How to Create a Checkerboard Effect Backdrop | VIDEO

Creating a cool checkerboard effect for your photography background might seem like a tricky puzzle, but with a couple of V-Flats and a little bit of know-how, you’ll be rocking that look in no time. Inspired by the one and only Jeff Carpenter, here's a fun and easy way to get that checkerboard vibe going in your shots.

First things first, grab your V-Flats. If you're thinking, "What on earth is a V-Flat?"– it's basically a giant piece of foam board that's a photographer’s secret weapon. They’re super handy for bouncing light, blocking light, and in this case, creating a wicked background.

Set up your first V-Flat with one quarter panel still folded down. Then, open up your second V-Flat in the same way. Now, here’s the trick – flip the second V-Flat 180 degrees. This simple twist is what creates that awesome checkerboard pattern. Clamp everything in place, and voilà, you’ve got a backdrop that’s ready to make your photos pop!

A quick tip: Before you get too excited and banging the V-Flats around, take a minute (or five) to watch this video a few times. Trust me, it’s worth it. You don’t want to accidentally mess up your V-Flats – they’re your new best friends!

And there you have it! With just a few moves, you’ve transformed your studio setup into something that looks way more complicated than it really is. Give it a try!