As a newborn photographer in Edmonton, I am always searching for ways to make my images feel warm, timeless, and full of character. When I started my own studio in 2022, one of my biggest struggles was finding the perfect wood backdrop.
There are many vinyl backdrops available online, and they work well for photography. But to me, the real thing feels completely different. Real barn wood adds depth, natural texture, and an authentic warmth that printed backdrops can’t recreate. It gives every photo a handcrafted, organic feel that perfectly fits the cozy style of newborn photography.
My Journey to Finding the Perfect Barn Wood Backdrop
For the first few years, I used new wood from Home Depot and tried to make it look aged. I experimented with different types of wood, like pine and driftwood, and tested everything from sanding and staining to vinegar washes and painting. I avoided harsh chemicals because these backdrops are used under delicate newborns,
Even after all that effort, I was never fully satisfied. The new wood still looked too fresh and lacked the natural, weathered charm I wanted in my images.
That’s when I moved on to printed backdrops. They looked great in photos, and my clients couldn’t tell the difference. Don’t get me wrong, I still use them now sometimes to add variety, and sometimes for convience. But printed backdrops are flat, when I retouche the photo, I would spend quiest some time to make the backdround looks uneven. That is actully the secret of making a printed wood backdrops looks real. They don’t have the depth, imperfections, or real-life texture that natural wood provides.
After years of struggling, I decided it was time to find real barn wood. I almost ordered wood from an artist in Poland, but before I paid, I paused. Living in Alberta, surrounded by forests and farms, I knew there had to be a local option.
I wanted to support local craftsmanship and avoid shipping heavy materials across the world. That’s when I found Salvage Solutions, a local Alberta business that specializes in reclaimed barn wood. They make it easy to order online, you can see photos of the boards before you buy, and they ship directly to your door.
It felt good to buy locally, support another small business, and know that the wood in my studio once had a life on an Alberta farm.
Barn wood used in my studio
Why Barn Wood Works Beautifully for Newborn Photography
When photographing newborns, my goal is to create soft, timeless portraits that highlight the baby’s natural beauty. I want the image to look timeless and classic. Real barn wood backdrops help achieve that.
The subtle colour variations and rough textures create a sense of warmth and depth behind the baby, making their soft skin and delicate features stand out beautifully. Each board has its own story, shaped by years of sunlight, wind, and time. These marks and tones can’t be copied, that give my images that cozy, nostalgic feeling that so many families love. Barn wood is just a perfect old enough material to hold a new life in there. Also I love knowing that the materials in my studio are safe for babies and gentle on the environment.
Supporting Local Craftsmanship in Alberta
Working with Salvage Solutions help me supporting local artisans. Their reclaimed wood carries Alberta’s history, each piece once part of a barn or structure that has weathered generations of change. Now, that same wood helps me capture new beginnings through my photography.
There’s something meaningful about that connection. Old wood meets new life: a story told through texture, light, and love.
Final Thoughts
Real barn wood adds more than just texture it adds story, soul, and warmth to every photograph. For my Edmonton newborn photography studio, it has become one of the most meaningful choices I’ve made in creating images that feel both modern and timeless.
Samantha, the visionary behind Little One Photography, is a passionate photographer with a special gift for capturing the essence of newborns and families. As an awarded newborn photographer, she has honed her craft to create timeless, emotive portraits that families cherish for generations. Samantha’s warm personality and patient approach put even the tiniest clients at ease, allowing her to capture genuine moments of connection and love.
