there are so many choices for free or really cheap backdrops that there's no need to go for expensive stuff.

8 Cheap Food Photography Backdrops

there are so many choices for free or really cheap backdrops that there's no need to go for expensive stuff.

When it comes to money I make sure to spare as much as possible for stuff that matters. Don’t get me wrong backdrops matter a lot. But in my humble opinion, there are so many choices for free or really cheap backdrops that there’s no need to go for expensive stuff. I’d much rather spend money on quality ingredients or a good photography lens than a backdrop because as you’ll see in this article, cheap backdrops are all around us. You’ll probably find at least five immediately after you finish reading this.

Let’s dive right into it! Where can you find all the cheap stuff I’m talking about? Here are some of the cheap backdrops I use…

1. Reclaimed Wood

We all love the texture of wood. It adds such a nice rustic character and warmth to a photo. I really only have two reclaimed wooden pieces that were used by my dad at his construction job, but I can tell you those are my two favorite pieces. Whenever I have a very homey dish I resort to a reclaimed wood because it adds a lovely story to my images.

The beauty of reclaimed wood is that it naturally has desaturated hues which are perfect for food photography. New wood often has a very orangey saturated colors not very fit for food photography.

Many times people want to get rid of the old wood and they’ll give it for free or a few bucks

there are so many choices for free or really cheap backdrops that there's no need to go for expensive stuff.
My dad’s old construction work wooden board.
there are so many choices for free or really cheap backdrops that there's no need to go for expensive stuff.
A piece of wood we used as a cake stand at our wedding. It’s broken but that adds a nice touch to the shot.

2. Tiles

These days you can get tiles that are HUGE! I’ve seen tiles measure 1x1m!!!

What is more, you can get tiles for really cheap. I paid 10€ (about 11$) for the tile below. It measures 60x60cm and I love working with it because it is very easy to clean, looks beautiful and it really isn’t that heavy.

One thing to look for when tile shopping is matte finnish. Luckily it’s the era of matte tiles so that’s not really a huge issue 🙂

there are so many choices for free or really cheap backdrops that there's no need to go for expensive stuff.
My 10€ 60x60cm tile.

3. Fabric Backdrops

I love how versatile fabric backdrops are. So many options here:

  • table cloths
  • tea towels
  • napkins
  • bed linen
  • old clothes
  • curtains
  • fabric scraps

One thing to look for in a fabric that you use for food photography is texture. Some of the best options are linen, lace, wool or anything with thick weave or interesting texture or pattern.

Although fabric such as linen is not cheap per se, you can get smaller pieces such as teatowels or napkins for a very good price.

there are so many choices for free or really cheap backdrops that there's no need to go for expensive stuff.
Lace table cloths are perfect for creating a feminine look.
there are so many choices for free or really cheap backdrops that there's no need to go for expensive stuff.
Some very cheap IKEA tea towels.
Invitation to the Food To Frame course

4. Old Metal Trays

If you were thinking of throwing out your old baking trays think again! They are one of the most beautiful and most inexpensive backdrops. The more scratched and stained the better 😀 I bet your grandma has a bunch of them just waiting to be photographed. Second-hand shops are perfect for buying metal trays. Look for vintage trays with scratches, patina, and textures that are not too shiny. One extra plus is that metal trays can be used from both sides and chances are the two sides look completely different. So you got two backdrops in one. WIN!

But here’s the trick. You can make any new baking tray look used. With a bit of experimenting, some baking and scratching you can make your own old metal tray. Stay tuned for a tutorial!

there are so many choices for free or really cheap backdrops that there's no need to go for expensive stuff.
My old white baking tray. It changes whenevre I’m using it 🙂

5. Paper

It doesn’t get cheaper than paper. Look around your house and try to find paper like:

  • baking paper
  • paper bags
  • scrap paper
  • newspaper
  • wrapping paper
  • old photographs

I love to crumple up baking paper or paper bags to add some texture oherwise they make look a little flat.

When using newspaper, old photographs or wrapping paper with a very distinctive pattern, make sure they are in line with the story you want to portray and don’t overshine our main subject.

there are so many choices for free or really cheap backdrops that there's no need to go for expensive stuff.
Using newspaper instead of a plate to make it more interesting and feel more like street food.
there are so many choices for free or really cheap backdrops that there's no need to go for expensive stuff.
Baking paper just as it came out of the oven.

