How To Make Your Own Photo Studio For Less Than $20

A big part of my photography involves using available light. I use a ring light and bounced flash where necessary, but much prefer the simple beauty of natural light.

I frequently shoot in front of windows, where I look to create some soft directional light.

So I found a backdrop from my local Op Shop (Thrift Shop) for $2 (what a bargain!!!!) and made myself a mini home studio with the backdrop. Then I had a clothes hanger that you can purchase for around $10 from Target and a large clip to hold to backdrop in place.

Now, obviously I'm not suggesting anyone open up a professional studio just by buying a backdrop or other crazy ideas. There is also the option to purchase coloured cardboard from a dollar store. You definitely don't have the sort of control you would have if you were positioning lights in a studio, but this is a fantastic way to experiment very cheaply. You don't even need to buy lights.

Here is what my set up looks like.

Here is an example of what I captured in my DIY studio.