Seamless Studio High Key Wall DIY

Jeremy WinterbergJeremy Winterberg Registered Users Posts: 1,233 Major grins
edited December 7, 2009 in Other Cool Shots
hehe, I decided I was sick of using bedsheets for my studio "backdrops"... So, I'm in the process of creating a Seamless High Key Wall. You know, those really expensive ones that bigger studio's have? NO! This is the same thing, except It only cost me $50 in the end. (a tad higher than what I told you earlier Nikolai)

Granted its not "Perfect" but it sure as heck will do just as good of a job!

For all of these pictures I just have my 580EXII mounted on top of my camera... I have lost my cactus wireless receiver.. so I'm sad.. no more off camera lighting for a while.

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Took a little over an hour to put together and paint.

Dimensions: 8'W x 6'9"T x 10'L and I have another 10 feet till I hit the other side of my basement. just enough room!

Oh, what's that? You want to know how I did it for $50? Sure, I'll let you in on my secret.

Supplies:
4- 4'x8' white tile boards ($12 at Menards per board)
10- 2x4 wedges, aprox. 10 1/2" long, and the top of the triangle is 4" tall. (had scrap wood)
593427706_PbeQQ-M.jpg
Aprox. 20- 1.5" or longer screws (I used 1" but, they seem to be just a tad too short)($2 at Menards)
1- Power Drill (cordless preferred... no cords to worry about)
1- Paint Roller (I used a big one for the middle, and a smaller one for detail work around the edges)
1 Quart- Super White High-Gloss Acrylic Paint (for that nice reflection look everyone likes)($8 at Menards)

Start by finding an area that will fit the dimensions given above... if you have a larger area you would like to do this in, adjust the amount of tile boards and support wedges to how much space you want to cover.

white balance is off, but this is my untouched space.
592288080_pjCHc-M.jpg

Then I just moved the first board up and down along the wall till I found a good spot for the bottom to look right, then I screwed one corner up... measured the distance from the ceiling to the top of the board, and then aligned the other side up to that height.

592286263_RqQ53-L.jpg

For extra support on the bottom, I took 10- 2x4 wedges, placed those at the bottom and screwed those in. The reason for doing this was A. Add weight so the bottom doesn't slide out, and B. If someone steps there they wont rip out the screws at the top!

592283414_TkpRb-L.jpg

Once, its all assembled you can paint it... I have only done one coat so far, but will be doing another when this coat dries.

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Here are some assembly pictures... Thanks to the wonderful world of interval tethered shooting, I was able to just work and let the camera do its thang!

592286263_RqQ53-L.jpg
trying to get it just right...
592282206_GVrWS-L.jpg
Taking a break... gotta stay hydrated ya know?
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Realizing I had the boards crooked... :rofl
592278946_oML7f-L.jpg
Bringing in the tile board for the floor
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And some detailed painting
592269122_YGVQj-L.jpg
Jer

Comments

  • Jeremy WinterbergJeremy Winterberg Registered Users Posts: 1,233 Major grins
    edited July 17, 2009
    Test Number 1: Subject - Angry kitty that doesn't like being man handled or told to sit out on a white floor that smells like paint; especially after being yelled at for walking on it when the paint was wet! rolleyes1.gif Luckily I grabbed him before he walked back onto the carpet with wet white paws!

    593410514_J6ubf-XL.jpg

    I guess no one wants to talk about my wall... :cry
    Jer
  • D'BuggsD'Buggs Registered Users Posts: 958 Major grins
    edited July 17, 2009
    Q.

    Why didn't you run it up to the ceiling?
    IMO it would've been more versitile....

    Curious to see if the 2nd coat improves the reflection factor
    > LOTS cheaper than a sheet of acrylic. mwink.gif


    NICE work on this thread! thumb.gif
    Maybe show us a pic of these "wedges" that you speak of. ne_nau.gif
  • D'BuggsD'Buggs Registered Users Posts: 958 Major grins
    edited July 17, 2009
    Oh.... Kitty pic ROCKS! clap.gif
  • Jeremy WinterbergJeremy Winterberg Registered Users Posts: 1,233 Major grins
    edited July 17, 2009
    D'Buggs wrote:
    Q.

    Why didn't you run it up to the ceiling?
    IMO it would've been more versitile....

    Curious to see if the 2nd coat improves the reflection factor
    > LOTS cheaper than a sheet of acrylic. mwink.gif


    NICE work on this thread! thumb.gif
    Maybe show us a pic of these "wedges" that you speak of. ne_nau.gif

    Well... the main reason why is... the boards aren't long enough... plain and simple...
    I'm thinking about "redoing" it.. as in, lowering it so that there is a 4 foot gap between the current setup, and the ceiling... and adding another panel to make it go to the ceiling... It would help alot if it did go up there... hmm... I might do that right now. Yep. Its 2:33AM and I'm going to work on it! I don't like sleeping at night. It's Overrated!

