up to 11' tall and a telescoping bar that goes 12' wide. It sets up & tears down in minutes (by myself), and fits in a 4' bag that easily slings over the shoulder.

It is tempting to do some things DIY, but unless you plan on never moving it, this is one I'd recommend against. I can almost guarantee you would build this, not be happy with it, and then wind up spending money again for a nice set-up....kinda like the tripod evolution..

12-05-2009, 04:10 AM	#1
Brian L I spend too much of my life on TPF! Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 374 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts My Gallery: (0)	Building your own backdrop out of pvc? Hello everyone. I need to find some info on building my own backdrop stand. I want to build something that will be can be mobile. Can you guys give me some info or projects or materials at that matter for less then 50 bucks say or ball park it. Also what are cheap but good looking backdrops some people use? Thanks. I am not really sure where else to put this except here due to it will be for the bizz. Let me know. __________________ Learning more and more everyday about photography!!!! The most important thing is you remember to have fun!

12-05-2009, 12:03 PM	#2
KmH Image Maker Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Iowa Posts: 4,783 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit Thanked 208 Times in 199 Posts My Gallery: (0)	I've seen 10 or more DIY projects for building portable PVC backdrop support, so I know they are out there if you're willing to do some Internet searching. pvc backdrop stands - Bing __________________ FOR SALE (3/8/10-UPDATED):Nikon AF-S 70-300mm VR G Keith. . . . "Most advanced amateur photographers are better photographers, than most professional photographers". - tomrit Zenfolio? Referral code - TEY-M6D-6DG You save $5 when you sign up and I get a $5 credit. Adobe Bogen Dell Giottos hdrSoft Imagenomic Lexar Nikon Pelican Sekonic Sigma Tenba Topaz Labs Vivitar Vagabond Wacom Westcott Western Digital

12-07-2009, 04:15 AM	#3
Brian L I spend too much of my life on TPF! Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 374 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts My Gallery: (0)	Alright well figured I would post here due to maybe someone liking a certain setup or what not. I will do some searching. __________________ Learning more and more everyday about photography!!!! The most important thing is you remember to have fun!

12-07-2009, 10:12 AM	#4
Big Mike I am Big, I am Mike Site Moderator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Edmonton Posts: 22,044 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit Thanked 211 Times in 200 Posts My Gallery: (91)	DIYPhotography.net \| Photography and Studio Lighting __________________ Edmonton Wedding Photographer Blog The zebra's stripes are lacking hues, so they don't compare to you-know-whose. Orange, black and white is what to wear! It's haute couture for those who dare! It's camouflage, and stylish too! Yes, Tigers look the best, it's True!

12-07-2009, 11:44 PM	#5
Brian L I spend too much of my life on TPF! Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 374 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts My Gallery: (0)	Awesome. Thanks for the extra post here. I was finding some things online but not what I wanted....lol __________________ Learning more and more everyday about photography!!!! The most important thing is you remember to have fun!

12-08-2009, 12:28 AM	#6
mJs Been spending a lot of time on here! Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Vancouver Island Posts: 106 My Photos Are OK to Edit Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts My Gallery: (0)	You may want to check out this site: collapsable backdrops if you scroll down a bit, there are some in the $50 ballpark... not sure exactly if it's what your looking for (size, color, portability...)

12-09-2009, 12:22 AM	#7
rachlynn17 No longer a newbie, moving up! Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Kansas City Posts: 60 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts My Gallery: (0)	I have a stand that my husband put together out of PVC. But honestly, we could never get it as sturdy as we would have liked. In the end, I ended up just watching ebay for low pricing trends on a professional background stand, and I got something excellent for less than what we spent on the PVC. ($80). Also, the stand that we made took quite a while to put together and take a part each time. The stand that we bought, I can put together by myself, and it would take only about 3 minutes to set up. Last edited by rachlynn17; 12-09-2009 at 12:26 AM. Reason: adding info

12-09-2009, 08:21 AM	#8
Johnboy2978 TPF Junkie! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Southwest Virginia Posts: 1,471 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts My Gallery: (0)	You can build your own out of PVC with just a little effort. I've been through that and produced similar results as rachlynn. While it worked for the purpose, it wasn't as stable as I would've liked. You mention that this is for the "bizz". If you are going to use it in a professional setting, i.e., you are charging clients, what do you think their first impression is going to be when they see a PVC background stand? While it may work, it still looks like sh*t on a cracker. I used mine only with my family and once or twice was long enough to decide that it is much easier to just shell out a few bucks. The first time you are paid for a shoot in the "bizz" it will pay for itself. I ended up w/ one similar to this: DPFSBGSPKT Photoflex First Studio BackDrop Support Kit, with BackDrop Crossbar Pole, 2 DP-LS933 Stands, & Carry Bag Very stable, goes together very quickly and doesn't look ghetto. __________________ ---------------------- "If my answers scare you Vincent, then perhaps you should cease asking scary questions"

12-09-2009, 11:48 AM	#9
SpeedTrap TPF Junkie! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Edmonton Posts: 1,176 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit Thanked 11 Times in 11 Posts My Gallery: (78)	I went with the Manfrotto background stand after thinking about building my own. I could not see how I could make it as stable as and of the models out there. One thing I did do for a 2nd one in a pinch was to use a colapsible closet rod and 2 inexpensive light stands. I think the whole rig cost $60. But if you are going to use this in a pro situation, just get the right thing the first time and save money in the long run with replacements and repairs. __________________ Fast Nikon Bodies and Glass www.lightart.ca Come check out the new site!!

12-09-2009, 11:53 AM	#10
Big Mike I am Big, I am Mike Site Moderator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Edmonton Posts: 22,044 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit Thanked 211 Times in 200 Posts My Gallery: (91)	I agree with SpeedTrap. I bought a backdrop stand 'kit' for $100. It has two heavy duty stands, a 4 section cross bar that can be as long as 12' and it comes in a nice travel case. Not bad for $100. __________________ Edmonton Wedding Photographer Blog The zebra's stripes are lacking hues, so they don't compare to you-know-whose. Orange, black and white is what to wear! It's haute couture for those who dare! It's camouflage, and stylish too! Yes, Tigers look the best, it's True!

12-09-2009, 03:36 PM	#11
Mike_E TPF Junkie! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: The Upper West Side of Mississippi (you have no idea just how funny that is) Posts: 3,251 My Photos Are OK to Edit Thanked 14 Times in 13 Posts My Gallery: (0)	This is one where it's cheaper to buy than to build. __________________ Of Course that's my opinion, who else would say something like that?

12-09-2009, 05:17 PM	#12
KmH Image Maker Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Iowa Posts: 4,783 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit Thanked 208 Times in 199 Posts My Gallery: (0)	A homemade backdrop support system is a liability lawsuit looking for a place to happen. __________________ FOR SALE (3/8/10-UPDATED):Nikon AF-S 70-300mm VR G Keith. . . . "Most advanced amateur photographers are better photographers, than most professional photographers". - tomrit Zenfolio? Referral code - TEY-M6D-6DG You save $5 when you sign up and I get a $5 credit. Adobe Bogen Dell Giottos hdrSoft Imagenomic Lexar Nikon Pelican Sekonic Sigma Tenba Topaz Labs Vivitar Vagabond Wacom Westcott Western Digital

12-09-2009, 05:29 PM	#13
JamesMason I spend too much of my life on TPF! Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Nottingham Posts: 372 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts My Gallery: (0)	Quote: Originally Posted by KmH A homemade backdrop support system is a liability lawsuit looking for a place to happen. Uh huh. Been there done that __________________ In Britain a man is hit by a car every 30 seconds, and he is getting sick of it.

12-09-2009, 05:37 PM	#14
Derrel TPF Junkie! Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: USA Posts: 2,646 My Photos Are OK to Edit Thanked 273 Times in 242 Posts My Gallery: (7)	I went with the Bogen/Manfrotto Auto-Poles system, with the accessory stabilizer legs, which allows me to set up anywhere, pretty much. I bought half the system new, and half used. The $150 PhotoFlex brand system linked to above is priced in the ballpark with other similar two-giant-lightstands-with-crossbar setups. I would never dream of showing up with a PVC or wooden dowel backdrop support system on a payed shoot...it's just too cheesy-looking.

12-09-2009, 08:04 PM	#15
Phranquey TPF Junkie! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Dayton, OH Posts: 1,075 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit Thanked 11 Times in 11 Posts My Gallery: (1)	Quote: Originally Posted by Big Mike I agree with SpeedTrap. I bought a backdrop stand 'kit' for $100. It has two heavy duty stands, a 4 section cross bar that can be as long as 12' and it comes in a nice travel case. Not bad for $100. I built a light tent with PVC for close-up/macro photos, and at 3' square, that can be pain in the butt to set up & tear down. When it came time for a backdrop stand, the first thing through my mind was "3 x 10' pieces of PVC sticking out of the back of the Jeep...NOT". I spent the $120 and bought a 3 piece set-up....2 heavy duty stands that go up to 11' tall and a telescoping bar that goes 12' wide. It sets up & tears down in minutes (by myself), and fits in a 4' bag that easily slings over the shoulder. It is tempting to do some things DIY, but unless you plan on never moving it, this is one I'd recommend against. I can almost guarantee you would build this, not be happy with it, and then wind up spending money again for a nice set-up....kinda like the tripod evolution.. __________________ Wherever you go, there you are.

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