6. Vinyl Backdrops

Even though I don’t use vinyl backdrops, I have a few good ones. My absolute favorite is my vinyl marble backdrop. Marble is SUPER expensive and not to mention it’s also very heavy.

When you’re buying vinyl make sure they are matte because they can cast strange reflections when shot from the side. I mostly use them for flatlays, because I like my backdrops to have some sort of texture and shooting from the side makes it quite obvious that the vinyl is flat. For marble that’s not really important as it is flat anyway. But I’m careful about using vinyl backdrops with motives that scream texture but are otherwise flat.

there are so many choices for free or really cheap backdrops that there's no need to go for expensive stuff.
My favorite marble backdrop. Did I fool you? It’s not real marble, it’s vinyl. Can you tell?
there are so many choices for free or really cheap backdrops that there's no need to go for expensive stuff.
Another one of my vinyl backdrops. I love using it for flatlays!

7. DIY Backdrop

Making your own food photography backdrop does take a little time, but you can have whatever you need in the size that you need. And it’s really cheap!

All you need is some plywood or some sort of similar wooden board, some paint, a brush or a sponge and maybe some tile grout for extra texture. If you’re interested in making your own backdrop but not sure how to start, keep an eye on an article in the near future. I’ve got you covered! But just to show you a few of mine that I made using different techniques.

UPDATE: To learn how to make your own DIY backdrop head over to my YouTube.

there are so many choices for free or really cheap backdrops that there's no need to go for expensive stuff.
My favorite black DIY backdrop!
there are so many choices for free or really cheap backdrops that there's no need to go for expensive stuff.
This one is slightly blue-ish 🙂
there are so many choices for free or really cheap backdrops that there's no need to go for expensive stuff.
And a light grey one…

8. Food and Unusual Objects

I’m pretty sure that you can find some unusual objects around the house that would make perfect backdrops. Look for interesting colors, shapes, textures, patterns, anything that would make your food pop.

And food! Food is a great backdrop for food. When it makes sense. Think about the dish you’re shooting and if there are any ingredients that would look great placed under your subject. Some ideas are greens, sugar, flour, spices…

there are so many choices for free or really cheap backdrops that there's no need to go for expensive stuff.
I used sugar to mimic snow.
there are so many choices for free or really cheap backdrops that there's no need to go for expensive stuff.
Another thing I found around the house that my dad used at his construction job. I have no idea what it is, but has a nice texture.

Now go off and find some cheap food photography backdrops

Hopefully, I’ve inspired you to look for new interesting backdrops that don’t cost a fortune. In the flood of perfect shots, we (including me!) tend to think ‘Oh, I don’t have enough backdrops or enough fancy props’ but the reality is that you can use what you’ve got already. When you’re feeling constrained and challenged the most beautiful things will come out.

When I’m writing this in May 2019 I own a total of two reclaimed wooden backdrops, two two-sided backdrops that I made myself, a tile, a small wooden backdrop that I made from new wood and colored it and three vinyl backdrops. This is not a lot, but I can get so so many different styling with them when I’m combining them with other cheap backdrops that I mentioned in this article. I also don’t have a ton of props, but I can manage. What’s gonna make you a good photographer is understanding the light, your subject, composition, styling the dish… not the props you own!

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22 replies
  3. Georgia
    Georgia says:

    Hi Anja! Did you ever end up doing a post on your DIY backdrops? I was looking and couldn’t find it. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Anja Burgar
      Anja Burgar says:

      Hi Margot!
      Thank you so much for your kind words.
      I am not sure how these backdrops look like, I’ve never tried them out. With vinyl, it’s really about how quality the print is.
      Let me know how they turn out 🙂
      Love,
      Anja

      Reply
  9. Brandi
    Brandi says:

    Thank you so much for your article! Recently found your website and absolutely love your work! Was going to attempt my own first DIY backdrop. Have you found a size that you recommend? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Anja Burgar
      Anja Burgar says:

      Hi Brandi,
      that’s so exciting. I usually make around 60×90 cm or 70x100cm, depending on how large of a scene I wanna shoot on them. These are still managable sizes to carry around.
      Have fun creating your backdrop 🙂
      Love,
      Anja

      Reply

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  1. 6 tips on how to build an essential prop collection - Use Your Noodles says:
    October 9, 2020 at 9:50 am

    […] My second advice would be to go around your house and look for things that would make great props for zero money. Same goes with backdrops. I have a great article on how to use things that you already own as backdrops. […]

    Reply

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