The canvas backdrop has not been painted yet – that’s another ongoing project. The thumbscrew screws snugly into a hole drilled into the 2″ pipe, but loosely into a larger hole in the 1-1/2″ pipe, just to prevent the pipes from sliding laterally when tension is placed on the canvas or stand. The cavas hangs from an 8 ft long 2″ PVC pipe that can be temporarily fixed to the 1-1/2″ PVC pipe inside by a thumbscrew which can be loosened to adjust the width. Option 2 shows how an additional T piece could serve as a tilting canopy support over which to drape a backdrop or perhaps other opaque or translucent fabric (white sheet, rip stop nylon, etc) to create your own shade outdoors on a sunny day.īackdrop stand with 9 x 12 canvas (7 x 11 finished size with seams) purchased at Sherwin Williams paint store for $20 (Home Depot had 9 x 12 canvas for $3 less but it had a seam down the middle and the material had a coarser weave).

Option 1 shows how tubing can be added for multiple rolls (although it wouldn’t be too difficult to slide one roll off and put another one on). Other options can be added if you use T-connectors at the top instead of 90° Elbows. Bungee cords may be a good idea anyway at all 4 corners. Another option would be to put a couple of grommet holes near the top of each side of the canvas and use a bungee cord around the vertical post to stretch it out (would probably require pins through each end of the top horizontal pipes to prevent telescoping inward). Since I have not built this yet, I cannot vouch for whether this design provides enough rigidity to avoid wrinkles in a fully outstretched cavas of this size, but some strategically placed spring V-clamps could probably take care of that if necessary. I would glue only at the 4 spots marked “G”, leaving the option to remove two feet in the rear if propping against a wall is desired due to lack of space. Better yet, create seamed loops on all 4 sides to allow a smaller tube to hang at the bottom to help keep the material straight. Also note that the adjustable width would allow the cavas to be seamed along both sides for use in a wider horizontal orientation for a group photo.

I expect the friction between pipes would keep the canvas from unrolling, or else a pin could be used at one end similar to the manner in which the vertical supports use pins for height adjustment. This pipe could be joined from two pieces for portability, however I would think it best to keep the canvas rolled rather than folded. Dimensions are to fit a 9 x 12′ canvas dropcloth, which is presumed to be rolled up on the 8-1/2′ long (or 9′?) 2″ PVC pipe. I like this one.ĭesign sketch for a possible backdrop stand using 1-1/2″ PVC pipe sliding inside 2″ PVC pipes to allow adjustable width plus height, or the option to hang the top pieces from the ceiling or garage door tracks (mine are 9′-3″ apart). Note: Adapted from Todd Asher’s design – see here, or here for more details.Īnother shot with the flash-lit diffusion panel setup with reflector and homemade backdrop as shown in the diagram in the Backdrop Stand folder. Backdrop Stand Instructionsĭesign sketch for a possible backdrop stand using 1-1/2″ PVC pipe sliding inside 2″ PVC pipes to allow adjustable width plus height, or the option to hang the top pieces from the ceiling or garage door tracks. Oh, and a wife to agree to place this in the leaving room. The cost is very low, just some PVC pipes, muslin and two really good hands. The stand, along with matching backdrop will help to create a controlled environment, with good subject/background separation. In The following article, Brian will demonstrate how to build a DIY backdrop stand.

Telescoping picture stands