    Yes, I think High Gloss Super White Acrylic paint should give the same effect as a sheet of acrylic. maybe not as well hehe...

    And for the wedges... I'll take a picture in a sec.. meaning about 10 minutes... BRB

    Edit: Added Wedge Picture to original post! - Now, Back to work! Will post pictures when done... hopefully in less than an hour!
    Jer
  • Scott_QuierScott_Quier Registered Users Posts: 6,524 Major grins
    edited July 17, 2009
    I really like this idea - nice (semi-) permeant arrangement. To run the panels all the way to the ceiling, I think I would simpley get one or two more panels from your supplier and cross-cut them in 1/2. Some places, you can get the retailer to do this for you. Home Depot and Lowe's will. This saves you the time, effort, and mess of doing it yourself. If you do have them cut it, look for damage to the finish side from them not taking their time about it and/or from cutting it wrong (with a circular saw, I think you want them to cut with the finish side down).

    Anyway, for only having just the one light, I think this is going to be a super solution. And easily maintained. When a model wears dirty shoes on it, you just touch it up with paint that night and it's ready to go the next morning. Cool solution. thumb.gif
  • Jeremy WinterbergJeremy Winterberg Registered Users Posts: 1,233 Major grins
    edited July 17, 2009
    i ended up taking one of the two floor panels, and put that on top... then I lowered the original wall panels down till they were 3'9" from the ceiling giving the top 4' wide board plenty of room to overlap... also making it slightly sturdier...

    Took a little longer than what I wanted... I just finished redo'ing it... I will purchase another panel sometime to replace the one I took... which would then give me LOTS of flooring to work with thumb.gif

    heres one underexposed to see the panels right (w/b is off sorry) I never painted the original "wall" portion with the High Gloss Super White paint... I did paint it with a semi-gloss white but that didn't show the greatest reflections... so I'm just finally putting on the first coat of the final color. which is why it looks "blotchy"
    593472277_DRCTZ-L.jpg
    blown out (high key looking) To show the seams pretty much go away for the most part...
    593474765_JQa8U-L.jpg

    At some point I might sand it and plaster the seams... to make it look "perfect" But, this should work fine for now... and the seams that do show in pictures... will take a minute to clone out anyways... so, no biggie!
    Jer
  • AngeloAngelo Super Moderators Posts: 8,937 moderator
    edited July 17, 2009
    ambitious project and I hope it works out well for you... but; Why didn't you just buy a roll of seamless paper?
  • Jeremy WinterbergJeremy Winterberg Registered Users Posts: 1,233 Major grins
    edited July 17, 2009
    Angelo wrote:
    ambitious project and I hope it works out well for you... but; Why didn't you just buy a roll of seamless paper?
    Seamless white paper+backdrop support+clamps = $170 roughly...
    My Solution+2 minutes of cloning to get the same effect=$50 roughly...

    The cost to make this appealed to me more than buying a background stand (my PVC homemade one would not be acceptable for a roll of seamless paper), paper, etc... when the paper gets dirty, you have to throw it away right? this you just paint over it again, or wash it, and its good as new!
    Jer
  • D'BuggsD'Buggs Registered Users Posts: 958 Major grins
    edited July 17, 2009
    Wood Wedges;

    We call those home-build door stoppers! I'm amazed that they hold things in place for ya as they don't have much mass. Goody for YOU! :D

    I wouldn't worry about finishing off the seem; better IMO to keep it close to portable as possible. As you say, PS'ing them is a no-brainer and for some things, simpliest is bestiest. thumb.gif


    I'm just now in the works of obtaining REAL studio space - You've given me some ideas to ponder. THANKS!
  • ChatKatChatKat Registered Users Posts: 1,357 Major grins
    edited July 17, 2009
    Electrical Doweling
    I used some 10 ft galvanzied pipes in the Home Depot to make some backdrop stands. Then I went into the hardware department and got some rubber tips that fit on the end of the pipe. Then I went to Lawn hardware and found a hose bracket - bought two of them. Affixed to the wall with some heavy duty toggle bolts. I can have 6-8 backdrops on each one of the pipes. Way nicer than the PVC and the pipes cost me about $3. each plus $1.50 for the rubber tips. Less than $100 and I have a 10 pipe system on two walls. Only issue is that the Ceilings are too high for me to change them around without a ladder but it's really nice for me
    Kathy Rappaport
    Flash Frozen Photography, Inc.
    http://flashfrozenphotography.com
  • Jeremy WinterbergJeremy Winterberg Registered Users Posts: 1,233 Major grins
    edited July 17, 2009
    D'Buggs wrote:
    Wood Wedges;

    We call those home-build door stoppers! I'm amazed that they hold things in place for ya as they don't have much mass. Goody for YOU! :D

    I wouldn't worry about finishing off the seem; better IMO to keep it close to portable as possible. As you say, PS'ing them is a no-brainer and for some things, simpliest is bestiest. thumb.gif


    I'm just now in the works of obtaining REAL studio space - You've given me some ideas to ponder. THANKS!

