Creating a Moody Farmhouse Kitchen Photography Backdrop

While my photography style has changed some over the years, one thing I still love to create is a more moody farmhouse kitchen look. But what do you do if you don’t have that type of kitchen to photograph in?

I find that piecing together wood boards with a vinyl surface can create a rustic countertop look as a photography backdrop. In this video, I show you one way to create it to give you ideas for what you can create in your own space. This is a photo I included for my Farm Fresh Photos stock photography membership.

Using What You’ve Got - Shiny Photography Surfaces

One of the biggest things that gets in the way of creating photos you love and can’t wait to share is something I call - but I don’t have (fill in the blank). 

But I don’t have that window.

But I don’t have that table.

But I don’t have that lens.

But I don’t have that kitchen.

You get the idea. 

But what DO you have? 

We must switch our thinking when we aim to create photos in a minimalist way. We all have things that are unique to us - our personalities, our values, our way of living, our location, our experiences. 

This way of thinking has gotten me past so many of those woe-is-me moments that had the potential to make me feel like I’d never create photos I loved.

And it prompts me to challenge myself to use what I have to create a photo - using what you’ve got. 

Making this a regular practice will:

• Help you focus on what you can create instead of what you can’t

• Improve your editing skills

• Help you develop your individual style

This is how it works for me. I find a surface that I’d likely never think of for a photo. It’s not pretty stone - real or faux, or a midcentury modern table. 

For example, a super shiny surface like our grill outside. 

Then I grab a prop I have around or maybe it’s a bowl I use every day. 

Next, I find a subject. In this case, some strawberries. The only three that developed off of the small potted strawberry plant I keep in memory of our pug Macy Mae. 

Take a few photos. Then have some fun with the editing. See what you can create. 

You may love them. You may think - nope, this isn’t me. But you’ve challenged yourself and figured a few things out in the process. 

I do this practice a lot. And I’ll be sharing more of those experiences and the photos that result here on the blog. 

Interested in exploring more surfaces for your photography, but don't have a lot of space? Be sure to grab this free training: