A professional quality background is often one of the most noticeable differences between professional portraits and home snapshots. A cluttered wall behind your subject can ruin an otherwise great image. One of the most popular backgrounds called an "old master". An old master style background is one that appears to be a painted surface of mixed colors without any sharply defined shapes that could distract from the subject. These types of backgrounds are among the simplest to make.
1. Select Your Fabric
Before you can begin, you must know the size backdrop you need. A good general size is 9' x 12'. Keep in mind that if you are taking full-length photographs of standing subjects or large group shots you will need a considerably larger piece of material. Once you have determined what size background you need you will purchase a piece of unbleached, 100 percent cotton muslin fabric slightly larger than your desired size. If need to sew two or more pieces together for the right size, keep in mind this seam may show in your photographs.
2. Hem the Fabric
Once you have your fabric in the desired size you will need to hem the fabric to prevent unraveling. The easiest way to do this is to use fusible web iron-on hem. Fold the fabric over the bias tape and iron to adhere the fabric together. Then use another piece of bias tape to fold that seam over and iron again. This puts the edge of the fabric inside the hem and prevents the edges from fraying up to the hem. A single hem will work but the double hem leaves a much nicer edge.
3. Wash the Fabric
Wash your fabric in cold water with a small amount of detergent. This will remove any stiffening agents in the fabric and help the dye later on. Do NOT dry the fabric.
4. Prepare the Dye
There are many different fabric dyes on the market. Feel free to use your favorite one, just follow the instructions carefully. For these instructions, I used Rit brand dye. Use a container large enough to cover your fabric in liquid. Pour in the dye power and add very hot water to fill about half of your container. Mix completely using a broomstick or a large wooden dowel.
5.Tie the Fabric
Wad up your fabric and use the yarn pieces to tie it so that it will remain bunched up. Any areas you can see or that are only loosely tied will be died. There is no specific pattern to tying the fabric and randomness is a plus. Just remember that you will need spots free of dye for your remaining colors to adhere.
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1. Select Your Fabric
Before you can begin, you must know the size backdrop you need. A good general size is 9' x 12'. Keep in mind that if you are taking full-length photographs of standing subjects or large group shots you will need a considerably larger piece of material. Once you have determined what size background you need you will purchase a piece of unbleached, 100 percent cotton muslin fabric slightly larger than your desired size. If need to sew two or more pieces together for the right size, keep in mind this seam may show in your photographs.
2. Hem the Fabric
Once you have your fabric in the desired size you will need to hem the fabric to prevent unraveling. The easiest way to do this is to use fusible web iron-on hem. Fold the fabric over the bias tape and iron to adhere the fabric together. Then use another piece of bias tape to fold that seam over and iron again. This puts the edge of the fabric inside the hem and prevents the edges from fraying up to the hem. A single hem will work but the double hem leaves a much nicer edge.
3. Wash the Fabric
Wash your fabric in cold water with a small amount of detergent. This will remove any stiffening agents in the fabric and help the dye later on. Do NOT dry the fabric.
4. Prepare the Dye
There are many different fabric dyes on the market. Feel free to use your favorite one, just follow the instructions carefully. For these instructions, I used Rit brand dye. Use a container large enough to cover your fabric in liquid. Pour in the dye power and add very hot water to fill about half of your container. Mix completely using a broomstick or a large wooden dowel.
5.Tie the Fabric
Wad up your fabric and use the yarn pieces to tie it so that it will remain bunched up. Any areas you can see or that are only loosely tied will be died. There is no specific pattern to tying the fabric and randomness is a plus. Just remember that you will need spots free of dye for your remaining colors to adhere.
For more
