The photo zone was born along with photography: it is a specially prepared and decorated background against which participants in special events are photographed. Momentary painters have done and do without it - the background can be completed later at the request of the customer. Artistic photography is considered a much simpler form of art than painting, but it has a very difficult nuance: a missed moment cannot be captured on a light receiver (film, digital camera matrix). Make a collage in Photoshop or another photo editor? To make it look natural, you need to coordinate lighting, perspective and many other subtleties, such that it can be easier to draw a scene with your hands, looking at the resulting photograph as if it were a sketch.
Types of photo zones
Before you make a photo zone with your own hands, you need to decide what type to make it. There are several main directions:
- press wall;
- window;
- relaxation corner;
- board with chalk
- banner on a frame.
Press wall is the most popular and simplest type of photo zone. The main material for it is considered to be paper, foil or some kind of fabric.
Window - characterized by the fact that you can look out of it while creating the most fun photos. This design is well suited for photo shoots both indoors and outdoors.
A relaxation corner is one of the most popular types of background for a photo studio; it can be created on any theme and using various materials. As a rule, a significant amount of materials and objects are used in a photo zone of this type.
A blackboard with chalk is the most original type of background for photography. You can make such a board in various shapes and install it outdoors or indoors.
Also, during the photography process, you can create any inscriptions on it or leave wishes from guests if it is placed at a wedding or anniversary.
A banner on a frame is one of the simplest options for a photo backdrop. It is best to place it indoors, as it should not be exposed to wind.
Using props
Accessories allow you to play up the same background in different ways. Props will add atmosphere and originality to your photos. For this purpose, clothing and household items are used.
Full or partial change of clothes
Popular stories include:
- mother and daughter in identical outfits;
- bridesmaids;
- folk motifs;
- biker rally;
- vintage fashion.
America of the 1930s is a timeless classic of photography. Stylish hats, vests, boas, cigarette holders, gloves, pearl necklaces. By combining such props from unremarkable outfits, create daring images of Bonnie and Clyde .
Paper accessories
Mustaches, beards, hats, glasses, crowns, ties, smiles, smoking pipes, animal ears, and thought clouds are made from cardboard. The form is attached to sticks.
The only drawback of photo props is their low strength. Guests who are carried away by filming often tear paper props. That’s why it’s worth stocking up on these accessories.
Various items
Set the mood of the photo. Pets, books, blankets, candles will add coziness. Umbrellas, suitcases, wine glasses, lanterns - romantics. Guitars, motorcycles, and drums will add drive to the shots.
Materials for the photo zone
You can make a photozone with your own hands from a wide variety of materials:
- Balloons;
- fresh or artificial flowers;
- paper;
- various garlands;
- decorative ribbons.
You can also use various available materials: pieces of furniture, dishes, lighting, living plants, toys... The choice of basic materials depends on the type of creation of the photo zone and its theme.
What events should I have a photo zone for?
Most often, a photo zone is set up for some kind of thematic photography or for some kind of celebration. Do-it-yourself photo zones for photo sessions are often made for the following events:
- birthday;
- New Year;
- wedding;
- christening;
- company anniversary;
- hen-party;
- high school graduation;
- themed photo shoots in different styles: retro, disco, family, spring…
Nuances when creating a frame
The frame for a photo zone with your own hands needs to be made as strong and stable as possible, especially if it is installed outdoors. There are various techniques and options for creating a frame, but most often they use:
- metal;
- natural wood;
- plywood;
- Styrofoam.
Depending on what the background itself will be made of, the material for the frame is also selected. You can make it in the usual geometric shape: rectangle, oval, or in the form of numbers, inscriptions, corners, screens...
The metal frame is the most popular and is considered very reliable and at the same time safe as a base. One of the main advantages is that in case of breakdown it can be easily repaired.
If you think about it, you can make a metal frame that can be quickly assembled and disassembled. In this case, it is very profitable for transportation.
A frame made of natural wood is more difficult to assemble than one made of metal. The main advantage is that the wooden frame can withstand heavy loads and lends itself to any materials: glue, nails, stapler...
A plywood frame is the most budget option. Plywood is considered a fairly durable material and can be used a significant number of times, creating new backgrounds. The only thing is that a frame made of this material requires special conditions for transportation.
Polystyrene foam is one of the most affordable materials that can be used for the frame of a photo zone. It is best to make a design for indoor installation and not too large in size.
This material is very fragile and not durable in use. As a rule, it is chosen as the basis for small decor, such as numbers, an image of a heart, snowflakes...
Choice of shades
When planning a floral design and choosing the required shade of the color scheme, focus on the planned event and the material from which you will make the flowers. Crepe paper is difficult to dye, but its advantage is that it easily takes the desired shape, and you can also find a wide variety of shades on sale.
White paper is universal, but then each leaf must be painted separately. This is quite labor-intensive work, but the result is worth it. If possible and if desired, the petals can even be painted gold and silver.
Full size flowers from foamiran
Large voluminous flowers will become the reality of the fairy tale “Alice through the Looking Glass”, and your guests will feel like little children. Such flowers can be made from foamiran, a special material for needlework, which, under the influence of an iron, perfectly changes shape and retains it after cooling. The advantage of this material is its ability to retain its shape well and not be afraid of moisture. They make beautiful flowers that look like real ones. Detailed MKs and templates for flowers can be found on the Internet.
