I take a ton of pictures! Not only for the blog, but also of my kiddos and things around my home. It can be very tiring trying to find new places and backgrounds for photos, and sometimes I need a quick change without going far. I had seen so many tutorials for DIY backdrops out there in the vast unknown that is the internet, but had been too busy lazy to attempt one. I officially threw my hands up in the air and called it quits after my last makeshift backdrop fell down on my daughter’s head. I made a quick trip to the store and had this portable, easily storable photo backdrop made ten minutes after I got home.

Supplies Needed

(2) 10′ lengths of 3/4″ PVC

(1) 5′ length of 3/4″ PVC

(4) 3/4″ PVC end caps

(4) 3/4″ PVC T Pieces

(2) 3/4″ PVC Elbow Pieces

*It is very important that you get the “slip” end caps, T pieces and elbows. If you get the “threaded” version it will not slide onto the PVC pipe.

Cut List

2 pieces cut at 54 inches long (cut from one 10′ pipe)

4 pieces cut at 30 inches long (cut from second 10′ pipe)

4 pieces cut at 12 inches long (cut from 5′ pipe)

Here are my pieces in the process of cutting:

I used my handy dandy miter saw, but you could also use a pipe cutter. Cutting was spectacularly easy with the miter saw and extremely quick as well. Once all your pieces are cut it is time to start assembling. Start by attaching one 12″ piece to a T piece and adding another 12″ piece to the opposite end. Put an end cap on each end and repeat. These are the legs to the stand.

Now connect a 30″ piece to the stand leg and add another T piece. Attach one more 30″ piece and repeat for the other stand leg.

Using the two T pieces in the center, connect one of the 54″ pieces to each side of the stand legs. You now have a “double limbo” game according to my kids. They were perfectly content to stop right here.

Lastly, add the final 54″ piece to the top by using the 2 elbow pieces on the tops of the 30″ pipes. This is now the perfect width for using twin size sheets as backgrounds. I was able to drape mine over the top and not worry about it falling off, but I know that I will want the option to use fabric in the future to create new backdrops. I found some “jumbo plastic clothespins” at my local dollar store that clamp onto the pipe beautifully and will work wonderfully to hold fabric up.

I’ve got so any ideas of how I want to use this, but we were just able to take a couple of quick shots before our summer afternoon rain shower rained on our parade. My son was having a blast though!

To store the photo backdrop, simply take your pipes apart and it will take up virtually no space. I can’t wait to take this to our school when we have our fall festival as they do a photo booth each year. You can create this in a smaller or larger size to fit your needs, but this size is just right for kids. So go on, take lots of fun pictures and get creative with your backgrounds!