The Enthusiast's Guide to DIY Photography

2. LED CHRISTMAS LIGHT BACKGROUND

I LOVE THIS DIY SOLUTION for a background—it provides a really neat look for studio portraiture. The key to making this background look good is to use a wide aperture lens such as a 50mm f/1.8, 50mm f/1.4, or an 85mm f/1.8. You can also get this look with 70–200mm f/2.8 lenses and 300mm f/2.8 lenses, but you need the Christmas lights to be farther away.

Parts List (Figure 2.1)

• Christmas lights, preferably with dark-green or black wire
• Gaffer tape or other method for hanging lights, such as spring clamps
• Cross ...