I am trying to get decent photos of my cakes that don't have my counter or my horrible backyard in them. I am hiring a photographer to take pictures for me but I don't know what backdrop I should use. I tried using the piece of fabric trick but I just don't like the way those photos came out. I'm thinking since we live in Florida I can take them to the beach. It's a gorgeous backdrop for any photos. What do you think?

I am by no means a professional, but I have struggled with this also. Lately I have been using Large Foam Core Sheets, (I get at the dollar store, they come in different colors) for my backdrop. Since the cake is the focus, I keep the backdrop plain. I use 2 sheets, one on my kitchen table and I place my cake on top, and the other at the back of the cake. It's cheap and easy, and you can't tell that the pics were taken in my kitchen.  

I like your beach idea, but driving my cakes out to the beach is not practical in for me.

I use different colors of sheets, tablecloth, curtains..  Anything with a nice plain pattern that I find at thrift shops, garage sales etc.   I find it works great!..  I'm not a professional (photographer or decorator).. And prefer not to drag the cakes around for my cake photo shoots..

You should really do it according to the feeling/theme of the cake. I'm assuming all your cakes are not beachy/beach related. You might have baby shower cakes that need cutesy backdrops too.

There are people who sell backdrops for cakes.

http://www.sugarhighinc.ecwid.com/#!/Bakedrops™-by-Sugar-High/c/9150289/offset=0&sort=addedTimeDesc

http://www.inkandelm.com/category_132/Vinyl-Photography-Backdrops.htm

http://thecakeblog.com/2014/09/beautiful-cake-photography.html

http://www.karascouturecakes.com/better-cake-photography

Oh, and just in case you miss it in the article, here's instructions for a stand, unless you want to buy the one they sell out there.

https://www.facebook.com/I.Love.Cuteology.Cakes/photos/a.215302481859567.53571.213918161997999/649320665124411/?type=1&theater

And a DIY backdrop.

http://ericaobrien.com/blog/super-easy-diy-textured-backdrop/

Oh, that's awesome. Thank you so much.

Love that stand,I might have to splurge and make a run to Home Depot. Thanks for sharing