A look behind the scenes at the lessons, laughs, and creativity that went into crafting a basic photography tool.

As a photographer, I always seek innovative ways to enhance my setup without breaking the bank. I recently embarked on a fun project to create a PVC pipe backdrop for Blue Ridge, and the highlight of the experience was teaming up with my dad. My dad is nothing short of a master of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, not to mention refrigerant technology, and he's been my mentor in engineering and creativity for as long as I can remember. I still remember those early days, holding the flashlight while he worked underneath houses. My attention span may have been short back then, but with each passing year, I learned about tools, techniques, and the joy of creating something from scratch.

My dad's influence extends beyond just technical skills. He loves photography and photographs, often filling our home with printed images that capture our family's memories. His creativity and resourcefulness shine through in everything he does, whether building something out of spare parts or planning the next family adventure. When I decided to make the backdrop, I was thrilled to discover that he already had all the fittings I needed at home—an unexpected win!

One of my favorite parts of the project was visiting the hardware store with him. We wandered the aisles of Lowe's, exploring the different types of PVC and discussing the pros and cons of each. I felt like a kid in a candy store, excited to pick the perfect materials. This experience not only helped me learn about the different types of PVC—like wall thicknesses and flow rates—but also brought back memories of how my dad inspired me to think outside the box.

However, the project wasn't without its challenges. At one point, we accidentally built the frame backward, which caused some confusion. But just like my dad always says, there's always a solution if you're willing to rethink the problem. We simply revisited the directions, adjusted our approach, and soon enough, we had a sturdy backdrop ready to go.

I felt a wave of excitement as the project came together. It was an affordable way to enhance my photography, and I loved being able to create something with my dad. This experience reminded me of a life lesson he taught me about patience. I'll never forget the time I told him I was praying for patience during my first trip to Disney World. He chuckled and said, "Well, that seems like a mistake because then God will send you times when you'll have to be patient."

This lesson resonates deeply with my journey in photography. I wanted to create this backdrop for a few years, and finally, the timing was right. Like waiting for the perfect shot or lighting, building this backdrop required patience and perseverance.

Now that the backdrop is complete, I'm eagerly anticipating using it for my photo shoots. It's light, portable, and perfect for capturing clean shots against beautiful or simple backgrounds. While I still need to find the ideal fabric to drape over it, I know I'll feel my dad's support and presence alongside me every time I use it.

I can't wait to see how it transforms my photography. It reminds me that great things come from hard work, creativity, and the love shared with family. So, if you spot the backdrop at a future shoot, remember that it's not just a piece of equipment; it's a symbol of the cherished memories and lessons I've gained from my dad.

Looking ahead, my next post will hopefully feature the fabric I choose to complete my backdrop. I'm excited to share that my sister (the best sister in the whole wide world), Sophie, who has a knack for sewing and a trusty sewing machine, will join me in this part of the journey. She's also my number one model, showcasing her talents across my website and portfolio. You can check out pictures of Sophie on my socials!

Be sure to follow along on my Facebook, Instagram, portfolio, and catalog for all my latest projects and photography tips.

Your support means the world to me!

-A

P.S. If you are interested in making your own backdrop, you can see the same post I used here.