the idea


I own an indoor photography studio in Columbia, TN and behind the studio it is a large area I've eyed for a long time to turn into an outdoor photography studio - I just felt I didn't have the time. I'm an outdoors girl - not camping but just being outside - I have an award winning farmer's tan every year! I love shooting outdoors. I feel more free and not constrained. I am more creative outdoors. So I did some research, thought about what I love to shoot and started creating a plan. My first was this set - Vintage Editorial.

Overgrown vacant lot beside a metal building with scattered chains, a wooden crate, and lush green trees under a cloudy sky.

The Space Before

Overgrown vacant lot beside a metal warehouse building with scattered debris and lush trees under a cloudy sky.

The Space Before

The planks


I wanted the floor to look old and beat up but was not in my budget to buy old floors or barnwood. So with a hammer, chisel, screwdriver and sander, I beat up the plywood. It was very therapeutic. No rhyme or reason. Just bang, scrape, dig, repeat. After I finished I started sanding the entire plank to give it a smoother feel and get rid of the wood chips still attached.

Two rusty tools on wood surface: a claw hammer with yellow handle and a chisel with red cap.
Yellow Ryobi cordless random orbital sander on weathered wood deck boards during sanding project.
Woman using a hammer and nail on wooden boards outside a garage workshop, wearing a ring and red beaded bracelet.

Next was staining. I used a wood conditioner then applied the stain. I wanted a warm brown and Kona by Varathane did the trick. I stained some boards darker, so it gave more depth and texture. I suggest using gloves. I did not have any and was impatient to start. My cuticles were stained for days. Fair warning.

Varathane Premium Wood Stain in Kona color, 1-quart can, color in 1 coat, results 3x faster.
Wooden shipping pallets stacked on a concrete driveway near a two-car garage surrounded by green trees.

assembly


After I organized the pallets, I attached the backdrop support with lag bolts. I also drilled holes to the top of the 2x4's (do this before being attached) to insert the rod through. For the supports you can find plans online. I then installed the rod. I wanted a more editorial vibe so I used industrial clips to clip the muslin. Why muslin? I thought about canvas but muslin is lighter and falls differently - more romantic. I also love the crinkle of the texture which was a surprise. When I received the fabric it was stiffer and had no crinkles. However, I washed and dried it and now it is soft and moves with the wind.

Wooden pallet platform deck with two upright posts in a backyard surrounded by lush green trees and vegetation.
Vintage wooden armchair with leather cushion on a deck, set against a flowing white curtain backdrop outdoors.
White chair on wooden deck with cream fabric backdrop hung between wooden posts outdoors.

materials


  • 4 pallets - Must be same size and height (Free of Marketplace)
  • 18 Pressure treated Kiln dried (a must or you can't stain immediately) 8' 2x4's (Buy Here)
  • 3 yards of Muslin (Buy Here)
  • 1 quart of stain - I went with Kona by Varathane but it's really a personal choice (Buy Here) then sealed it with an outdoor polyurethane
  • Expanding Curtain Rod - I bought mine at Walmart. If you don't have an attachment to drill the hole, you could use the wall mount that comes with it. (Buy Here)
  • 4 Clamps - I suggest metal - they photograph better if you want a pull back
  • Drill - I'm a Milwaukee fan but they are pricier.
  • Hammer - get a heavy one. Hammering nails through plywood and a pallet is difficult.
  • Screws & Nails
  • 4 Lag Bolts

Total I Spent: $165 as I already had bolts, clamps and pallets.

the results

Woman in white off-shoulder gown with thigh-high slit poses barefoot against draped fabric backdrop outdoors.
Woman in white dress sitting on wooden chair against cream fabric backdrop outdoors surrounded by lush green trees.
Young blonde woman in white off-shoulder dress sitting gracefully on wooden floor against cream fabric backdrop.


I learned to build when I turned 35 to help me heal. Creating and using my hands healed me and I find myself again walking through a very dark part of life and building these sets - therapy.


Follow The Pink Daisy Studio on Instagram to see the progress and evolution.