    You're welcome! Unfortunately I'm having a dual with space issues... I need a lot of space, but there is also work-out equipment that needs space too... so the half of my basement that has the studio in it looks nice... the other half... not so nice right now!

    Oh, and as for the door stoppers holding it down... Its not working as well now ne_nau.gif I'm going to get some longer 2 1/2"-3" screws and put some 2x4's along the backside of them... I guess they worked before because the bottom of the wall was kind of wedged into the carpet... stopping it from moving.

    After college is done, and I'm not living with my parents (which is where I am right now) I'm definitely going to get an actual building for my studio. And not have it in my house!

    Good luck with your space hunt!
    Jer
  • Jeremy WinterbergJeremy Winterberg Registered Users Posts: 1,233 Major grins
    edited July 17, 2009
    ChatKat wrote:
    I used some 10 ft galvanzied pipes in the Home Depot to make some backdrop stands. Then I went into the hardware department and got some rubber tips that fit on the end of the pipe. Then I went to Lawn hardware and found a hose bracket - bought two of them. Affixed to the wall with some heavy duty toggle bolts. I can have 6-8 backdrops on each one of the pipes. Way nicer than the PVC and the pipes cost me about $3. each plus $1.50 for the rubber tips. Less than $100 and I have a 10 pipe system on two walls. Only issue is that the Ceilings are too high for me to change them around without a ladder but it's really nice for me

    A picture of this setup would be nice... I actually was thinking about adding something similar to this setup... the backdrops would just roll out over the boards... I need the boards so that the subject/model isn't just walking on carpet...
    Jer
  • JonnyyayaJonnyyaya Registered Users Posts: 181 Major grins
    edited July 17, 2009
    I like the idea keep the photos coming, I am getting ready to turn a Bedroom into office / studio soon this gives me a idea? I have all the cloth backdrops but this might work good for another idea..

    Thanks so much..
  • Wil DavisWil Davis Registered Users Posts: 1,692 Major grins
    edited July 17, 2009
    …snip

    I guess no one wants to talk about my wall... :cry

    Not at all…

    headscratch.gif

    Cute kitty…

    …what's its name?

    - Wil

    BTW: This might interest you (perhaps you've seen it before, in which case sorry for the duplication…) http://www.zarias.com/?p=71
    "…………………" - Marcel Marceau
  • Jeremy WinterbergJeremy Winterberg Registered Users Posts: 1,233 Major grins
    edited July 17, 2009
    Wil Davis wrote:
    Not at all…

    headscratch.gif

    Cute kitty…

    …what's its name?

    - Wil

    BTW: This might interest you (perhaps you've seen it before, in which case sorry for the duplication…) http://www.zarias.com/?p=71

    He goes by buddy or Rosco :D Rescued him from our farm... he was a wee little tyke then... now he's HUGE!

    I actually got most of my ideas from that page. When i get my Alien Bees (hopefully in about 2 weeks) I will be removing my closet doors :D
    Jer
  • Jeremy WinterbergJeremy Winterberg Registered Users Posts: 1,233 Major grins
    edited July 17, 2009
    Jonnyyaya wrote:
    I like the idea keep the photos coming, I am getting ready to turn a Bedroom into office / studio soon this gives me a idea? I have all the cloth backdrops but this might work good for another idea..

    Thanks so much..
    You're welcome. And I sure will keep posting pictures as i continue to improve on it... also when I finally get a client in it for a session!
    Jer
  • tijosephtijoseph Registered Users Posts: 187 Major grins
    edited July 17, 2009
    ChatKat wrote:
    I used some 10 ft galvanzied pipes in the Home Depot to make some backdrop stands. Then I went into the hardware department and got some rubber tips that fit on the end of the pipe. Then I went to Lawn hardware and found a hose bracket - bought two of them. Affixed to the wall with some heavy duty toggle bolts. I can have 6-8 backdrops on each one of the pipes. Way nicer than the PVC and the pipes cost me about $3. each plus $1.50 for the rubber tips. Less than $100 and I have a 10 pipe system on two walls. Only issue is that the Ceilings are too high for me to change them around without a ladder but it's really nice for me

    can youe show us a pic of your setup? I'm curious how you have several backdrops hung.

