1. What Makes a "Great" Background?
* Complementary, Not Competing: The background should enhance your subject, not distract from them. It should provide context and visual interest without stealing the spotlight.
* Depth and Dimension: A background with depth can add a three-dimensional feel to your portraits, making them more engaging.
* Color Harmony: The colors in the background should work well with your subject's clothing and skin tone. Consider color palettes (analogous, complementary, triadic) to guide your choices.
* Cleanliness and Simplicity: A cluttered or messy background can be distracting. Look for relatively clean and simple areas.
* Texture and Pattern: Textures and patterns can add visual interest and depth, but avoid anything too overwhelming.
* Storytelling: Does the background contribute to the story you're trying to tell about your subject?
2. Scouting Locations:
* Research:
* Online Resources: Explore websites like:
* Google Maps/Google Earth: Search for parks, gardens, historical sites, beaches, forests, and other points of interest. Use street view to get a feel for the locations.
* Instagram/Flickr/Pinterest: Search for photos taken in your area to discover potential backgrounds. Pay attention to the hashtags used.
* Local Photography Groups (Facebook, forums): Ask for recommendations from local photographers.
* City/County Parks and Recreation Websites: Often list parks, gardens, and other natural areas.
* In-Person Scouting: The best way to find great backgrounds is to explore your surroundings yourself. Walk or drive around, paying attention to:
* Parks and Gardens: Look for areas with flowers, trees, benches, paths, and interesting architecture.
* Natural Settings: Forests, fields, beaches, lakes, rivers, and mountains offer a variety of natural backgrounds.
* Urban Settings: Brick walls, colorful murals, interesting buildings, alleys, and bridges can provide unique urban backdrops.
* Residential Areas: Pay attention to well-maintained yards, fences, and houses with interesting architectural details.
* Time of Day:
* Consider the direction of the sun and how it will impact the background. Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) often provides the most flattering light.
* Scout at the time of day you plan to shoot. The appearance of a location can change dramatically depending on the light.
* Accessibility and Permits:
* Check if the location requires a permit for photography. Some parks and historical sites have restrictions or fees.
* Consider accessibility for your subject and equipment. Is it easy to get to? Are there any potential hazards?
3. Techniques for Using Backgrounds Effectively:
* Aperture:
* Wide Aperture (Low f-number, e.g., f/2.8, f/1.8): Creates a shallow depth of field, blurring the background and isolating your subject. Excellent for minimizing distracting elements. Bokeh (the blurred highlights in the background) can add a beautiful aesthetic.
* Narrow Aperture (High f-number, e.g., f/8, f/11): Creates a greater depth of field, keeping more of the background in focus. Useful when you want the background to be a significant part of the composition.
* Focal Length:
* Longer Focal Length (e.g., 85mm, 135mm, 200mm): Compresses the background, making it appear closer to the subject. This can help to isolate the subject and create a more intimate portrait. Also creates more background blur.
* Shorter Focal Length (e.g., 35mm, 50mm): Captures more of the surrounding environment, creating a wider perspective. Useful for environmental portraits that tell a story about the subject in their surroundings.
* Composition:
* Rule of Thirds: Position your subject off-center to create a more visually appealing composition.
* Leading Lines: Use lines in the background to draw the viewer's eye towards your subject. Roads, fences, rivers, and paths can all be used as leading lines.
* Framing: Use elements in the foreground (e.g., trees, arches, doorways) to frame your subject. This can add depth and interest to the composition.
* Simplify: Sometimes, the best background is a simple one. Look for areas with minimal distractions.
* Lighting:
* Position your subject so that the light is flattering. Avoid harsh shadows on the face.
* Use reflectors or diffusers to control the light. A reflector can bounce light back onto your subject, filling in shadows. A diffuser can soften harsh sunlight.
* Shoot during golden hour or blue hour for soft, warm light.
* Angle of View:
* Experiment with different shooting angles to find the most flattering perspective. Shooting from a low angle can make your subject appear taller and more powerful. Shooting from a high angle can make your subject appear smaller and more vulnerable.
4. Specific Background Ideas:
* Nature:
* Fields of wildflowers or tall grass: Soft, romantic, and visually appealing.
* Forests: Trees provide depth and texture, creating a sense of mystery and adventure.
* Beaches: Sand, water, and sky offer a clean and simple background.
* Lakes and Rivers: Reflections add a unique element.
* Mountains: Majestic and dramatic, perfect for adventurous portraits.
* Gardens: Flowers, trees, and manicured lawns provide a beautiful and colorful backdrop.
* Urban:
* Brick Walls: Rustic and textured, perfect for a more edgy or industrial look.
* Murals: Colorful and expressive, adding a pop of personality.
* Buildings: Interesting architecture can provide a unique and stylish backdrop.
* Alleys: Gritty and urban, perfect for a more raw and authentic look.
* Bridges: Offer unique perspectives and leading lines.
* Urban Parks: A mix of nature and urban elements.
* Other:
* Doors and Windows: Interesting architectural details.
* Fences: Wooden, metal, or stone fences can provide texture and visual interest.
* Abandoned Buildings: (With permission and caution) Adds a sense of history and decay.
* Vehicles (Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles): Can add a sense of adventure or speed.
* Walls with graffiti art: adds character.
5. Tips for Success:
* Communicate with your subject: Let them know what you're looking for in the background and how they can pose to complement it.
* Be patient: Finding the perfect background can take time. Don't be afraid to explore and experiment.
* Pay attention to the details: Make sure there are no distracting elements in the background (e.g., trash, power lines).
* Edit your photos: Post-processing can help to enhance the background and create a more polished look. Use software to adjust colors, contrast, and clarity.
* Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you shoot, the better you'll become at finding and using great backgrounds.
By following these tips and techniques, you can find and utilize great backgrounds to create stunning outdoor portraits that capture the essence of your subject and tell a compelling story.