How to Setup a Simple DIY Photo Studio

This week I installed a three roll seamless backdrop system that converts my garage into a photo studio in seconds. It also stores out of the way when I'm not using it. This was a really simple build and I will take you step by step through how to install one in your space.

Products used in this video
Rockler Products

Seamless Setup

Savage Widetone Ultramarine Seamless Paper 107” x 12yd
(I've added this after filming the video. Viewers have suggested this to prevent the tube from sagging over time.)

Lighting Setup

Camer Gear

Additional items

Videos Mentioned

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[torinhalsey]

Awesome. I bought my first Bogen Background Roller System about 30 years ago and used two of them in my photography studio. A very efficient setup.

[HLRth]

Thanks for sharing not only the build, but the challenges and process as well.

[connorwright]

my dad is a wood worker whos starting youtube and this helped him a lot :)

[mikededmon]

I love how the music stopped when you turned off the turntable. Clever. :)

[tjordanomusicchannel]

Bro, you kept saying you're not a photographer, but I've learnt more from your video than I have from most acclaimed photographers. Thanks for sharing this knowledge with people like me. God bless you... please keep making such videos

[bertv]

For a *real* seamless background you have the rolls backwards — the paper needs to curl onto the floor — in other words: you use the inside of the paper roll. So, how it is done: lower the paper, let it settle on the floor for the depth you need, tape down edges. Let relax for a bit, adjust the tension to achieve a gentle transition between horizontal and vertical, lock in place.
(I worked my way through art school as an assistant commercial photographer… that’ why I dare educate you, : ))

[BMSculptures]

Great video. I am terrible at photographing my sculptures and every photography channel I try and watch has super intricate/ expensive/ complicated set ups. Glad to finally see a setup I think I can actually accomplish!

[supergimp]

To all those questioning the plastic chain. I had this kit installed in my living room (conveniently hidden behind a boxed in ceiling beam) as I did product photography on the side on a regular basis. I used it several times a week for 10 years and never had an issue with the chain (nor did I ever add a metal support tube to any of the rolls). Worked great and paid for itself many times over.

[nachtdiertje]

Man, with all the solid colors from your papers, I noticed that my screen was very dirty. It looked like you had all kind of smudges and discolorations on your papers, but in fact it was my screen. Thanks 👍😊

[joeep]

Thank you. This has sparked some ideas. I like that you used inexpensive lights for your setup. I want to set up a headshot studio in my garage.

[CreativeThinking]

Awesome diy studio set up!! Thank you for sharing. Have a wonderful weekend. 👍

[douglasadrian]

Michael - for not being a professional photographer, you used the correct terminology, great job. This is a good solution and as a note for your viewers, the other solution is a fabric backdrop. The issues with that were addressed in Michael's video - a fabric would collect dust and keep the dust, they are much heavier and more awkward to use. Seamless is cheap, easy to install and replace and if it does get dirty....it cuts quite easily. Just don't over-tighten the "chains" as they can break.

[davebauerart]

Great simple solution for the backdrop. I learned a lot from the lighting demo, really great to see how adjusting the lights can change the feel.

[kevinfarmer]

Right on time! I am trying to figure out a backdrop system for myself. Thanks for posting.

[chrisdavis]

This looks like a great system. In our community theater, this would work great for workshops and head shots not to mention possible backdrop options. Thanks for showing this 👍

[NickConteSC]

Your talents are mind blowing sir! Thanks for sharing!

[wb_finewoodworking]

I’ve been planning on installing one of these backdrop racks to my shop for a while. You provided some great tips and information on what you’re using. Your ideas will make my install much easier. Thanks.

[EthanCarterDesigns]

Looks so much more usable and the results are fantastic! The cost is actually way more affordable than I would have thought!

[sallybryan]

You can also project your designs on stuff really 👍👍👍

[recideas]

cool to see how you use the backdrop and the examples are also very cool! Thanks for that!👍🏻