The background for such a zone can be a wall, a banner of any color or fabric. If your decor contains such full-size flowers, then few people will pay attention to the background, the main thing is that it should be there.
Flowers from isolon
Another type of material that allows you to make large beautiful flowers that hold their shape well. The petals are soft and pleasant to the touch. Place the composition symmetrically on the sides, and place a chair or stool in the center so that those photographed can sit comfortably. Perhaps you will find some props for the guests so that they can relax in front of the camera.
The advantage of such a composition is that it will look fresh and bright throughout the holiday and will not fade after a while. Moreover, it can be used for the next holiday.
Photozone in gold color
Such a photo zone stands out for its luxury and richness due to the use of foil elements. But the flowers do not have to be made gold, as this will look too pretentious. Rich yellow color will be an excellent solution for a golden photo zone wall. Be sure to combine several shades and preferably a tone lighter or a few shades darker.
Photozone in blue
The thematic photo zone is focused on the color blue, so it should be installed at those events where blue is combined or is the general style.
Photozone in red
Bright and rich red color symbolizes love, so it can be used for Valentine's Day or a wedding. The dresses of the guests will be clearly visible against the red background. If you don’t want to mount only red flowers on the wall, you can dilute them with pink or make a gradient. The last option is good because by decorating the bottom with white flowers, then pink and finally red, you can get a completely unique wall for photographing.
Photo zone made of fresh flowers
The tenderness of the flower is preserved thanks to the special impregnation of the base into which the stem is inserted. Such photo zones look very luxurious, but they cost a lot. Most often, an arch is made from fresh flowers, under which the newlyweds or guests can take pictures.
Corrugated paper photo zone
Corrugated paper will help make flowers more magnificent and attractive. A large banner consisting entirely of corrugated flowers will become a favorite place for all guests to take photographs. Small bouquets for guests will make the evening more pleasant and unforgettable.
The video shows 2 parts of the MK for a photo zone made of corrugated paper.
Method of attaching flowers to a stand.
Tips for creating a photo zone.
Before you start creating a photo zone with your own hands, you should read the recommendations of experts. So, for simpler and easier work, it is worth considering the following points:
- All materials should look good with each other in color and shape.
- It is best to use live plants rather than artificial ones.
- If you have the opportunity to do a photo shoot in the evening, you should definitely think about lighting.
- The frame of the base for the photo zone should be as strong and stable as possible.
- If fabric is used, it should not be wrinkled in appearance.
- The photo zone should be designed to match the style of the entire thematic event.
- It’s best to start making a photo zone out of balloons with your own hands from simple elements and shapes.
Decoration Features
The first thing you need to decide is how many photo zones there will be and how large they will be. The budget also depends on this. If it is limited, it is better to make one beautiful space and not spread out into several. This will be enough to get a dozen beautiful photos.
The style of the interior will also affect the decorations. The most flexible in this regard are modern styles, for example, scandi or loft. For the neoclassical style or Provence, not just any decorations are suitable - they need to be selected with better quality.
Another tip is to pay attention to the decor you already have. Yes, modern balls look elegant, but if you still have old Christmas tree decorations, it’s better to get them, because the space will immediately become cozier and more unique.
And most importantly, don’t forget about lighting if you’re going to have a real photo shoot. It is best to place the photo zone by the window - the photos will be better with natural light.
Banner with balloons
A banner with balloons is a great idea for a DIY birthday photo booth. It can be made in different colors and designs, both for a child and an adult. The size of this type of photo zone can be chosen at will or according to the location of the event.
Action plan for this attribute:
- Create a frame structure according to the desired dimensions.
- Depending on the size of the frame, print a banner with a thematic design or inscription.
- Attach the banner to the base of the structure.
- Select balloons according to the color scheme, inflate them and secure them around the perimeter of the banner.
- As additional elements, you can add a large number made of balls or various shapes.
Before you decorate a photo zone with your own hands, you should decide on the color scheme and general style and design. If it’s a child’s birthday, then you can choose cartoon characters, animals, dolls, cars as the image for the banner.
If it’s an adult’s birthday, then you can print out a banner with wishes, with initials... You can also replace the banner with a rain curtain.
Photo zone “Frame”
One of the most popular do-it-yourself photo zones for a birthday or wedding photo shoot is a frame. The easiest way to make it is from wood or buy it ready-made in a store and decorate it with decorative elements.
As decoration you can use flowers and plants, decorative ribbons, bows, floral butterflies, dried flowers... Photos using this attribute turn out to be very original and stylish, both indoors and outdoors.
Red blossoming rose
To make a beautiful scarlet rose with a blossoming bud, you will need two large napkins (about 20x20 cm). Cut each of them into four parts and put them together. Secure the middle with a stapler or thread.
From the resulting square of napkins you need to form a circle, cutting off the edges with scissors. Now, one by one, each layer needs to be lifted and formed into a petal, giving it a wave-like shape.
To make the rose even more magnificent, take more napkins for work. You can decorate your interior with beautiful buds or make a decoration for your outfit.
