DIY Backdrop · Christmas Photos
Christmas Magic, Any Time of Year
An easy DIY Christmas backdrop you can set up before the tree goes up.
How Do You Make a DIY Christmas Backdrop for Photos?
Hang a red backdrop, layer white tulle over it, clip fairy lights to the top, and light your subjects with a warm light. That’s my whole setup!
Do you want your Christmas pictures now, but think it’s a little too early to set up the Christmas tree? Well, I had the same issue! Here’s an easy DIY Christmas backdrop that you can use any time of year.
My setup
A Red Backdrop, White Tulle and Fairy Lights
I have a red photography backdrop for photo shoots from Amazon, and a white tulle backdrop curtain with included lights (also from Amazon). Together, they made the Christmas magic happen.
Here’s how I did it!
Supplies
What You Will Need
- Clamps
- A red photo shoot backdrop (10 ft x 20 ft)
- A white tulle photo shoot backdrop (10 ft x 10 ft)
- A structure to hang your backdrops on, or drape them over (I used kitchen lights, and I’ll explain that below!)
- A backround light for your photos
Step 01
Hang or Drape Your Red Backdrop
First, hang or drape your red backdrop. This is the base of your backdrop, and it’s key to getting the Christmas effect.
When I did this photo shoot, I made a miscalculation and didn’t bring the correct equipment. So I had to improvise, and thanks to one of my good friends, we came up with the idea of hanging the backdrop from the kitchen lights using clamps!
Tip
No backdrop stand? Look for something sturdy above you that you can clamp the backdrop to, just like I did.
Step 02
Hang White Tulle Over the Red Backdrop
Next, hang the white tulle over the red backdrop. This gives the layering effect and adds some contrast.
Step 03
Hang the back round Lights
This one is pretty simple. I used fairy lights, but you can use Christmas lights too.
My white tulle backdrop came with a pack of fairy lights, so I was able to clip the top of the lights to the top of the backdrop.
Step 04
Set Up behind the scenes lights
This part is essential, because you’re shooting inside. I used a filming light and had it on the warm light setting.
Even with a light, indoor photos often need a higher ISO. Learn why in What Is ISO in Photography?.
Behind the shot
My Camera Settings
1/400
Shutter speed
f/4
Aperture
6,400
ISO
42mm
Focal length
These are the exact settings for the photo next to “Hang the Lights” above, taken on a Canon EOS R6 Mark III.
The results
Photos From My DIY Christmas Backdrop
Here are a few pictures from the photo shoot with this setup.
Common questions
DIY Christmas Backdrop Questions
What do I need for a DIY Christmas backdrop?
I used clamps, a red photo backdrop (10 ft x 20 ft), a white tulle backdrop (10 ft x 10 ft), fairy lights, something to hang the backdrops from, and a light for my photos.
Can I make a Christmas backdrop without a Christmas tree?
Yes! The red backdrop, white tulle and fairy lights create the Christmas effect on their own, so you can take Christmas pictures any time of year.
How do you light photos with an indoor backdrop?
I used a filming light on the warm light setting. You’ll probably need a higher ISO indoors too. I shot the photo next to “Hang the Lights” at ISO 6,400.
“Don’t settle for inside-the-box pictures. Think outside the box!”
Keep learning
More Holiday Photo Ideas
Planning your holiday photos? These guides will help.
