Behind the Canvas: How to Create Your Own Canvas Backdrop for Photography
Create Your Own Masterpiece: Crafting a Canvas Backdrop
There’s something magical about a canvas backdrop—the texture, the depth, the way it whispers luxury into every frame. If you’ve ever swooned over the prestigious Oliphant backdrops in New York but balked at the price tag, fear not! You, yes YOU, can create your very own bespoke backdrop that will give your portraits a high-end vibe without the high-end cost.
Grab your brushes, channel your inner artist, and let’s get messy (in the best way possible). Here’s how to make a DIY canvas backdrop that even the most discerning client would admire. I don’t pretend to be a master at this as it’s the first time I have tried it and it’s not super easy so give it a go and just see what happens.
Why Make Your Own Canvas Backdrop?
Cost-Effective: A custom backdrop could set you back thousands. Making your own? Less than £100.00.
Creative Control: Want subtle earthy tones or bold splashes of drama? You’re the boss.
Uniquely Yours: No one else will have your backdrop, which adds to your style’s signature.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
To craft a masterpiece, you need the right tools. Here's your checklist for success:
Canvas Fabric
A 12 oz. cotton duck canvas works perfectly. Grab a size that suits your shooting needs (6ft x 9ft is a good starting point). I got mine from a company called Discount Fabrics Ltd - you can find the canvas here - https://discountfabricsltd.com/product/cotton-canvas-fabric/ ( tell them I sent you ! )Primer or Gesso
This is your base coat, ensuring the paint adheres beautifully. For this I used Armstead Quick Dry Wood Primer - diluted with water and I just did one coat - I read that you should use fabric primer , I might on the next one but I am not sure if there will be a difference!) Some people add a little fabric softener to their primer or their paint to soften it a little but I have heard that the studio will always smell of that!!Paint
Use acrylic paint for bold hues or watered-down house paint for a soft, dreamy vibe. Pick a palette of 2-4 complementary colours. For this backdrop I used Matt house wall paint from B&Q but Acrylic paint gives a little more play as it will move with the canvas so it wont potentially crack. The next one I try will be with acrylic paint but I have rolled this back drop and no cracks so far!Water Spray Bottle
For blending and creating gradients. Think “artistic misting,” not “cleaning windows.” I just used a spray bottle when applying the two coats of paint I used.Big Brushes and Rollers
The chunkier, the better. This is no place for a tiny paintbrush! I used a parge paint tay and roller and also got a sponge roller ( CLICK HERE ) although small this allowed me to blend the colours better.Drop Cloth or plastic sheets
Protect your workspace. (Unless you want your floors looking like a Jackson Pollock.)Buckets and Mixing Trays
For diluting paints and mixing custom shades.Clamps or Weights
To secure your canvas while you work. Nothing kills the vibe like a runaway canvas. I ended up pinning mine down to the studio floor, you must have some way to do this as the canvas will shrink after you prime it.Sponges and Rags & Rollers
Perfect for texture and subtle blending. I added most of the paint with a roller.Time and Patience
Art takes time, my friend. Pour a coffee, throw on some tunes, and enjoy the process.
The 10-Step Guide to Creating Your Own Canvas Backdrop
Prep Your Canvas
Lay your canvas flat on a clean surface, securing the edges with clamps or weights or pins. Give it a quick sweep to remove dust.Prime It Like a Pro
Using a roller, apply a thin coat of primer or gesso. This step is crucial—it’s the foundation of your masterpiece. Let it dry completely.Choose Your Palette
Select your colour scheme. Think about tones that complement skin tones—soft greys, warm taupes, or muted blues are always winners.Mix Your Paint
Dilute your paints with water for a more translucent look or leave them thick for bold strokes. Test your shades on a scrap piece first.Layer, Don’t Rush
Start with your base colour, covering the entire canvas with a roller. Let it dry, then gradually build up layers with different shades, blending as you go.Work Wet-on-Wet for Depth
While the paint is still wet, use a sponge or rag to add texture, blending the colours for a painterly effect. This creates that luxe, layered look.Add Drama with Texture
Use the spray bottle to mist certain areas, allowing the paint to drip and create organic patterns. Sponges and rags can help soften or highlight details.Step Back (Literally)
Pause frequently, step back, and assess. Is the blend working? Does it feel balanced? Sometimes, less is more.Seal the Deal
Once you’re happy with the result and the paint is completely dry, seal your backdrop with a matte varnish to prevent cracking and preserve your hard work.Mount and Shoot!
Attach your new backdrop to a backdrop stand or wall. Pair it with soft, diffused lighting, and watch your portraits transform into fine art.
Final Thoughts
There’s no denying the allure of an Oliphant backdrop and the years of expertise its taken Sarah Oliphant to master her craft, but there’s something deeply satisfying about creating your own. It’s not just a piece of fabric—it’s an extension of your vision, your brand, your artistry.
So, roll up your sleeves, unleash your creativity, and give your clients a backdrop (and a story) they’ll never forget. Who knows, maybe the next time someone gushes over your photos, they’ll ask, “Is that an Oliphant?” And you can smile and say, “No, it’s a ( your name ) original.”
Now, get painting! And don’t forget to share your creations—I’d love to see what you come up with.
Things that I learned
Make sure the canvas is flat and if it comes folded you will have to try and get out the creases with a steamer as best you can
The canvas will shrink as the primer or water is applied so make sure its held down as best you can
I think using acrylic paint would be the next step for me, I do have a couple of canvases that I bought and one of them feels a little softer than the other and I am guessing it was painted with acrylic
Get a tube, cardboard or aluminium! I even have some on think drain pipes, this works a treat
Make sure you store them vertically as you don’t want a hot spot on the canvas
Have fun with it, you cant really go wrong. The more I make the better I will get at the painting and blending.
Here I am priming the canvas with a diluted mix of primer and water.
giving the canvas time to dry after the primer
Applying the colors - I used two colors for this canvas. Both the same base and just added white to the second coat, again paint was mixed with water. I also used a floor sweeping brush to blend in the colours more evenly.
I know it’s not perfect but I learnt a lot making this. I can get rid of the creases a little more by steaming from the back which I will do. I tend to not light my drops separately from the subject so the creases wont show as bad.
Canvas rolled onto a drain pipe - it’s all I had at the studio and works great. But as I do more I will try and get them all on aluminium tubes or cadboard.