    Thanks in advance.
  • ChatKatChatKat Registered Users Posts: 1,357 Major grins
    edited July 17, 2009
    Give me a couple
    Sure I can post a photo. Will take one tomorrow.
    Kathy Rappaport
    Flash Frozen Photography, Inc.
    http://flashfrozenphotography.com
  • Scott_QuierScott_Quier Registered Users Posts: 6,524 Major grins
    edited July 18, 2009
    ChatKat wrote:
    Sure I can post a photo. Will take one tomorrow.
    It has my interest as well!
  • Jeremy WinterbergJeremy Winterberg Registered Users Posts: 1,233 Major grins
    edited July 23, 2009
    ChatKat wrote:
    Sure I can post a photo. Will take one tomorrow.
    I take it you've been busy... or forgot... here's a reminder about the backdrop holder you were going to show us pictures of... I'm still interested in seeing it!
    Jer
  • ChatKatChatKat Registered Users Posts: 1,357 Major grins
    edited July 23, 2009
    I take it you've been busy... or forgot... here's a reminder about the backdrop holder you were going to show us pictures of... I'm still interested in seeing it!

    Thanks for the reminder. I have a bunch of deadlines that I am working on. Hopefully, I can do that in a few days!
    Kathy Rappaport
    Flash Frozen Photography, Inc.
    http://flashfrozenphotography.com
  • Jeremy WinterbergJeremy Winterberg Registered Users Posts: 1,233 Major grins
    edited July 23, 2009
    ChatKat wrote:
    Thanks for the reminder. I have a bunch of deadlines that I am working on. Hopefully, I can do that in a few days!
    sounds good... no rush, just wanted to remind you:D
    Jer
  • SkippySkippy Registered Users Posts: 12,075 Major grins
    edited July 24, 2009
    i ended up taking one of the two floor panels, and put that on top... then I lowered the original wall panels down till they were 3'9" from the ceiling giving the top 4' wide board plenty of room to overlap... also making it slightly sturdier...

    Took a little longer than what I wanted... I just finished redo'ing it... I will purchase another panel sometime to replace the one I took... which would then give me LOTS of flooring to work with thumb.gif

    heres one underexposed to see the panels right (w/b is off sorry) I never painted the original "wall" portion with the High Gloss Super White paint... I did paint it with a semi-gloss white but that didn't show the greatest reflections... so I'm just finally putting on the first coat of the final color. which is why it looks "blotchy"

    blown out (high key looking) To show the seams pretty much go away for the most part...

    At some point I might sand it and plaster the seams... to make it look "perfect" But, this should work fine for now... and the seams that do show in pictures... will take a minute to clone out anyways... so, no biggie!

    Wow Jeremy what a great setup, your very fortunate that you have the room to construct it, and I see you have the convenience of two power points, one on each side of that wall.

    I think you've done an awesome job clap.gif
    Big thank you to you for showing everyone how you built your Studio clap.gif

    The cat doesn't seem to be all that worried about sitting on it,
    now you'll just have to make sure it doesn't pee all over it rolleyes1.gif

    I hope you will post more shots taken in your new Studio.

    Well Done, and congratulations on being so creative thumb.gif ... Skippy :D .
    .
    Skippy (Australia) - Moderator of "HOLY MACRO" and "OTHER COOL SHOTS"

    ALBUM http://ozzieskip.smugmug.com/

    :skippy Everyone has the right to be stupid, but some people just abuse the privilege :dgrin
  • Jeremy WinterbergJeremy Winterberg Registered Users Posts: 1,233 Major grins
    edited December 7, 2009
    Skippy wrote:
    Wow Jeremy what a great setup, your very fortunate that you have the room to construct it, and I see you have the convenience of two power points, one on each side of that wall.

    I think you've done an awesome job clap.gif
    Big thank you to you for showing everyone how you built your Studio clap.gif

    The cat doesn't seem to be all that worried about sitting on it,
    now you'll just have to make sure it doesn't pee all over it rolleyes1.gif

    I hope you will post more shots taken in your new Studio.

    Well Done, and congratulations on being so creative thumb.gif ... Skippy :D .

    Thanks, I completely forgot about this thread. I need to refine my design however.

    I'm not currently at home, I'm going to school in Indiana. Home = Wisconsin...

    But! I'm going home Christmas break, and this is my plan.

    I'm going to create a frame for the tile boards. That way it does not move at all, and doesn't require me to drill into the wall. I'm going to use 2x4's all the way up to the ceiling. creating a box shape, then use X braces (2x4's) to support the box. the wall wasn't as secure as I would've liked it to be. So, its in need of being fixed.

    I will post a more thought out design when I think of exactly what I'm going to do. Right now, finals are next week so I can't mess with this right now.
    Jer
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