Materials

You, your family, and/or your pet

A well-lit wall inside your home 

Large sheet of decorative fabric or paper (e.g., bedsheet, tapestry, wrapping paper)

Push pins

Shoebox or platform (optional)

Camera phone or camera

Camera phone stand or camera tripod

Instructions

01. PREPARE YOUR STUDIO

Find a sunny wall in your home where you can safely create a backdrop. Think about the images you want to capture and what you want to celebrate and highlight. This may include an outfit styled to express a family tradition, a backdrop with a complimentary color, or even fun and colorful party favors like balloons.

02. CREATE YOUR BACKDROP

Using push pins, drape your decorative fabric or wrapping paper to transform your wall into a backdrop. Make sure the backdrop is large enough to extend beyond your camera frame.

03. CREATE A PLATFORM

A platform helps the people or pets in your image stand out. A piece of furniture, such as a chair or stool, easily creates a platform to elevate your subject. If you are taking your own picture, use the self-timer camera setting to assist you. Take test shots and adjust the people or pets against the backdrop as needed.

04. CAPTURE YOUR IMAGES

Is your family ready for their close up? Are there objects that can be added to highlight and celebrate the subject even more? If documenting a pet, be sure to have treats or a toy to capture their attention. Now, take your pictures!   

Share your images with CAMH. And don’t forget to tag us. #MuseumFromHome #ConnectWithCAMH | @camhouston

About Virtual Drop-In Experiences

CAMH’s Virtual Drop-In Experiences feature instructions for pop-up activities you can do at home. Each hands-on activity provides creative opportunities to experience current exhibitions from a distance in a unique and meaningful way. Virtual Drop-In Experiences are released on our website at 1PM every Saturday. All ages, always free. Visit our Museum From Home page for more hands-on activities you can enjoy anytime!